Many summer residents dream of growing exotic crops that will amaze everyone with their original and tasty fruits. The Black Velvet apricot variety has these qualities. The tree is unpretentious and does not require special knowledge of care. Unusual fruits have a good tasting rating. The main advantage is the ability of apricot to grow in central Russia.
Description of the variety
The variety arose accidentally as a result of unintentional cross-pollination of trees:
- regular apricot;
- cherry plums
The seeds from the fruit were planted, as a result of which a new type of apricot took root and attracted the attention of breeders.
Thanks to this, it became possible to obtain new types of black apricots. One of which is Black Velvet.
Description of the variety:
- plant with a flat-round, spreading crown;
- the variety has an average growth rate, growing by a maximum of 20 centimeters per season;
- bears fruit from the 4th year;
- frost-resistant;
- flowers are not afraid of return frosts;
- for a good harvest, pollinators must be planted nearby;
- The fruits are black and purple in color, juicy.
Apricots grow small in size, weighing about 30 grams.
Characteristics of the variety
Apricot Velvet has the strong qualities of apricots and cherry plums. Before planting a crop, it is necessary to carefully study the characteristics and find out whether the variety is suitable for growing in certain conditions.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
The ideal condition for a bountiful and stable harvest is a sunny, windless, warm summer. The plant tolerates low temperatures well. Unlike conventional apricot varieties, the flowers do not fall off during return frosts, and as a result, the yield increases. But Black Velvet does not tolerate summer drought well. Therefore, it requires regular watering.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
The variety is partially self-fertile, so it is necessary to plant pollinators nearby, which include:
- ordinary apricot;
- Chinese plum;
- thorn;
- Russian plum;
- cherry plum
Flowering occurs later than in conventional apricot varieties. Fruits reach technical maturity:
- in warm areas in July;
- in the middle zone in August.
For better yield, it is recommended to plant several Black Velvet seedlings nearby.
Productivity and fruiting
The plant begins to bear fruit in the 4th year.
Fruit:
- small;
- with a velvety peel of medium density;
- multiple;
- weighing no more than 30 grams;
- brown or blue tint;
- aromatic, juicy;
- sweet and sour.
The tree at maturity produces about 60 kilograms of fruit. Fruits regularly. The variety is universal. Therefore, apricots are consumed fresh and used for preservation. Picked on time, slightly unripe fruits are stored without damage for about 4 months in a well-ventilated basement. The harvest is first laid out in three layers in boxes.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The plant is resistant to:
- moniliosis;
- cleasterosporiasis;
- cytosporosis.
These are the most common diseases that usually affect stone fruit crops. Thanks to its high resistance to fungal diseases and systematic preventive measures, the plant produces an annual abundant harvest.
Pests dangerous to the variety:
- weevil;
- Khrushchi.
Prevention can prevent pest attacks by almost 100%.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the Black Velvet apricot variety:
- high winter hardiness;
- long shelf life of the crop;
- disease resistance;
- the tree is compact, low;
- good transportability of fruits;
- neat crown;
- regular fruiting;
- high yield.
Flaws:
- small fruit size;
- the crop does not tolerate drought well;
- A wet summer can cause rotting of the root system.
Features of planting and care
Planting rules do not differ from the usual varieties of apricots. In order for the plant to grow and develop quickly, choose the right place for planting and plant the seedling correctly:
- choose a well-lit place with constant access to sunlight;
- To prevent low temperatures from damaging the trees, apricots are planted near households. buildings or near the house;
- the plant does not tolerate waterlogging, so seedlings are not planted in lowlands;
- choose light loamy soil;
- seedlings are planted immediately in a permanent place, since the plant does not tolerate transplantation;
- a seedling with an open root system is planted in early spring; a containerized tree can be planted from early spring to mid-October.
Before planting, the soil is fertilized. After planting the plant, the area near the trunk is mulched with sawdust.
Care includes:
- regular feeding;
- shelter for the winter;
- pruning;
- watering.
After pruning, in order to avoid infection with diseases, the sections are treated with garden varnish.
Disease and pest control
Prevention is the best protection for a plant. For this:
- In autumn, the garden is cleared of leaves. This prevents pests from breeding. The leaves are burned and the ash is used as fertilizer.
- Sick and dried branches are removed, and the crown is also regularly thinned. The procedure is carried out before the onset of cold weather or in early spring. The branches are burned.
- To protect the plant from pests, the trunk and large branches are whitened with special garden paints.
- To protect trees from rodents in winter, the trunks are wrapped with roofing material.
- Before the first leaves appear, treat the tree with a solution of copper sulfate.
- Protect the plant from insects using a catching belt.
- Treated with systemic fungicides to prevent fungal diseases.
If you follow simple recommendations, Black Velvet will delight you with an abundant harvest of tasty, juicy fruits.
