Apricot Tree “Harlayne” — Bare Root 160-180cm Pre-order October-November Delivery 2026
Bare Root Information
Delivery & Pre-Order
Important Notice
Cultivar Overview
‘Harlayne’ is one of the most reliable late-flowering apricot cultivars for northern European climates. Bred in Canada, it was specifically developed for improved winter hardiness and resistance to spring frost, making it one of the best apricot varieties for cultivation in Ireland.
The tree produces attractive orange fruits with a red blush, firm flesh and a rich, sweet flavour. Its late flowering habit significantly reduces the risk of blossom damage, resulting in more consistent harvests than many traditional apricot varieties.
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Rootstock
Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera)
Why We Selected Myrobalan
At Luxara World, ‘Harlayne’ is grafted onto Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera), a vigorous and highly adaptable rootstock selected for its excellent performance in Irish soils.
Benefits
* Strong root establishment
* Excellent adaptation to a wide range of soil types
* Good tolerance of heavier soils
* Reliable anchorage
* Long-lived, healthy trees
* Well suited to Irish climatic conditions
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Mature Tree Size
Approximately 4–5 metres in height and spread.
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Planting Distance
* 4–5 metres between trees
* 5–6 metres between rows
Proper spacing promotes healthy canopy development, improves light penetration and reduces disease pressure.
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Site Selection
Apricots require the warmest, sunniest position available to achieve reliable cropping in Ireland.
Choose a planting site with:
* At least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
* A sheltered south-facing or south-west-facing location
* Protection from cold easterly and northerly winds
* Well-drained fertile soil
* Good air circulation
* Avoidance of frost pockets
A position against a south-facing wall can further improve blossom protection and fruit ripening in cooler regions.
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Soil Requirements
‘Harlayne’ on Myrobalan performs best in:
* Fertile loam or sandy loam
* Soil pH 6.5–7.5
* Soil rich in organic matter
* Excellent drainage
Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils, particularly during winter dormancy.
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Pollination
Self-fertility
‘Harlayne’ is self-fertile.
A single tree is capable of producing fruit without another apricot variety.
However, planting additional apricot cultivars nearby may increase overall yields through enhanced pollinator activity.
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Flowering Period
Late spring.
Its relatively late flowering reduces the risk of blossom damage from late frosts, making it particularly suitable for Ireland’s variable spring weather.
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Harvest Period
Late July to early August, depending on local conditions and seasonal temperatures.
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Fruit Characteristics
Fruit Size
Medium to large
Typically 45–60 g
Skin
Golden-orange with an attractive red blush on the sun-exposed side.
Flesh
* Deep orange
* Firm
* Juicy
* Fine textured
* Freestone when fully ripe
Flavour
Rich, sweet and aromatic with balanced acidity.
Excellent for:
* Fresh eating
* Desserts
* Jams
* Baking
* Drying
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Disease & Weather Performance
‘Harlayne’ is recognised for:
* Excellent winter hardiness
* Improved tolerance to spring frost
* Reliable cropping in cooler climates
* Good adaptation to temperate growing conditions
Maintaining an open canopy through annual summer pruning improves light penetration, fruit colour and air circulation.
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Why We Selected ‘Harlayne’
At Luxara World, we selected ‘Harlayne’ grafted onto Myrobalan because it offers one of the highest levels of reliability among apricot cultivars for Irish gardens. Its late flowering, winter hardiness and exceptional fruit quality make it an excellent choice for gardeners wishing to grow apricots successfully in Ireland.
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Professional Growing Advice
Apricots naturally flower early in the season and benefit greatly from planting in a warm, sheltered microclimate. Although ‘Harlayne’ flowers later than many other apricot cultivars, selecting a south-facing location and avoiding frost-prone sites will significantly improve fruit set. Prune immediately after harvest or in late summer to reduce the risk of fungal diseases such as silver leaf and encourage the development of productive fruiting wood
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Harlayne Apricot Tree
1. Is Harlayne Apricot self-fertile?
Yes. Harlayne is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another apricot tree to produce fruit. However, planting another apricot variety nearby can improve pollination and increase yields.
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2. Why is Harlayne Apricot so popular?
Harlayne is one of the hardiest apricot varieties available. It was developed for cooler climates and is valued for its late flowering, excellent frost resistance, reliable crops and delicious fruit. It is one of the best apricots for growing in Ireland.
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3. What do Harlayne apricots taste like?
Harlayne produces medium-sized orange fruit with firm, juicy flesh and a rich, sweet flavour balanced by a slight tang. The fruit is delicious eaten fresh and is also excellent for jams, baking, preserves and desserts.
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4. When is Harlayne Apricot ready to harvest?
Harlayne is a late-season apricot, usually ready to harvest during August, depending on local weather conditions. The fruit develops its best flavour when fully ripe on the tree.
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5. How long does it take for a Harlayne Apricot tree to produce fruit?
Most Harlayne Apricot trees begin producing fruit within 2–4 years after planting, depending on the rootstock, growing conditions and ongoing care.
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6. How large will a Harlayne Apricot tree grow?
The mature size depends on the rootstock. Please refer to the product specifications for the expected height and spread. Choosing the correct rootstock allows the tree to suit both compact and larger gardens.
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7. Where is the best place to plant a Harlayne Apricot tree?
Harlayne grows best in a warm, sunny and sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. A south-facing location protected from strong winds will encourage healthy growth and reliable crops.
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8. Is Harlayne Apricot suitable for the Irish climate?
Yes. Harlayne is considered one of the best apricot varieties for cooler climates because it flowers later than many other apricots. This reduces the risk of spring frost damage and makes it a reliable choice for Irish gardens.
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9. Is Harlayne Apricot suitable for small gardens?
Yes. When grafted onto a suitable rootstock, Harlayne is an excellent choice for small and medium-sized gardens while still producing generous harvests.
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10. Is Harlayne Apricot easy to grow?
Yes. Harlayne is one of the easiest apricot varieties to grow. It is hardy, reliable and requires only basic care, including watering during dry periods, annual pruning and occasional feeding.
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11. Is Harlayne Apricot resistant to diseases?
Yes. Harlayne is known for its excellent hardiness and good resistance to many common apricot diseases. Proper pruning, good air circulation and well-drained soil help keep the tree healthy.
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12. Can I grow Harlayne Apricot in a container?
Young Harlayne trees grafted onto dwarf rootstocks can be grown successfully in large containers. For long-term health and maximum fruit production, planting in the ground is recommended.
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13. What will I receive when I order?
You will receive a healthy, container-grown Harlayne Apricot tree that has been professionally cultivated and carefully packed to protect the roots and branches during transport.
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14. Do you deliver apricot trees throughout Ireland?
Yes. We carefully package every tree before dispatch to help ensure it arrives safely, healthy and ready for planting anywhere in Ireland.
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15. Why should I choose Harlayne Apricot?
Harlayne is one of the best apricot trees for Irish gardens. Its self-fertility, late flowering, excellent frost resistance and delicious sweet fruit make it an outstanding choice for gardeners who want to grow apricots successfully in a cooler climate. It offers reliable harvests where many other apricot varieties struggle.