Apricot Black Prince: description, photo, planting and care

History of selection

The development of the “Black Prince” was carried out by the Artemovsk research station in Bakhmut (Donetsk region). The main goal of selection was to obtain a variety that would be resistant to frost, but at the same time not lose its taste. Biologist Ivan Michurin tried to achieve this result.

Being a hybrid of apricot and plum, “Black Prince” met the expectations of its creators. Previously, black varieties of the crop were suitable only for the southern regions, but now such fruit trees can be grown even in the Urals and Siberia.

Using barrels for planting

If in your area the groundwater lies too close to the surface, experts recommend planting seedlings in barrels dug into the ground (with the bottom cut out). In this case, the planting hole is first prepared and covered with pebbles (or other drainage).

Then the hole should be filled with soil substrate, after which the barrel is installed so that it rises half a meter above the ground. A tree planted in this way is reliably protected from rising groundwater in the spring and excess snow at the base of the trunk in winter.

Description of the apricot variety Black Prince

The hybrid, with its compactness, is more reminiscent of a shrub. Its height does not exceed 3.5-4 m. Main characteristics of the variety:

• the crown is small and slightly thickened;
• growth strength is average;
• the appearance of single spines on the branches, they are usually formed in the 6th year of life;
• dark green bark;
• the leaves are small and oval, with finely serrated serrations along the edges;
• short petioles;
• abundant flowering;
• flowers are white or pale pink, small in size;
• fruit weight is 55-65 g, in the southern regions it can reach 90 g;
• the flesh is firm but juicy;
• dark burgundy thin skin, when fully ripe it becomes almost black, slightly pubescent;
• the bone is small in size and difficult to separate;
• the taste is sweet and sour with light tart notes, it combines the qualities of both apricot and plum, many people also feel a peach tint;
• characteristic apricot aroma.

The photo shows “Black Prince” apricots, picked shortly before full ripeness. After a few days, their skin would become darker.

The taste of “Black Prince” is sweet and sour, with a slight tartness

Reproduction methods

The Black Prince apricot is a hybrid, so it cannot be grown from a seed (some varietal properties may be lost). The crop is propagated only by vegetative methods:

• vaccination;
• cuttings.

The most effective way is vaccination. Cuttings are harvested in the fall and stored in the cellar or refrigerator. To prevent them from drying out, they are placed in a container of water. In May, an incision in the shape of the letter “T” is made on the rootstock, and an oblique cut is made on the scion. The grafting site is fixed using budding tape.

Black Prince apricot can also be grown from cuttings. They are harvested at the end of May - they take a shoot with several leaves, make an oblique lower cut and a straight upper cut. Place in a solution with a growth stimulator overnight, then transplant into fertile soil and cover with a jar. They are watered periodically, transplanted to a permanent place in the fall and carefully covered for the winter.

Characteristics

The characteristics of the "Black Prince" differ from the classic yellow apricot varieties. This concerns its resistance to adverse conditions, timing of flowering and fruiting.

Drought resistance, winter hardiness

"Black Prince" has a long dormant period, so winter hardiness is higher compared to many apricot varieties. The culture survives frosts well down to -30 °C. This hybrid is not afraid of spring frosts due to its later flowering period.

“Black Prince” is not resistant to drought. Seedlings and young trees are especially sensitive to it.

Pollinators of the Black Prince apricot

The hybrid is self-fertile. It is still recommended to plant several pollinators nearby to increase the number of ovaries. Neighbors of the culture for this can be:

• apricots of other varieties;
• cherry plum;
• Russian or Chinese plum.

Comment! It is necessary to choose pollinating neighbors so that the timing of flowering and fruiting is as close as possible.

Flowering period and ripening time

Apricot begins to bloom at the end of May, when the threat of frost has already passed. This allows you to safely grow the crop in the central and northern regions.

This hybrid is early bearing. Despite the late flowering, apricots begin to ripen at the end of July. Depending on the growing region, fruiting dates may shift until mid-August.

