Morden 604 Apricot

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Screenshot 2023-11-15 at 11.33.57 AM.png
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Morden 604 Apricot

from $39.99

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)

Size:
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