Apricots are among the earliest-fruiting stone fruits, ripening from November to January in most Australian temperate zones. They need a solid winter chill (600-900 hours) to produce well, making them best suited to the Adelaide Hills, Granite Belt, Central Tablelands, and WA's higher inland districts. Varieties in the tracked range include Bulida, Divinity, Castlebrite, Patterson, Fireball, and Storey's. Bulida is a reliable commercial performer with large, sweet fruit; Divinity and Fireball are favoured for fresh eating. Most apricots are self-fertile, making them practical for smaller gardens. Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Apricots are highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils, so raised beds or mounded planting is recommended in heavier clay areas. Prune hard after harvest to promote next season's fruiting wood, as apricots fruit on spurs formed the previous year. Brown rot (Monilinia) can devastate crops during wet springs; apply copper-based sprays at bud swell and maintain good airflow through pruning. In WA, stone fruit movement is restricted. Source trees only from registered nurseries and confirm compliance with the WA Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme (NIAS).