For several decades now, heat-loving apricots have been steadily moving to the north of Russia, where they have become popular among gardeners. Domestic breeders have bred about 50 species of plants that are resistant to cold. The Early Kyiv apricot stands out especially. The description of the variety is discussed below.
History of origin
Acclimatization of heat-loving crops is a huge task that deserves great respect. Thanks to Michurin I.V., apricots began to tolerate northern conditions well.
Frost-resistant apricot species were developed in the Ukrainian SSR in 1914-1935. Later, scientists from the Institute of Horticulture of the UAAS developed a new variety, which differs from many others in its improved characteristics.
Description of the variety
The trees are considered medium-sized. Their height rarely exceeds 3 meters. The leaves of the Early Kyiv apricot resemble the shape of a slightly elongated heart, the top is elongated, and there are small teeth along the edges.
In the description of the variety, fruits are given a special place. Apricots are of medium size, their weight is approximately 80 g. The shape is slightly elongated. Apricot pulp has a pleasant light yellow hue, juiciness, sweetness and slight sourness.
Features of cultivation
When planning to plant apricots on your plot, you should immediately take into account the type of climate, topography and soil composition.
Choosing a place and time
Trees are placed on flat areas, without lowlands. The presence of groundwater closer than 2.5 meters is unacceptable, because apricot does not like waterlogging.
For the seedling, only the brightest corner of the garden, protected from the winds, is selected. It is very important to provide the crown with sunlight throughout the entire summer day. Otherwise, the shoots will stretch out and become thin, therefore, fewer ovaries will form. Subsequently, the taste and appearance of apricots will deteriorate.
The landing time depends on the areas. In the south, where warm autumn prevails, Kiev Early sets from October 15 to November 30. In these conditions, it is important to complete the work 14 days before the arrival of cold weather, otherwise the roots will not have time to grow stronger.
In areas with cold autumns, the ideal time for planting is early spring. When positive temperatures are established, the buds have not yet opened, and the soil warms up by 10 cm.
Selection of seedlings
Plants must be selected according to the following requirements:
- age - 1-2 years;
- height - approximately 70 cm;
- bark with no cracks or stains;
- the presence of 2-3 strong tap roots, 25 cm each;
- visible grafting - 10 cm from the root neck.
Landing rules
Holes are dug 14 days before planting. Added to the bottom:
- humus - 30 kg;
- superphosphate - 100 g;
- potassium sulfate - 100 g or ash - 400 g.
Attention! Acidic soils are preliminarily limed (500 g of substance per 1 square meter). 10 kg of compost with dry clay is added to the sandy soil.
Before planting, the roots of the plants are immersed in water for several hours to saturate them with moisture. The seedling is placed in a hole with its roots straightened. A stake of 80 cm is installed near the tree. The plant is filled up, the root collar remains open 5 centimeters from the ground.
The apricot is loosely tied to the peg. A circular groove is made around the trunk, into which up to 2 buckets of water are poured. Next, the soil is mulched with straw or sawdust.
To protect the seedling from possible frosts, it is sprayed with Epin and covered with agrofibre during the first days.
If planting is done in the spring, the plant is pruned at around 80 cm in height, this will stimulate branching well. Pruning cannot be done in the fall; it is better to postpone it until next spring.
Rules of care
Early Kiev apricot pleases gardeners with a rich harvest. But this requires following the rules of agricultural technology.
Watering and fertilizing
Young trees have a need for moisture. They are watered once every 2 weeks: 20 liters per plant.
Fruit-bearing Kiev apricot requires good watering 3 times per season - during bud break, after the formation of flowers, and 14 days before harvest.
If the Early Kyiv apricot is planted in soil that has previously been fertilized, no fertilizing is done in the first summer. Only next spring ammonium nitrate is applied to young trees at the rate of 30 grams per 1 square meter. Or organic matter is used. In autumn, phosphorus-potassium fertilizing is necessary.
Preparing for winter
Apricot Kyiv Early is winter-hardy. Frosts below 25 degrees damage skeletal branches and destroy buds.
The trunk must be whitened. An insecticide is added to the solution to prevent frost damage.
A layer of humus with straw is placed around the tree. When the weather sets in with a temperature of -2 degrees, the apricot turns around. Agrofibre or burlap is mainly used. For greater insulation, non-woven material is added.
Pests and diseases
When brown spot occurs, all fallen leaves are removed and the plants are treated with Hom. Gray rot is neutralized by Horus. Cytosporosis is killed by using 2% copper sulfate.
If the Kiev apricot is attacked by the codling moth, the drugs “Benzophosphamide” and “Match 50” can protect the trees. Traps with a special sticky layer are additionally installed on the branches. “Kinmiks” or “Agravertin” will get rid of aphid invasion.
