Ottawa 3 Rootstock vs Debbies Gold Apricot

Ottawa 3 Rootstock is the most dwarfing rootstock to come out of the cold-hardy breeding program by the Agricultural Canada Research Station in Ottawa. It produces dwarf to semi-dwarf trees that are 45-55% of standard size. Due to its superior hardiness, it is well adapted to Canadian weather conditions.

It originates from Malling 9 (M.9) and the Robin Crab and is considered more dwarfing than Malling 26 (M.26) and more vigorous than Malling 9. Ottawa 3 Rootstock is very productive and bears fruit early, often requiring structural support when young.

Debbie’s Gold Apricot is a cold-hardy variety known for its firm, sweet, and aromatic fruit. The white to pink flowers bloom several days later than other varieties, making them less susceptible to spring frosts. Their orange-yellow, freestone apricots ripen from late July to mid August and are well-suited for fresh eating, baking, canning, and preserves.

Debbie’s Gold Apricot is generally considered to be partially self-pollinating, but planting with another variety for cross-pollination can increase yields.

Note: While the bloom time is later than other varieties, the flowers are still vulnerable to spring frosts, which can reduce or eliminate the fruit crop.

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