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The Goldcot Apricot Tree

What’s more refreshing than a crisp bite of a sweet, juicy apricot on a warm summer day? And is there anything more rewarding than being able to pick the fruit straight from a tree growing in your own yard? In addition to making a stunning feature in your garden as it blossoms, the goldcot apricot tree bears fruit that is an apricot lover’s dream!

A bunch of ripe apricots on a tree, similar to the goldcot apricot tree.

Curious as to what makes the goldcot apricot tree so special? Keep reading to find out why you don’t want to miss adding this tree to your must-have list of things to grow in your garden.

History of the Goldcot Apricot Tree

This history of the goldcot apricot tree is a success story. An experiment in 1967 by researchers in Michigan to see if they could create an apricot able to withstand the cold winters of the Michigan snow belt led to the birth of the goldcot apricot.

Apricot blossoms on a tree covered with snow.
Apricot tree blossoms in snow.

Ever since this happy outcome, its resistance to harsh temperatures has made this fruit a highly sought-after favorite for those living in colder climates.

Characteristics of the Goldcot Apricot Tree

A mature goldcot apricot tree typically stands at about ten to fifteen feet tall. A beautiful show of white and pink flowers blooms in the spring, which becomes an enticing incentive for butterflies and bees who help pollinate other plants in your garden! (A goldcot apricot tree is self-pollinating, so you don’t have to worry about additional help from the little pollinators for this plant.)

Golden orange apricots on a tree.

In addition to the vibrant flowers, the golden orange fruit pops against the dark green pointed leaves that appear on your blossoming tree. The goldcot apricot tree is very robust, owing to its ability to survive in lower-temperature climates. Depending on the tree’s growing conditions, you’ll typically start to see fruit around two to three years after planting.

Characteristics of the Goldcot Apricot

Goldcot apricots are medium to large in size, with golden skin and yellow to orange-colored flesh. The inside of the fruit is very juicy and firm, with a sweet and tangy flavor profile.

Eating the Fruit

Cooking With Goldcot Apricots

The goldcot apricot can be enjoyed fresh off the tree. Your first bite of the sweet, juicy fruit will be a well-deserved reward after caring for your apricot tree. In addition to being marvelous when eaten fresh, goldcot apricots can be canned, baked, dried, frozen, stewed, or sautéed.

Overhead view of apricots on a cutting board next to a bowl of apricots.

Recipes

Apricots are very versatile when it comes to cooking– they pair as well with sweet recipes as they do with savory.

Have a brand new basket of goldcot apricots lying around and can’t decide what to do for dinner? Try this mouth-watering recipe for Apricot Glazed Pork Ribs! This recipe calls for apricot preserves, which is the perfect excuse to try our expertly tested recipe for Homemade Apricot Jam.

Hopefully, you saved room for dessert– these recipes for Roasted Apricot and Honey Ice Cream and crispy Fried Apricot and Peach Pies are simply too good to pass up.

If you’re looking for something potentially outside of your comfort zone, try this recipe for Apricot Lentil Soup. This dish has a bit of Moroccan influence and could be a great way to impress your dinner guests or family.

Slices of toast with apricot jam or preservers.
Apricot jam is easy to make — you’ll never use storebought again!

Health Benefits

In addition to being a delicious part of your diet, goldcot apricots can provide you with numerous health benefits. A great source of fiber, this fruit promotes digestion and gut health. Goldcot apricots are very low in calories and fat content, and high in vitamins A, C, and E. They also contain antioxidants that are great at reducing inflammation.

For a full list of all the reasons you should add apricots to your diet, check out our article on the Health Benefits of Apricots as well as our article on Apricot Nutrition. There’s no doubt that you’ll want to incorporate apricots into as many meals as possible!

Closeup of a picked apricots.

How to Grow Your Own Goldcot Apricot Tree

When growing your own goldcot apricot tree, it’s important to keep in mind that it loves well-drained soil and full sun. At least eight hours of sun a day will boost growth and keep your tree happy. The well-drained soil allows water to flow freely without drowning your roots. This is especially important for the start of your tree, when it has higher water needs.

Plant your tree at least ten feet away from any other plants to make sure it has enough room to flourish. Apricot trees produce heavy yields, so just one tree should provide you with plenty of fruit. Your first harvest will likely be within the first two to three years of planting.

A young apricot tree with fruit growing on it.

Have a look at our guide on Growing Apricot Trees for the best tips and tricks on how to get your apricot tree started off on the right foot– a sure-fire way to enjoy fruit harvests for years to come!

Just like with any plant, it’s important to make sure that your tree continues to get the love and care it deserves at all stages of the growing process. Pruning your tree is a great way to promote the growth of strong branches– which keeps the tree healthy and promotes maximum fruit production. Find out all you need to know in our guide on Pruning Apricot Trees.

For any further questions you may have on apricot trees or the fruits themselves, look no further than our Apricot Tree Care Guide.

Tree Troubles to Look Out For

Unfortunately, goldcot apricot trees are not immune to pests and diseases. Little pests can munch on your leaves and fruit, diminishing all your hard work. Knowing what to look out for is the first step to stopping a problem before disaster strikes. Our article on Apricot Tree Pests gives you a detailed look at which pests to look out for, as well as how to get rid of them.

Eastern tent caterpillars.
Eastern tent caterpillars are a common threat to apricots.

In addition to bugs, there are various diseases that may pose a threat to your tree. If you’re not sure what to watch out for, there’s a higher chance of these diseases sneaking up on you. Our guide on Apricot Tree Diseases has all the info you need on signs and symptoms to beware of, in addition to knowing how to treat the disease.

Where to Buy A Goldcot Apricot Tree

With so many wonderful perks to adding a goldcot apricot tree to your yard, the only step left is to take the leap and plant one. The highest odds of finding one of these trees is from an online fruit tree nursery, and Nature Hills Nursery has just what you’re looking for.

Savor Fresh Goldcot Apricots

With an array of beautiful features that enhance your property, a bountiful harvest, and a never-ending list of ways to enjoy your delicious fruit, the goldcot apricot tree is a rewarding addition to your garden. Now that you’ve got all the resources you need to give your new apricots the best life possible, it’s time to put your new knowledge into practice.

Excited for more apricot content? Then check out my apricot page for more info guides, growing tips, recipes, and more!

Closeup of a bunch of ripe apricots on a tree.