Gardeners of the Central Black Earth region and other areas of the central zone have long dreamed of harvesting southern fruits, but the seedlings of peaches and apricots brought from Moldova or Ukraine did not tolerate frosty winters, and even if they did not disappear, they still did not please with sweet fruits. These garden crops were not adapted to the climatic conditions of mid-latitudes. The situation changed with the advent of the Russian apricot. The variety feels normal in the Moscow region, and in the Ryazan, and Voronezh regions, and in the Volga region.
History of selection
Fragrant orange-colored fruits were brought to Europe from Armenia. The deciduous tree reaches a height of 8 meters, has powerful roots, and bears fruit in favorable conditions for decades. In Russia, apricots are grown in the Caucasus and southern regions. Michurin was also involved in breeding hybrids that could withstand harsh winters.
The Russian variety was obtained through selection by specialists from a research institute in the North Caucasus and adapted to the climate conditions of mid-latitudes. Although this apricot is not included in the State Register of crops recommended for cultivation in the country, both summer residents and gardeners are happy to plant it.
Description of the variety
The stone fruit tree, bred by Russian breeders, reaches a height of 4.5 meters and has a beautiful crown of medium density. Yellow fruits with ruddy sides are distinguished by:
- large weight;
- dense pulp without veins;
- great taste;
- oval, somewhat flattened shape;
- pleasant aroma.
After reading the description of the Russian variety, summer residents began to plant apricots on their plots. The tree can be seen in courtyards and small gardens, but it is not grown on an industrial basis; the fruits are not suitable for preservation for the winter; the fruits are eaten fresh.
Externally, the culture does not differ from other varieties. The bark on young trees has a brown tint, the leaves are a rich green color. Apricots are covered with white, like snow, when there is no greenery yet.
Characteristics
The ruddy fruits ripen in July and weigh from 60 grams, some ripe specimens weigh 70 g. The stone is perfectly separated from the pulp. The tree tolerates frosts exceeding 30 °C and sudden changes in weather. Apricot Russians are less likely to be affected by diseases, suffers less from pests than other hybrids.
Drought resistance
The plant feels normal in the heat; it can go without watering for a long time, which it inherited from its closest relatives, adapted to the dry summer of the southern regions. However, in order for the tree to be pleased with the harvest, irrigation is necessary.
Pollination
Despite the fact that Russian is a self-fertile variety, it should be planted next to other apricots that bloom at the same time. Thanks to cross-pollination, more ovaries are formed and the buds do not fall off.
Productivity
With good care, a four-year-old tree can please you with “rosy-cheeked” fruits. An adult plant produces up to 7 buckets of apricots - juicy and sweet.
Fruiting
Productivity increases with regular pruning. In mid-latitudes, the crop blooms in May, while in the southern regions - at the end of March, beginning of April. Unfortunately, frosts can occur in any month of spring and lead to the death of the ovary. The Russian, like other apricots, bears fruit for decades.
Landing Features
The characteristics of the variety allow it to be cultivated in different regions. Reviews about the Russian are written even from the Nizhny Novgorod region, where the roots have to be buried in soil for the winter, but the tree pleases with fruits.
Choosing a landing site
Southern culture loves warmth and is afraid of drafts. Apricot grows well in an area illuminated by the sun, protected from winds blowing from the north. It is not recommended to plant a tree next to:
- with currants;
- raspberries;
- yoshtoy.
Apricots are less accepted and bear fruit less if the location chosen for them is where a stone fruit crop grew and groundwater is located close to the surface. The Russian variety responds positively to fertile, loose soil with low acidity.
Landing dates
For a young tree, you need to go to the nursery and choose an apricot where there are no cracks or breaks either on the root or on the trunk. In mid-latitudes, the seedling is moved to the site in the spring. This could be April or May, the main thing is that the buds do not wake up and the juice does not leak out. When planting in autumn, there is a risk that the tree will freeze and not grow.
Subtleties of care
Many people consider apricot to be an unpretentious crop, but if you don’t take care of it, you shouldn’t expect several buckets of sweet fruit to ripen on the tree. Any type of crop needs moisture, nutrients, and pruning. In the garden it is necessary to remove weeds, fight pests, and prevent the appearance of diseases.
Watering
Although apricots tolerate drought normally, they also require abundant moisture at least once a month, but water stagnation should not be allowed.
Young trees are watered frequently, if possible early in the morning or after sunset.
Trimming
The crown of grown seedlings is formed, leaving no more than 8 branches that form the skeleton of the apricot. Shoots should not grow from the same place on the trunk. Tree pruning begins every spring, this helps speed up the development of buds.
Preparing for winter
In the fall, it is necessary to carry out measures that will help the apricot survive the cold period normally. To prevent cracks from appearing on the trunk and branches, trees are whitened by diluting a glass of flour glue, 2 kg of lime, and 200 g of copper sulfate in a bucket of water.
Before the onset of winter you need to:
- Remove fallen leaves and dried fruits.
- Dig up the soil.
- Wrap the lower part of the trunk with pine needles or durable synthetics.
Such measures will help destroy the larvae that hide in the soil and protect the apricot bark from damage by rodents. The plant will thank you for your care and attention with juicy fruits.
Pests and diseases
The Russian variety suffers less from viruses and bacteria. However, cold summers with frequent rains provoke the activation of fungi, which cause diseases in apricots in the form of:
- coccomycosis;
- gray rot;
- perforated spotting;
- cytosporosis;
- leaf curl.
Preparations containing copper can prevent damage to trees. In case of monilial burn, when the flowering branches dry out, apricots are treated with Bordeaux mixture and Horus fungicide.
To eliminate cytosporosis and other diseases, plants are sprayed with chemicals “Ridomil” and “Fundazol”. The Russian variety does not suffer from insect attacks, but if pests appear, insecticides are used.
