Growing apricots in the middle lane. Winter-hardy varieties. Care

Although apricots are native to southern latitudes, this plant is highly resistant to low temperatures. It usually grows in the mountains, where it has acquired such a hardened character. Our apricot appeared at the beginning of the 17th century, when only a couple of trees were brought and planted in the Izmailovsky Garden. The plant quickly gained popularity, and already it could be seen in the gardens of the nobility, monastery gardens. The cultivation of apricots in central Russia has become possible. The plant turned out to be very strong and frost-resistant, which is important for our climate. But, he has frost resistance, but resistance in winter?

It is not frost that negatively affects apricot trees, but such features of the weather, frost and thaw. This affects the apricot buds worst of all, since during the thaw there is an intense provocation of their early formation. And then sharp frosts injure them, thereby destroying future fruits. It follows from this that the buds completely or partially die at the beginning of flowering, precisely because of the temperature drop. And this is the main reason that the tree will not bear fruit regularly.

Young plants are especially sensitive to changes, plants in the first years of their fruiting. They are characterized by fast and long growth, they do not have time to prepare for such a radical change in climate and frosts come unexpectedly for them. Because of this, buds and shoots that have not yet been covered with a strong bark die.

There is also an assumption that the short and cool summer contributes to this, because the plant does not have time to get stronger, to gain a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals. In this regard, it is necessary to carefully select a place for the growth of apricots within the middle lane.

Growing apricots in central Russia: a place for planting

A place for planting apricots in central Russia should not be located in a lowland, because it is there that the concentration of cold air is highest. The place should be warm, well heated by the sun, without drafts. Also, you should not plant trees in the open direct sun, because the tree will begin to vegetate ahead of time, and will not be able to prepare for winter.

And one more minus - early flowering can coincide with frosts in May, which will also negatively affect the fruits. Also, some gardening professionals recommend planting trees on the southern sides of buildings, or near specially equipped shields, pre-painted in white. This is for the effect of a solar panel, reflecting light and attracting additional heat. There is an opinion that it is necessary to resort to similar measures to improve the lighting of the tree and protect it from gusts of wind.

Soil and watering

Also, you need to pay attention to the soil. The soil should be well aerated because the roots need fresh air throughout the flowering period. Also, you need to monitor the watering of the soil. Even short-term flooding can lead to the death of a tree.

Particular attention should be paid to the composition of the soil. The soil should be combined, with the addition of clay, peat and sand. Moreover, with a predominance of clay. Sandy soils provoke earlier aging of the tree, and on soil from black soil, they bear fruit poorly.

Also, the presence of old plants in your summer cottage, such as pears, ash trees, oaks, apple trees with deep roots, will only help the apricot to take root. Usually apricot trees are planted according to the following scheme: 6 * 4, that is, there are 4 trees in each row, and the distance between them is at least six meters. Apricots live best in soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH of the environment - sandy loam, loamy, light loamy.

If the soil is poor in humus, it can be fertilized. For this, rotted manure is used, but it is imperative to observe the correct proportions - at least 3 kilograms of manure per 1 square meter. Depending on the type of soil and the presence of micro- and macroelements in them, various mineral fertilizers can be applied to the soil. If the soil is clay, then phosphate fertilizers are applied.

For young trees, planting is most favorable in spring, in properly prepared soil. First, the soil must be dug well with prepared fertilizers. The tree planting holes should be about 70 cm deep. They are made just before planting, adding humus and phosphates to them.

Growing apricots in central Russia: preparing a tree for winter

If the autumn was long and warm, then the apricots can be observed active growth of shoots. Then, even if the winter is mild and not very frosty, there is a chance that flower buds, shoots and young twigs will freeze. To prevent this from happening, experts recommend watering the tree with ash, or rather, its solution, from the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. This will lead to the termination of the growth of shoots, their early ripening. It is this procedure that helps the tree prepare for leaf fall, get stronger and meet winter fully armed.
If your trees are still young, you don't need to add too much nitrogen fertilizer. This is especially true in mid-July - early August. Young apricots need proper care and support, they are weaker and do not have the same hardiness as an adult tree.

Winter-hardy varieties - why is it possible to grow apricots in central Russia?

