No garden would be complete without an apricot tree. But often these tender plants quickly died due to severe frosts and icing. Thanks to the development of breeding, new varieties of apricot have appeared that have become resistant to low temperatures. One of these trees is the Lel apricot variety. Subsequently, this plant won the recognition of gardeners, since apricot not only tolerates frost, but also has many useful qualities.
Description of the variety
The selective apricot variety Lel was bred in the 80s of the last century.Scientists A.K. Skvortsov and L.A. Kramarenko also compiled basic descriptions of the variety. This is a natural mutation in the second and third generations, which was formed due to open pollination. One of the most important qualities of this variety is that it can be grown in any region.
Important! To preserve the plant and increase fruiting, it is necessary to cover the plant for the winter.
The height does not exceed three meters. The crown is graceful, not large, and looks like a mushroom. Apricot variety Lel does not grow quickly. This greatly helps to simplify the care of the tree, makes it easier for the gardener to annually treat pests, and simplifies the collection of fruits.
The ellipse-shaped leaves, which become smaller towards the end, have serrated edges. The front side of the leaf has an intense green color, the back side is paler, and is shrouded in short and soft fibers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before choosing Lel apricot, you need to pay attention to its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Frost resistance.
- Planted in any region.
- Does not require frequent feeding or specific care.
- Drought resistance.
- Accuracy.
Flaws:
- Low yield.
- Average fruit weight.
- Susceptible to the disease: clasterosporosis.
- Frequent attacks of aphids.
- Big bone.
Characteristic
The main characteristics of the plant include its behavior in winter and summer, productivity and disease resistance. Also, when describing a tree, attention is paid to the timing of harvest and flowering period.
Let's take a closer look at the features of the Lel apricot.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Withstands frosts down to -27 degrees, with sufficient shelter. The tree needs to be prepared in advance for the winter cold.
It tolerates long-term droughts and can be planted in summer cottages and not have to worry about watering the garden.
Tolerates temperature fluctuations from + to -3.
Flowering period and ripening time
The flowers are white, sometimes pink, self-pollinating, since the flowers have both stamens and pistils, and there are also inflorescences that require cross-pollination. If the growing area is favorable, it bears fruit at the end of July.
Productivity and fruiting
These apricot varieties ripen first. Fruits every year. The first fruits should be expected four years after planting the seedling. For a sufficient harvest, it is recommended to plant 2-3 seedlings.
The ovary is present on single flowers and inflorescences.
The diameter of the inflorescences is 3 centimeters, and can withstand temperatures down to -3 degrees. The fruits are round, flattened on both sides. Weighs 20 grams. The color is orange, there is no blush or fuzz. Inside the fruit there is dense and elastic pulp.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Apricot Lel is not attacked by pests, including aphids. Only 1 tree out of 10 suffers from harmful bugs and diseases. With proper and regular pest control, fruiting will please the owner.
Suffering from diseases:
- moniliosis;
- bacterial hole spot;
- Valsa mushroom;
- verticillosis.
To prevent the occurrence of diseases, it is necessary to treat with copper-containing preparations.
Landing Features
Apricots are planted in early spring, when active sap flow begins. Night temperature should be above +10 degrees. In autumn they are planted 2 months before the onset of cold weather. Since it is impossible to predict cold weather in the fall, and during frost the seedling may die, it is better to plant the crop in the spring.
Planted in a sunny place where there are no drafts or north winds. The soil should be drained before planting. Suitable soil for apricot Lel:
- black soil;
- sandy loam;
- loamy.
When planted in sandy and clayey soil, the tree gets burned and ages and is susceptible to diseases.
It is not recommended to plant it next to other fruit-bearing trees, as this variety does not like to share territory. Do not plant near:
- Apple trees.
- Plum.
- Cherry.
- Nut.
- Peach.
- Pears.
- Cherry.
Do not plant next to currant and raspberry bushes.
When forming the crown of a tree, gardeners install a wooden shield on the north side, painted with white. It reflects sunlight, illuminating and warming the tree, which helps the correct formation of the crown.
The tree needs to be planted on a hillock; the latter should be done artificially. The height of the elevation above the ground is 70 centimeters.
The advantages of the Lel apricot are self-fertility. After all, when the tree is in flower, there are no bees or bumblebees. This variety is self-pollinating, which guarantees annual fruiting.
