Sharafuga is a hybrid with plum and apricot flavor. It was created on the basis of three known species of cultivated plants of the same genus - plum. Many people dream of growing this strange fruit in their garden. It has several properties and qualities that are reminiscent of its parents: apricot, peach and plum. Let's try to figure out how realistic it is to breed this exotic species in the Middle Zone.
What is sharafuga
The description of the sharafuga does not include an explanation of the name of the hybrid. Many people speculate that it was named this way because of its external features.
Externally, this unusual tree is something between an apricot and a plum. Also, the fruits are more reminiscent of a large, dark-colored plum. They are not oval in shape like plums, but more round, which is reminiscent of the presence of apricot genes.
In fact, this plant is a hybrid of plum, apricot and peach. The tree is compact, the crown is of medium density, in this it manifests itself as a hybrid of plum. The leaves are marked with curl, like a peach. There is another distinctive feature: the sharafuga pit has a peculiar pattern that is unique to peaches.
The fruits themselves have a unique, incomparable aroma that combines the characteristics of plum and apricot. Some varieties have much stronger notes of apricot, while others have stronger plum notes. Those who have tasted sharafuga fruits have noted a subtle peach aroma. From the plum, the hybrid inherited the structure of the tree and the thorniness of its branches.
The pulp of the fruit varies depending on the variety. There are some with a more pronounced “apricot” taste and aroma, and some with a plum one. Amateur gardeners, under quite harsh conditions, get three different tastes from one tree. Attention is paid to the fact that sharafuga makes excellent compotes, jams and preserves.
History of the origin of sharafuga
This hybrid is the fruit of 30 years of efforts by American breeder-biologist Floyd Zeiger. Before him, there were successful experiments in creating aprium - 2 varieties (plum - 25% plus apricot - 75%), pluota - 11 varieties (plum - 75% plus apricot - 25%), nectaplama - 1 variety (plum plus nectarine), pichplama — 1st grade (plum plus peach).
The views of an experienced breeder on growing plants, creating new varieties and species are conservative.He does not fight nature, but calls for change without causing any harm to it. The result of many years of experiments in crossing stone fruits was a new culture that united three different species.
Features of cultivation
This hybrid has a fairly high level of frost resistance. Sharafuga without freezing can withstand frosts of 24-26 ABOUTS. Therefore, you need to plant and care for a seedling like a plum. The annual growth of shoots is 50-80 centimeters, which indicates the need for annual rejuvenating pruning.
Plant sharafugu in a sunny place where the soil is loose and fertile. Stagnant water in the spring and clay soils are excluded, since the plum gets wet. Having chosen a place, you need to prepare a planting hole measuring 60*60*60 centimeters.
It is filled with rotted manure or humus, ash and superphosphate. Seedlings are planted: in the spring in the Middle Zone (so that they have time to take root), in the fall - in the South.
At 3-5 years, depending on the age of the seedlings, sharafuga bears its first fruits. They ripen in late August or early September, depending on the region.
