Morden 604 Apricot
Morden 604 Apricot
Morden 604 is one of the earliest and most notable improved, ultra-hardy apricot varieties developed for the prairies. It was released in 1946 by the Agriculture Canada research facility in Morden, Manitoba, and represents a major milestone in cold-climate fruit breeding.
Breeding Background
Morden 604 is a cross between:
‘Scout’ – a seedling of Manchurian apricot
‘McClure’ – another hardy cultivar with proven resilience
We received our first harvest in Summer 2023 in Missoula, and the flavor did not disappoint.
Luke’s tasting notes:
“Creamy, and very sweet. It’s too bad we only got a few this first year. Looking forward to more.”
Fruit & Flavor Profile
Flavor: Creamy, sweet, and pleasant
Size: Large fruit, averaging 4.5 cm (1¾")
Color: Classic apricot tones
Exceptional Cold Hardiness
Morden 604 is one of the most cold-hardy apricots available, with buds capable of withstanding -40°F or colder. It rivals (and possibly exceeds) the hardiness of other known cold-climate champions:
Debbie’s Gold: -41°F
Brookcot: -48°F
Westcot: -48°F near Bemidji, MN
Sunrise: -50°F+
We comfortably list this as a Zone 2 apricot.
Tree Size & Rootstock
Grafted onto: Full-size, cold-hardy Manchurian apricot rootstock
Mature height: Up to 25 feet if left unpruned
Sizes available: Varies by inventory (see size options when ordering)