Description of the Solnechny apricot variety attracts gardeners. It is characterized by high winter hardiness and regular fruiting. And the number of bright yellow apricots is more than enough to eat to your heart’s content and to store for future use.
History of selection
Gardeners always want to grow something special on their plot. AND planting bright apricots this is confirmed.
Work on the zoning of the fruit tree was started by Michurin. Based on its varieties, breeders created new ones.Their characteristics became better: the apricot became more resistant to frost and bore fruit more abundantly. The Solnechny variety is a clear confirmation of this.
Description of the variety
Before planting an apricot orchard, gardeners study plant data. This is important: a specific type is suitable for each dacha. Description of the variety:
- pyramidal crown (2-3 m in diameter);
- height up to 3.5 m;
- bark color brownish-red;
- the location of the shoots is predominantly inclined;
- the leaf is rounded, the edge is finely toothed;
- foliage color is bright green;
- white flowers;
- flowering occurs before the leaves bloom;
- The variety is early ripening (ripens in mid-July).
The main value of the Solnechny variety is its increased winter hardiness. It can easily withstand frosts of -20...-25 degrees. During short-term cooling down to -33 degrees, fruit buds do not remain viable.
Fruiting is quite regular: the tree produces a bountiful harvest every year. But summer residents harvest a small number of apricots every year.
Characteristics of apricots:
- maximum fetal weight 45 g;
- apricot shape is round;
- the skin is dense;
- transportability is good;
- apricot is bright yellow with a slight pronounced blush;
- the pulp is juicy, yellow at the break;
- The taste is pleasant - sweet and sour.
The advantage of Sunny is the friendly ripening of fruits. Apricots store well: they can be kept in a cool, ventilated basement for up to 3 weeks.
Subtleties of cultivation
Sunny is unpretentious. It regularly produces fruits with little care. But for abundant fruiting, agricultural cultivation techniques must be followed.
Place and time
Apricot is a native of the southern regions of the planet. Work on zoning varieties has made it possible to grow trees much further north. But for a comfortable existence, they need to allocate a special place on the site.It must be protected from cold northern, northeastern and eastern winds. These air currents dry out the fruit and growth buds. The gardener does not receive a harvest.
Particular attention should be paid to the depth of groundwater. Apricot does not tolerate drought and excessive waterlogging. Soil water on the site should not be higher than 3 m from the surface.
Sunny easily takes root and feels good when placed on the south side of country houses. But when planting, you should take into account the spreading nature and height of the tree. It is recommended to retreat 3-4 meters from the wall.
For planting, you should purchase 2-3 year old seedlings. They take root better and begin to bear fruit faster. It is recommended to place the seedling in a permanent place in early spring (before buds open) or late autumn (3-4 weeks before a steady cold snap). The tree must have time to take root: this will help it survive the harsh time.
Soil selection
The soil should be close in composition and structure to the soils of the apricot’s homeland. It is necessary to prepare loose, fertile 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 pit should be filled with mature organic matter and a mineral complex mixed with the soil removed from it. It is recommended to prepare the hole in the spring for planned autumn planting and in the fall for spring planting.
Planting is done in a planting hole. The straightened apricot root system should be placed in it. Sometimes it is not possible to immediately choose a landing site. In this case, it is recommended to bury the tree: in this state, the apricot can spend the season without loss.
Basic landing criteria
For successful fruiting of the Sunny apricot, it is recommended to follow the basic planting criteria:
- carefully select planting material;
- purchase seedlings from nurseries;
- choose a landing site;
- prepare the soil;
- plant pollinating varieties on the site: Michurinsky Best, Red-cheeked, Comrade;
- follow the rules of care.
It should be remembered: a healthy plant is practically not affected by diseases and pests. Compliance with planting criteria will save the gardener from unnecessary hassle.
Tree care methods
Sunny is unpretentious. But for regular fruiting, it is recommended to follow basic care rules.
Watering
An adult apricot provides itself with water and is able to survive short-term drought. It should only be watered if there is no rain for a long time.
Young trees require regular watering. Once a month, in the absence of precipitation, it is recommended to deeply moisten the tree trunk. 1 bucket per 1 tree is enough.
For trees of all ages, moisture-charging irrigation is required.. It is produced at the end of October. The air temperature during the procedure must be positive.
Booking
Sunny requires formative pruning. This will make tree care easier and increase productivity. 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).
After snowfalls or prolonged drought, the tree needs sanitary pruning. It is necessary to remove broken or dried parts of the crown. This operation can be carried out at any time.
For pruning, a disinfected (with alcohol or potassium permanganate) and well-sharpened tool is used.
Tree feeding
Sunny is responsive to feeding. They are carried out according to the rules:
- When planting in a filled planting hole, no feeding is required for the first 3 years: the tree has enough nutrition.
- Then mineral complexes should be applied twice a year: in spring and autumn.
- Organic matter is given to the tree in early spring (immediately after the snow melts): a bucket of mature compost per 1 square meter.
It is important not to overdo it: excess organic matter weakens the tree’s immunity.
Diseases and pests
An adult Sunny, with good care, is almost not damaged by pests. But young trees are damaged by aphids or budworms. In this case, insecticide treatment should be carried out immediately.
In cool, humid summers, fruits become susceptible to blossom end rot. To prevent the disease, spraying with antifungal drugs helps. They can be purchased in garden departments.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The advantages of the variety are high winter hardiness, regular yield and pleasant taste of the fruit. The disadvantage is the need for formative pruning.
