in the open field. They usually need 6+ hours of sunlight a day, and probably prefer more. I planted an apricot tree two years ago from this company, http://www.starkbros.com/products/fruit-trees/apricot-trees/stark-sweetheart-apricot
That is the variety I bought too, because it is self-pollinating (some other varieties will require a different apricot tree as a cross-pollinator) and you can eat the seeds/pits of this fruit too. I saw another variety of apricot a few days ago that sounded good that interested me. If I find the name of it I'll let you know.
As far as hardiness, if you get a tree that is hardy for your zone you should be okay. Mulch it well in the fall to protect the roots. If it is a dwarf tree, 8-10 feet tall, I guess you could put blankets over it to protect it if you expected frost.
Late this summer I noticed caterpillars (only on the apricot tree). There is a non-toxic pepper spray you can buy to deter pests. After I used that, no more problems. Probably deters deer too, but you might want to tie a white plastic bag on your tree(s) to scare deer away. Last year a deer bit one of my new cherry trees almost in half! Thanks for the free pruning, deer, NOT!
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