Why Plant Brookcot Apricot?
You wouldn’t think Apricots would be something you could grow in the frigid northern states, but Brookcot is no typical Apricot. This hardy tree is well adapted from Maine to Minnesota. Brookcot is a Manchurian Apricot, which is a different species than the supermarket apricots you’re likely to find, but its fruit looks similar, and it’s just as delicious. Every summer, you’ll look forward to harvesting juicy, sweet, semi-freestone apricots for tarts, smoothies, bars, cobblers, and, of course, for eating right off the tree. Make it a part of your backyard orchard today!
Cold-hardiness in Apricots is a two-part problem. First, the tree has to be able to survive the lowest temperatures of winter. Well, Brookcot was developed in brutally cold Alberta, Canada, so that’s taken care of. It can withstand lows to -48ºF! The second issue is late frosts. Apricots are very eager to bloom in spring, often flowering before it’s wise for them to do so. A blast of frosty weather at the wrong time can ruin the crop. Brookcot is strong on that front, too. It flowers later than other Apricots and thus escapes damage in most years. It was introduced in 1980.
How to use Brookcot Apricot in the landscape?
With or without the fruits, Brookcot Apricot is a worthy tree to include in your landscape. The exuberant blooms will cheer you in spring. The blossoms are pink in bud, white in flower, and they smother the delicate stems. Plant it outside your window so you won’t miss this joyous harbinger of spring.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
How To Plant Brookcot Apricot
Although Brookcot blooms later than other Apricot Trees, don’t plant it in a low-lying “frost pocket,” but in an open, slightly elevated position, just to be on the safe side. It is a self-fruitful tree, so no other tree is needed for pollination, but having another variety nearby by will give you even better fruit set. There are a fair number of diseases and pests that find Apricots as appealing as we humans do, and growing them does require some vigilance. However, the rewards are great, and know that the Bower & Branch grower support team is here to guide you at grower@bowerandbranch.com if you need any help.
How To Water
Apricots appreciate regular irrigation, but excess moisture must drain freely, as soggy soil will cause root rot.
How To Fertilize
When planting, it is best to apply the Bower & Branch Starter Plant Food to be sure that your new tree has all it needs to get started. It's beneficial to feed your tree every spring for at least the first three years.
How To Prune
It's best to prune your Brookcot Apricot in late winter, before your tree breaks dormancy. Remove any damaged, diseased or dead branching. Be sure to open the branching structure up as Apricots are heavily fruiting trees.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
