Gold Cot Apricot

Apricot - Gold Cot, Prunus armeniaca 'Gold Cot', produces good crops of medium to large freestone golden-yellow fruit which will keep in the fridge for several weeks. It is one of the earliest ripening fruits and blooms very early; generally difficult to grow, especially in late frost areas. Needs well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It is best to thin fruit early in season to maximize size and quality. Apricot trees, once established, are somewhat drought-tolerant. The trees are gorgeous in spring with white or pink blossoms, and ornamental in summer with their furrowed bark and heart-shaped, glossy leaves, red when new and dark green when mature. Apricots contain carotenoids which are antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, reduce "bad cholesterol" levels, and protect against cancer.