Apricots in Quebec!

Jean-Charles Chapais went so far with his climatization experiments as to grow apricot trees in his garden in Saint-Denis, Kamouraska. The trees appear to have lived for a few years. They probably disappeared during the winter of 1917-1918. At the end of December 1917 and the beginning of January 1918, outdoor temperatures ranged between -30 and -35 degrees Celsius for almost a week. Chapais lost many trees, including plum trees.

Today, there are hybrid apricot trees in Quebec that seem to be acclimatized to temperatures as cold as those encountered by Jean-Charles Chapais during that harsh 1917-1918 winter. Their survival also depends on soil composition, snow cover, wind and tender loving care.