Harogem

Apricot ‘Harogem’ is a Canadian cultivar of Prunus armeniaca selected at the Harrow Research Station in Ontario. It originated from the cross ‘Rouge du Roussillon’ × NJA2, the latter being derived from ‘Morden 604’ × open pollination.

The fruit is medium-sized and particularly attractive, with deep orange skin developing a glossy dark red blush on the exposed side. The orange flesh is firm, freestone and aromatic, with a balanced sweet-tart flavour. Fruit quality is good for fresh eating and the firm texture also makes ‘Harogem’ useful for preserves, baking and drying.

Harvest is relatively late for an apricot, generally falling in early to mid-August under temperate European conditions. The fruit colours well before it is fully ripe, so it is important not to harvest solely according to skin colour.

The tree has moderate vigour and a fairly upright habit. ‘Harogem’ is self-fertile and flowers late, which is useful in areas exposed to spring frost. It was bred for improved adaptation to cold climates and has good resistance to brown rot and perennial canker. Bacterial spot can however be a problem in some seasons, so it should not be considered completely disease resistant.