Early-Season

• Early-season apricots are those that bear fruit around June, depending on the region.
  
  Some good early apricots for canning are Earligold, having a golden yellow fruit, and Gold Kist, having yellowish orange fruits with a red blush. Gold Kist is also good for drying, as is the Manchurian, which has a small, orange fruit. Scout has a nice golden freestone fruit, which also has the advantages of being self-pollinating and cold hardy.
  
  

Mid-Season

• Mid-season varieties will bear fruit around July, depending on the region, and can overlap both the early and late seasons. Moongold, a large golden variety, is good for jams, as is Blenheim, which has a large yellowish orange fruit. Sungold is a bright orange variety. All are ideal for canning or eating fresh, too. Some later varieties are Goldcot, Tilton, Prairie Gold, Royal Rosa and Puget Gold. These are great for canning or eating fresh; Puget Gold is also a prudent choice for drying.
  
  

Late-Season

• Late-season varieties bear fruit around August, depending on the region. Late season types can overlap some of the mid-season varieties. Golden Amber, having large yellow fruits, is good for drying. Both Golden Amber and Autumn Royal, having yellow fruits with an orange blush, are ideal canning types. Westcot has yellow freestone fruit with a reddish tinge and is cold-hardy, making it perfect for those colder zones. All are tasty for eating fresh, too.
  
  

Hardy Varieties

• Apricots are seen as more of a warm-climate crop. There are varieties, however, that are cold tolerant and can be grown in climates in USDA zone 3 and above. Many are self-fertile, meaning they don't need another tree to pollinate their flowers. Brookcot, Debbie's Gold, Westcot and Harlayne are all self-fertile. Moongold, Suphany and Precious have good cold tolerance but perform better with two trees present.