Apricot, what kind of fruit is this?

Previously, it was almost impossible to find apricot in the garden in the conditions of our local climate, but over time, it began to move further and further north thanks to the achievements of breeders.

Already now, ripe apricots can delight with their appearance on the trees, and then with their natural taste on the table of many summer residents and gardeners. If you are thinking about growing this fruit for yourself, be sure to check out what it is.

In order to plant an apricot on your site, the easiest way is to use grafted annual seedlings, and as a rootstock, you can take apricot seedlings, which differ in yield from small fruits. This culture should be bred by grafting, since it works most effectively.

In our regions, which are often characterized by coolness and low temperatures, the apricot was still able to take root over time, moreover, its properties in many aspects intersect with cherry plum - they can even be grown together, but that's another story.

The northern apricot in the garden is a fairly early-growing crop, but its peculiarity lies in the so-called periodicity, when exactly it can bear fruit. The volume of harvest from a tree that is 10 years old, on average, is about 20 kilograms of fruit.

The life span of trees varies on average from 20 to 22 years. Their height, on average, does not exceed prohibitive values ​​and is characterized by figures of 2.5-3.5 meters. The crown is mostly spreading, which makes it easier to collect fruits in the future, but there are exceptions, which are characterized by a compact crown.

The root system of an apricot tree, as a rule, is not buried for long distances and is located close to the soil surface. The average depth is 35 to 45 centimeters.

Moreover, in the process of flowering, the apricot tree can even serve for decorative purposes, as it looks quite presentable. Therefore, it is better to place it in plain sight, avoiding shady and corner areas.

Most varieties have rather large and noticeable fruits of a bright color, which can be very diverse - from yellow with a slight pinkish blush to golden specimens with red blurred patterns on the surface.

As already implied above, the apricot needs an open and illuminated area, since it has an increased need for sunlight, and also begins to bloom early. Unfortunately, the culture is extremely sensitive to a sharp onset of frost - flowers and buds often die off.

Is that the tree is able to withstand short-term temperature changes, but does not differ in endurance for a long time. After all, the culture still comes from the south and any miraculous adaptation should not be expected from it in any case.

However, one should not consider an apricot a weak plant, because of its advantages, one can single out sufficient resistance to drought during the hot summer, although it is recommended, according to the rules, to plant a tree on soils that have been drained in advance.

You should not choose too dense and heavy soil for planting, since the apricot in the garden under such conditions simply will not take root.
Starting a conversation about soil, it should be noted that, in principle, if the soil is light enough and there is no excess nitrogen content in it, it is allowed to plant an apricot tree on it, regardless of its composition.

But nevertheless, you should know that the most favorable conditions are soils with a weak degree of acidity or completely neutral, belonging to the type of light loamy or loamy. The ability of the soil to pass air and moisture through itself should be assessed in advance in order to ensure the normal vital activity of the plant root system in the future.

Although apricot is, as we already know, a drought-resistant crop, you should not exploit it once again, planting it on a site suffering from drought - moisten the soil in a timely manner, but do it in moderation and do not overdo it.

Also, of course, watch how deep the groundwater is, as the culture does not tolerate stagnant excess moisture close to the surface. If such a threat exists, take care of the arrangement of the drainage system.

As for the nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the apricot tree and subsequently obtaining a high yield, here, first of all, it is necessary to note the high need for humus and such an element as potassium. At the same time, it would seem that his inseparable friends - phosphorus and nitrogen are not essential elements and their amount can be slightly reduced.

The need for potassium is explained by the fact that during the harvest, the apricot consumes quite a large amount of it, which simply needs to be replenished through fertilizing, if you look in the long term and intend to harvest from the tree for more than one year.

Apricot, although it is quite common in gardening, many do not dare to plant it at home, considering it too outlandish and difficult decision. Do not be afraid, because it may be your soil on the site and your climatic conditions are favorable and comfortable for this southern fruit.

OudAchi in cultivation and do not be afraid to experiment!