Cropping is extremely rare due to frost, and trees succumb to diseases before long. If you were to try, follow the guidelines for plums. Harvest, post-harvest handling. Apricots for fresh consumption are picked firm-mature, since they are far too soft for shipping if allowed to approach ripening on the tree. It is said that proper flavor never develops in fruit picked prior to physiological maturity.
Firmness is a reliable indicator, as for plums.
Days from full bloom is a fairly reliable index given the relatively invariable growing conditions. B. Harvest Method. Apricots for fresh consumption or processing are picked by hand and carefully handled. C. Handling and Packing. Cultivars which retain their color and flavor during drying are best for this market.