Montrose Apricot

Hope, Idaho is in the northern tip of the state. It sits about 2,200’ above sea level. The population is roughly 80. It’s not a fruit growing capital by any means, but its claim to fame is that our local Montrose apricot came from Hope. A seedling tree that withstood 31 degree below zero winters, this tree has stood the test of time and has continued to produce a sweet freestone medium size apricot. A granddaughter seedling from the mother tree bore an immense crop of apricots with a two inch diameter. The tree was so loaded that the branches bowed to the ground.
The Montrose apricot has yellow skin with a red blush. The flesh is sweet, juicy and of excellent flavor. The pit is sweet and edible. It’s a very hardy frost resistant tree. The Montrose requires 800 hours chilling below 45º.