With the Sardonyx apricot it is impossible to remain without a harvest. The variety has a high frost resistance of not only wood, but flowers. Gardeners plant 1-2 trees on the plot and feast on the juicy fruits to their heart's content.
History of origin
Michurin began working on the zoning of heat-loving apricots. His most successful varieties were taken as the basis for the work of the breeder's followers. Sardonyx was obtained by crossing Champion of the North and Amber.
Description of the variety
Gardeners do not hesitate to occupy planting areas with Sardonyx.It has excellent technical data. The description of the variety confirms this:
- apricot begins to bear fruit in the 4-5th year of life in the garden;
- medium-late variety (fruits ripen in mid-August);
- partial self-fertility (pollinating plants are required to obtain a good harvest);
- frost resistance of a tree is minus 33.7 degrees Celsius, of blossoming flowers - 2.8;
- medium-sized tree (up to 3 m tall);
- the crown is dense, spherical;
- bark brown, thick;
- the leaves are large, the edges are slightly serrated;
- the flowers are white.
Sardonyx requires the presence of pollinators. Amber, Michurinsky Best, Champion of the North are suitable.
Characteristics of apricots:
- maximum fetal weight 52 g;
- the shape of the apricot is ovoid, irregular;
- the skin is dense, strong;
- yellow apricot;
- the pulp is juicy, yellow;
- the taste is delicate, sweet and sour;
- the aroma is pleasant;
- The ripe fruit pit is easily separated.
A tree takes up a lot of space on a summer cottage: it is recommended to place trees at a distance of 5-6 m from each other.
Features of cultivation
To obtain an annual stable harvest of delicious fruits, you must follow the growing rules.
Soil selection
Sardonyx is not capricious. But it requires loose, fertile soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. On acidic soils, it is recommended to carry out liming before planting. Heavy clay soils should be sanded (a bucket of coarse sand per 1 square meter should be added for digging).
It is necessary to prepare the landing hole in advance. Its size: 70 cm x 70 cm x 70 cm. The soil is removed and neatly folded next to the hole. It is then mixed with mature organic matter and mineral complex and returned to its place. It is recommended to prepare the hole in the spring for planned autumn planting and in the fall for spring planting.
It is important to consider the depth of groundwater: Sardonyx does not tolerate waterlogging in the root area. Groundwater should be deeper than 3-4 m from the soil surface.
Optimal planting period
The young tree must take root properly before the onset of winter. This is the only way he will be able to survive the unfavorable time.
Sardonyx should be planted in early spring (before buds open) or autumn (in the first half of September, 3-4 weeks before the onset of steady cold).
If the gardener cannot immediately plant the purchased seedling in a permanent place, the tree should be buried in a trench. This way the apricot will wait until the time of placement without harm to itself.
Growing technology
Sardonyx requires compliance with growing technology. Only in this case will the gardener receive a good harvest.
Watering
An adult Sardonyx provides itself with water. It is recommended to water it only during prolonged drought. Young seedlings require regular moisture (once every two weeks).
Watering should be stopped 2-3 weeks before the fruits ripen: excessive moisture will spoil the taste of apricots.
Trimming
Sardonyx is prone to overgrowing. Excess shoots need to be trimmed. Formative pruning needs to be done regularly. The optimal time is early spring or late autumn. The sap flow stopped at this time. The tree will survive the operation painlessly. Trimming rules:
- the crown should be transparent;
- all dried and damaged (during snowfall or wind) shoots are removed;
- branches growing at an acute angle or crossing are cut out;
- cuts are made “on the ring” (to avoid rot);
- wounds larger than 1.5 cm are covered with garden varnish or oil paint (to protect against bacteria and fungi).
For pruning, use a disinfected (with alcohol or potassium permanganate) and well-sharpened tool..
Top dressing
Sardonyx is responsive to fertilization. It is recommended to apply mineral complexes in spring and autumn. Mature organic matter - only in spring. Compost and humus are poured out around the tree trunk. The earth is then loosened.
Reproduction
Gardeners often strive to propagate the variety. This can be done through vaccination. An apricot with different characteristics grows from the seed. It can be used as a rootstock. And the scion should be taken from an adult Sardonyx tree.
Diseases and pests
Sardonyx has a weak immune system. To protect against pests, it is recommended to carry out preventive treatments with insecticides. If signs of pest damage appear, insecticides should be applied.
Spraying with copper-containing preparations will help protect the variety from diseases. Excellent results are achieved by preventive measures: removal of plant residues, timely weeding.
