Can anyone tell me if they are the same? Both have edible pit. I called Burntridge who is offering Montrose and Starkbros who is offering Sweetheart and they do not know. thx
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No, they are different.
Montrose Apricot History by L. E. Cooke: In 1952 Lloyd Rosenvold purchased land in Montrose, Colorado. He found a very large apricot tree in a hillside pasture believed to be a seedling. The tree produced huge crops of medium to large fruit of superior flavor and quality. He was surprised as the winter was -31° and the previous year even colder. Mr. Rosenvold took seed with him when moving to Idaho in 1966. The original tree had limbs with 6" - 8" caliper. Some of the seed produced very similar trees with fruit and now growing close to the Canadian border. We selected one tree he had named Montrose because of the fruit quality and tree hardiness. Montrose has very large crops of medium to large apricots with superior sweet flavor, freestone, with a reddish blush to the skin. The L. E. Cooke Co started to grow Montrose Apricot in 1988. The trees produce well for us each year in our orchard and have a good flavor. Our sales have been to Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and other cold climate areas. To add to its uniqueness the fruit pit is sweet like the Chinese (Mormon) Apricot. This could be a good choice in Utah where sweet apricot seeds are used in salads.
Homedale Apricot. Bred by Garfield Shults in Homedale, ID. Patented by Stark Brothers; filed in 1984; patent issued in 1986. Was marketed by Stark Brothers as “Double Delight” and currently sold as “SweetHeart”. Patent info: Discovered in 1970 as a chance seedling at Homedale, Idaho; probably a seedling of Wilson Delicious. Extended bloom period; somewhat spring frost tolerant. Tree is very productive, spreading, hardy, and self-pollinating. Medium sized fruit ripens over a relatively long period (up to 14 days) and is juicy, meaty textured, deliciously flavored, and has an orange skin with an attractive bright red blush. Freestone. Sweet kernel. Representative dates of first and last pickings at Homedale, Idaho, are July 12 and July 23. https://www.google.com/patents/USPP5651 (exp. Apr 23, 2004)
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Stan, thx so much!!! I was worried that they maybe the same. I am glad they are not. I have Sweetheart and was going to get Montrose and wanted to check to make sure they are different I am going to get it 
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