Best Ways to Harvest Apricots in Colorado Regions

Apricots are a delightful fruit that thrive in many temperate climates, including the diverse growing regions of Colorado. The state’s unique combination of altitude, temperature variations, and soil conditions can present both opportunities and challenges for apricot growers. Proper harvesting techniques are essential to maximize fruit quality, ensure tree health, and extend the shelf life of apricots. In this article, we will explore the best ways to harvest apricots specifically tailored for Colorado’s climatic and geographical conditions.

Understanding Apricot Growth in Colorado

Before diving into harvesting methods, it’s important to understand how apricot trees grow in Colorado. The state’s high elevation—often ranging from 4,000 to over 10,000 feet above sea level—means cooler temperatures, shorter growing seasons, and a risk of late spring frosts. However, apricot trees are quite hardy and can adapt well if managed properly.

Climate: Apricots require a period of winter chill to break dormancy but are sensitive to late frosts during bloom.
Timing: Apricot trees in Colorado typically bloom in late March or early April with harvest time from mid-June to early August depending on the variety and location.
Varieties: Popular varieties for Colorado include ‘Tilton,’ ‘Moorpark,’ and ‘Blenheim,’ which have demonstrated resilience to local conditions.

With these factors in mind, timing and technique become critical during the harvest season.

When to Harvest Apricots in Colorado

Determining the right time to pick apricots impacts flavor, texture, and storage capability.

Signs of Ripeness

Color Change: Mature apricots develop a deep orange-yellow skin with a slight reddish blush on the sun-exposed side.
Firmness: Ripe apricots yield gently when pressed but should not feel mushy.
Aroma: A sweet, fruity aroma develops as the fruit ripens.
Ease of Picking: Ripe apricots detach easily from the tree with a slight twist or gentle pull.

Climatic Considerations

Due to Colorado’s rapid temperature changes, it’s advisable to monitor fruit daily once they begin changing color. Early morning temperatures can be cool while afternoons warm rapidly, accelerating ripening. Picking apricots promptly at peak ripeness prevents overripening on the tree or damage due to unexpected weather changes.

Best Practices for Harvesting Apricots in Colorado

Hand Harvesting Techniques

Handpicking is the most effective and gentle method for harvesting apricots:

Use Clean Hands or Gloves: To prevent bruising and contamination.
Pick Fruit Gently: Grasp the apricot lightly and twist slightly until it releases from the stem.
Avoid Pulling or Yanking: Forceful removal can damage branches or cause fruit drop.
Harvest in Shallow Containers: Use baskets or shallow crates with soft padding like cloth or straw at the bottom to avoid bruising.
Harvest During Cooler Times: Early morning or late afternoon harvesting reduces heat stress on fruit.

Tools and Equipment

While handpicking remains preferred, certain tools can assist:

Picking Poles: For reaching high branches without climbing.
Ladders: Sturdy ladders ensure safety when harvesting taller trees.
Fruit Picker Bags: Worn around the waist with soft interiors to collect fruit gently without dropping.

Harvest Frequency

In Colorado’s short growing season, frequent visits are essential as apricots ripen unevenly on different parts of the tree. Visiting every 2-3 days during peak season helps capture fruit at optimal maturity and avoids losses from overripening or wildlife damage.

Handling Apricots Post-Harvest

Proper post-harvest handling preserves quality:

Sorting and Grading

Immediately after picking:

Remove damaged, bruised, or immature fruits.
Grade based on size and color uniformity for market presentation.

Cooling

Apricots are highly perishable:

Cool harvested fruits quickly (ideally 32°F to 40°F) within 1-2 hours.
Use shade or refrigerated storage if possible.

Storage Conditions

Colorado growers should consider storage options carefully:

Store in vented containers to allow airflow.
Maintain moderate humidity (85%-90%) to prevent shriveling.
Avoid stacking fruit too deeply to minimize pressure damage.

Tips for Protecting Apricot Trees During Harvest Season in Colorado

While harvesting focuses on fruit collection, protecting tree health ensures future yields.

Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Late spring through summer can bring pests such as aphids or plum curculio. Control measures include:

Regular inspection before harvest.
Use of organic insecticides if necessary.
Removing fallen fruit promptly to reduce infestation risks.

Pruning Post-Harvest

After harvesting:

Light pruning helps maintain tree shape and health.
Remove dead or diseased branches.
Shape trees for better sunlight penetration next season.

Challenges Specific to Colorado Apricot Harvesting

Understanding local challenges helps growers adjust methods:

Late Spring Frosts

Frost can damage flowers reducing crop size:

Use frost protection techniques such as wind machines or irrigation sprays during bloom.

High Elevation UV Exposure

Strong sunlight can cause sunburn damage on exposed fruit:

Provide partial shade during hottest afternoon hours if possible using shade cloths.

Wildlife Pressure

Deer, birds, and squirrels can consume or damage fruits:

Use fencing or netting around trees during harvest season.

Conclusion

Harvesting apricots successfully in Colorado requires attention to timing, gentle handling, and awareness of local environmental challenges. By handpicking fruit at peak ripeness during cooler parts of the day, frequently monitoring maturation, employing proper post-harvest cooling, and protecting trees from pests and wildlife pressure, growers can maximize both quality and yield.

Whether you are a home gardener cultivating a few trees or a commercial grower aiming for market success, adopting these tailored techniques will help you enjoy bountiful apricot harvests year after year in Colorado’s unique growing regions.