Hargrand variety technical sheet
-
Fruit flesh color: Dark orange
-
Fruit skin color: Orange-yellow, slightly dull at harvest
-
Average fruit size: Medium (approximately 5 cm in diameter)
-
Fruit shape: Oblong
-
Fruit taste: Sweet, firm flesh and excellent taste quality
-
Fruit texture: Firm and juicy
-
Fruit maturity: Between June and August (varies depending on region and variety)
-
Fruiting period: From June to August, depending on the variety and climatic conditions
-
Disease resistance: Resistant to cold and disease, including bacterial blight
-
Variety yield: Very productive
-
Is this variety self-fertile? Partially self-fertile, but cross-pollination is recommended.
-
Commercial use: Fresh consumption, jams, fruit pastes, desserts
-
Comments: Adapted to the northern regions of France thanks to its semi-late flowering.
-
Lifespan: Generally 40 to 45 years
-
Soil adaptation: Adaptable to all soils
-
Pollination: Excellent pollinator for other apricot varieties
-
Maintenance: Easy to grow, resists cold well, pruning not required but recommended
-
Geographic origin: Central and Eastern Asia, introduced to France during the Renaissance. Created by scientists Lapins and Bailey in 1972 in Canada
Hargrand Apricot Tree: A Vigorous and Resistant Variety for French Arboriculturists
As a specialist wholesale supplier of apricot plants , Arboriverse helps apricot growers in France choose the best varieties for their orchards. The result of a crossbreeding carried out in 1972 at the Harrow Research Station in Canada, the Hargrand apricot tree is renowned for its great vigor , cold resistance , and high productivity . Adapted to cool climates and northern regions , it represents a reliable alternative for arborists looking for a robust and versatile variety. Buying Hargrand apricot plants from Arboriverse means investing in quality production with optimized yields.
A Tree of Great Vigor and Easy to Grow
The Hargrand apricot tree is a very vigorous tree, reaching between 4 and 5 meters in height and 3 to 4 meters in width . Its upright habit makes pruning and orchard management easy, although staking is recommended when planting to guide its growth.
This apricot tree adapts well to French climates , particularly thanks to its resistance to cold and climatic variations . Its semi-late flowering , which begins at the end of March in the south and ten days later in the north , helps reduce the risks associated with spring frosts . Fruiting takes place between June and August , depending on climatic conditions and the growing region.
Although it is partially self-fertile , it is recommended to encourage cross-pollination with a variety such as the Bergarouge apricot tree to maximize production .
Quality Fruits for Sale and Processing
The Hargrand apricot is medium to large in size , reaching about 5 cm in diameter . Its orange-yellow skin, slightly dull at harvest, envelops a dark orange flesh that is firm, juicy and sweet . Its balanced taste makes it a fruit appreciated both for fresh consumption and for food processing .
On the other hand, its shelf life is limited , which makes it primarily suitable for short supply chains. To preserve its quality, it is recommended to consume it quickly or to incorporate it into culinary preparations such as jams, preserves, nectars and pastries .
Disease Resistance and Pest Management
The Hargrand apricot tree is known for its high resistance to disease , a major asset for reducing the use of phytosanitary treatments. It is not very susceptible to brown rot , bacterial canker and bacterial blight. However, it can be affected by brown rot and powdery mildew , requiring regular monitoring and preventive treatments such as the application of Bordeaux mixture in spring .
In terms of pests, it can be targeted by bark beetles, woodworms, capnodes, lydes and fruit flies . Integrated pest management , including trapping, biological treatments and the introduction of natural auxiliaries , is recommended to limit their impact on production.
Growing Conditions and Choice of Rootstocks
The Hargrand apricot tree prefers well-drained, light, nutrient-rich soil . It tolerates calcareous soils well and is resistant to moderate drought , but is sensitive to heavy, wet soils , which can cause root asphyxiation .
To optimize your cultivation, several rootstocks are recommended:
-
Bergarouge Apricot : Offers excellent compatibility and good resistance to cold.
-
Plum tree Saint-Julien A : Adapted to fresh and draining soils, ensuring correct productivity.
-
Myrobalan : High vigor, perfect for dry and filtering soils.
The choice of rootstock depends on climatic conditions and soil type in order to optimize the longevity and productivity of the tree .
Strong Commercial Interest for Producers
The Hargrand apricot tree is a very productive variety , although its average yield is not precisely documented. Its high fruiting and disease resistance make it a particularly interesting choice for growers looking to make their crops profitable with minimal treatments .
Its fruits are ideal for fresh sale , although their limited shelf life favors short circuits and local markets . Its excellent cooking resistance also makes it perfect for processing into jams, preserves and pastries , thus ensuring profitable production .
Why Choose the Hargrand Apricot Tree?
This variety offers many advantages to French producers. Its excellent resistance to disease and cold reduces production losses and phytosanitary interventions. Its semi-late flowering limits the risks associated with spring frosts , and its high productivity ensures optimal profitability.
The firm, sweet fruits are suitable for both fresh sale and processing , ensuring versatile marketing. Furthermore, its adaptability to northern climates , particularly north of the Loire, opens up cultivation prospects in regions where few varieties of apricot can thrive.
To optimize its potential, it is recommended to:
-
Combine cross-pollination , particularly with the Bergarouge apricot tree , to improve production.
-
Monitor diseases such as brown rot and powdery mildew , with appropriate preventative treatments .
-
Avoid heavy, wet soils and favor well-drained land.
-
Practice gentle pruning , as it does not tolerate severe pruning well.
Conclusion
The Hargrand apricot tree is an excellent choice for apricot growers in France looking for a robust, productive and disease-resistant variety . Its adaptation to cool climates , its high taste quality and its ease of cultivation make it a safe bet for diversifying a professional orchard.
Its profitability is optimized by its commercial versatility , allowing both fresh sales on short circuits and agri-food processing . By reducing the need for phytosanitary treatments , this variety meets the modern challenges of sustainable and efficient agriculture .
A specialist wholesale supplier of apricot plants , Arboriverse offers you rigorously selected plants to ensure the success of your production.
Buying Hargrand apricot plants from Arboriverse means choosing a trusted partner to optimize your orchard with a reliable and profitable variety. Contact us today to order your plants and benefit from our expert advice!
