Gardeners are happy with the Ulyanikhinsky apricot. The plant does not require special care and is resistant to major diseases and pests. And you can enjoy delicious fruits every year. Moreover, the harvest allows the whole family to eat to their heart's content and stock up on canned vitamins.
History of origin
Russian gardener Ivan Michurin managed to obtain apricot varieties that were improved in their characteristics. His work was continued by scientific institutions and amateur gardeners. One of them is L.M.Ulyaninikhin created a variety named after him.
Apricot Ulyanikhinsky was obtained by crossing the varieties Tovarishch (author Michurin), Satzer and Krasnoshchekiy. The result was appreciated: in 2004, Ulyanikhinsky was included in the State Register of Cultivated Plants for the Central Black Earth District.
Today the variety is often found in gardens. Its main value: you can start enjoying apricots in the third year after planting the tree. With proper care, fruiting is regular.
Description of the variety
Apricot attracts gardeners. The reason for this is its varietal characteristics. Description of the variety:
- spreading crown (up to 3 m in diameter);
- height 3.5 m;
- foliage is average;
- average branching;
- bark color brownish-red;
- the location of the shoots is vertical;
- internodes are short;
- buds are cone-shaped, lagging behind the shoots;
- the leaf is rounded, the tip is sharp, the edge is serrated;
- stipules weakly dissected;
- white flowers;
- early ripening variety (ripens at the end of July);
- apricot is self-fertile (ovaries are formed without the presence of pollinating plants).
Distinctive feature: Ulyanikha blooms before the leaves bloom. Agronomists recommend planting 1-2 year old seedlings. Young trees take root better and begin to bear fruit faster.
Characteristics of apricots:
- maximum fetal weight 33 g;
- apricot shape is oval-round;
- the skin is thin but strong;
- apricot is bright yellow with a pronounced blush;
- the pulp is juicy, yellow;
- the mass of the bone is 3% of the total mass;
- The seed of a ripe fruit is easily separated;
- The taste is excellent - sweet and sour.
Gardeners consider fruit shedding to be a disadvantage of Ulyanikha. Ripe apricots do not stick well to the branches. But those collected on time are perfectly stored for 2-3 weeks in a cool place.
Features of cultivation
Ulyanikhinsky pleases summer residents with a stable harvest with minimal care. But it is still necessary to follow the basic rules.
Dates and place
For a comfortable existence, an apricot needs to be allocated 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.
Ulyanikhinsky does well when placed on the south side of dacha buildings. 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.
It is recommended to plant an annual seedling 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.
Site preparation
Ulyanikha 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 pit should be filled with mature organic matter and mineral complex mixed with soil. It is recommended to prepare the hole in the spring for planned autumn planting and in the fall for spring planting.
Plant a one-year-old seedling in a hole. It should freely accommodate the apricot root system. If it is impossible to immediately place the tree in a permanent place, it must be buried. In this condition, the apricot can spend the season without loss.
Pollinators
Ulyanikha is a self-fertile variety. It does not require pollinating trees for stable fruiting.But to increase the yield, it is recommended to place 2-3 apricots on the plot, blooming at the same time as it. Red-cheeked, Michurinsky Best will do.
Care
Young seedlings require proper care. 1-2 year old trees are especially vulnerable. Mature trees need regular pruning, watering, fertilizing and protection from pests.
Preparing for winter
Preparations for winter should begin in advance. It is recommended to tie young seedlings with burlap to prevent damage by hares and frost damage.
For trees of any age, moisture-charging watering is required. This measure will help the apricot survive the cold season. The tree trunk circle should be cleared of weeds and covered with pine needles. Small rodents will not make nests in thorny places.
In winter, after snowstorms, the snow should be trampled down around the trunk over the entire area of the trunk circle. This destroys rodent burrows and protects the trunk. Thick snow cover prevents the onset of sap flow during thaws.
Trimming
Ulyanikhinsky is prone to overgrowing. But a thick crown will not allow insects to pollinate the flowers evenly. And ripening fruits require sunlight. Therefore, pruning should 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..
Tree feeding
When planting in a filled planting hole, no feeding is required for the first 3 years: the tree has enough nutrition. And then you should add mineral complexes 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.
Harvest and storage
Ulyanikhinsky is prone to fruit shedding. They cannot be kept on the tree. Apricots begin to be harvested in the last weeks of July. For convenience, it is recommended to use a fruit picker. This way the apricots are less damaged and stored longer.
The collected fruits need to be sorted. Place strong ones in boxes or baskets in a layer of 5-7 cm and lower them into a ventilated cellar. There Apricots will keep well within 3 weeks. Soft and wrinkled ones need to be recycled immediately.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Gardeners note the positive qualities of Ulyanikhinsky:
- regular fruiting;
- self-fertility;
- winter hardiness;
- excellent transportability;
- delicate taste of fruits;
- universal purpose of apricots;
- resistance to diseases and pests.
But the variety also has disadvantages:
- tendency to fruit shedding;
- increased formation of shoots;
- chopping of fruits due to violation of care rules;
- sensitivity to soil waterlogging.
Competent gardeners can easily cope with shortcomings.
Diseases and pests
Ulyanikha has good immunity to major diseases and pests. But this requires proper care of the tree. If the recommendations are not followed, the apricot is affected by codling moths, leaf rollers and aphids.
At the first signs of damage, it is recommended to treat with insecticides (according to the instructions). To effectively control aphids, garden ants must be removed. This procedure is performed in March-April.