Apricot variety Triumph North

One of the most famous varieties for growing apricots in central Russia is the Northern Triumph. This tree is large enough with a wide strong crown. It is very stable in the external environment, not susceptible to attacks by pests. Almost not exposed to various kinds of diseases. It adapts very well to the climate, even in severe frosts it feels good, which makes it possible to grow apricots in central Russia. This apricot is one of the most stably fruiting, its shoots and buds are not afraid of frost and drafts.

Another important feature of the Triumph Severny Variety is that this plant is self-pollinated. There is no need for tree selection for cross-pollination, this tree does not need it. Grows well alone. Fruiting already in the 3rd year of its life. More than 60 kilograms of fruit can be obtained from an adult tree. The apricots themselves are quite large, very juicy. Ripen around mid-July - early August. It will not be difficult to buy a seedling. Triumph Severny can be easily found on the market or in any online store. More about the apricot variety here.

Such varieties as: Iceberg, Alyosha, Aquarius, Countess, Lel, Monastyrsky, FavoriteTsarskiy are also very popular with our summer residents, they are specially bred and perfectly adapted for growing apricots in our climate.

Apricot variety Iceberg

Iceberg is an apricot variety suitable for cultivation in central Russia, which can reach a height of more than 3 meters, its crown is wide. It blooms very profusely, fragrant. But, this variety has relatively few fruits. Apricots themselves are round, large. The average weight of one apricot is 25 grams. The fruits are very juicy, tasty and sweet. Perfectly separates from the bone.Ripening also occurs in mid-July.

Apricot variety Alyosha

Apricot variety Alyosha is a very tall tree, more than 4 meters high. The crown is very powerful, spreading. It blooms quite large, brightly. The fruits themselves are not large, around 15 grams, round, have an almost glossy sheen. Ripen also in July - August.

Apricot variety Countess

Variety Countess is a very tall tree, almost 6 m in height. Fruits have different shapes, from round to oval, their mass is large, can reach 30-35 grams. The color is bright orange. The pulp is juicy, sweet. Fruits ripen later than usual, in mid-August.

Apricot variety Lel

Lel is a very compact tree, up to 3 meters in height. The crown is very neat. The fruits are not large, can reach 20 grams, golden brown, almost no blush. There is a glossy shine. The fruit tastes sour, juicy, refreshing. Fruits also ripen later, by August.

Apricot variety Monastyrsky

Monastyrsky is a large and powerful tree with a very wide crown. It can reach a height of 5 meters. This variety gives a large yield. Fruits weigh up to 30 grams, bright yellow, pubescent. Ripen classically - from mid-July to early August.

Apricot variety Favorite

Apricot variety Favorit is a medium-sized apricot, no more than 3 meters in height. It has large fruits, their shape is not even. The mass of one apricot is in the region of 30 grams. The fruits are beautifully colored, bright yellow, with a wonderful blush. There is a glossy shine. The fruits themselves are juicy, sweet, and have a small bone. But, they ripen later - mid and late August.

Apricot variety Tsarsky

Tsarsky apricot is a small tree that grows no higher than 3 meters high. It has large flowers, 4 cm in diameter. The fruit itself weighs around 25 grams, oval, yellow. There is a pink blush. Has a special aroma. Ripen in early August.

Another winter-hardy variety is the Black Prince apricot variety, about which you can read in more detail here.

Cultivation of apricots in central Russia: features of cultivation and care

Growing apricots in central Russia is possible, but some rules must be followed.

Necessary:

1. Choose the right landing site
2. Study and choose the right microclimate for apricots
3. Do not be mistaken with the time of planting the tree
4. Properly prepare the soil, nourish it with the right fertilizers
5. Observe all rules and regulations for the care of these southern trees.
6. You should be very careful about watering and stop it by the month of August.
7. Fallen leaves must be collected and burned directly under the tree, so that the tree will be protected from pests.
8. It is necessary to properly whitewash the tree in the middle of autumn, which will protect it from spring burns.
9. It is necessary not to forget about pruning trees in autumn or early spring.
10. Properly selected fertilizers will help the tree cope with growth and development, as well as withstand cold weather.