Comment! “Black Prince” begins to bear fruit stably already in the 2nd year of life.

Productivity, fruiting

Productivity is good. From one tree you can get up to 23-30 kg per season. Apricots are harvested in August-September. They survive transportation well if slightly immature.

To prevent the fruits of the “Black Prince” from falling off, the crop should be harvested shortly before full ripeness

Area of ​​application of fruits

Black Prince apricots are good fresh, but it is better to use them for preparations. You can make compotes and juices, preserves and jams, freeze whole or sliced ​​fruits.

Resistance to diseases and pests

When creating the Black Prince hybrid, breeders did a good job on its resistance to disease. The culture is rarely affected by bacterial infections and has high immunity to the main fungal infections:

• Clusterosporiasis, also called perforated spot;
• cytosporiasis (drying);
• moniliosis, or monilial burn (fruit rot).

Advantages and disadvantages

Many of the benefits of the Black Prince are due to its hybrid origin. The advantages of the variety are:

• good yield;
• high winter hardiness;
• late flowering, eliminating damage from spring return frosts;
• excellent immunity to bacterial and fungal infections;
• small size, making it easier to care for trees;
• large fruits;
• excellent taste;
• the versatility of using apricots;
• self-pollination;
• decorative during flowering.

“The Black Prince” is not without its negative features. Some of them are not terrible if harvested on time.

Disadvantages of the variety:

1. The skin of overripe fruits cracks.
2. Fully ripe apricots cannot be transported without major losses.
3. The tree trunk circle needs mulching for the winter so that the roots of the tree do not freeze out.
4. Over time, thorns appear on the branches, interfering with harvesting.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Black apricot itself is an interesting and unusual fruit crop; it looks beautiful when flowering. The compact size of the Black Prince variety and its self-fertility may arouse interest among owners of small plots.

• Its advantages include the following:
• no need for pollinators;
• winter hardiness and the ability to “escape” return frosts;
• stable and high productivity;
• unusual for an apricot, but pleasant taste;
• large-fruited - this is the largest variety among its own kind;
• disease resistance;
• versatility of fruit use;
• unpretentiousness regarding soil composition.

• Flaws:
• ripened fruits are poorly transported, begin to become covered with cracks and bleed juice;
• shedding of ripe and overripe fruits;
• poor storage ability.

Planting and caring for apricot Black Prince

To grow the Black Prince apricot without problems and reap a good harvest, you need to choose the right place for the crop, prepare the soil and find healthy seedlings. It is important to plant them correctly and provide proper care.

Recommended timing

The Black Prince apricot can be planted in spring or autumn. The optimal periods are March-May and August-October. Autumn planting of the crop is suitable for temperate and southern zones; it is recommended in Stavropol and the Krasnodar Territory. In the northern regions, work should be carried out only in the spring.

Planting is best done on cloudy days; drizzling rain is welcome

Comment! The survival rate of apricot is higher when planted in spring.

Choosing a suitable location

To successfully grow the “Black Prince” you need to choose a place that meets the following requirements:

1. Sunny and windless side, south if possible.
2. It is better to choose a place protected by a fence, building, or natural hill.
3. Fertile, light and well-drained soil.
4. Upland without close groundwater.
5. Soil acidity 6.5-7 pH.

Attention! Apricot does not like heavy and clayey soil, excess moisture and salinity.

What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?

“Black Prince” is effectively placed next to cherry plum or plum. They promote cross-pollination, increasing yields. Apricot gets along well with various flowers.

Undesirable neighbors for the Black Prince hybrid are:

• pear;
• cherry;
• any nut trees;
• raspberries;
• peach;
• Rowan;
• currant;
• cherries;
• Apple tree.

The proximity of such trees and shrubs increases the risk of disease and pests. Another disadvantage of this neighborhood is the depletion of the soil, since crops need the same elements.

Selection and preparation of planting material

You can find apricot seedlings of different ages on sale, but it is better to choose 1-2 year old specimens. They must meet a number of requirements:

• height up to 1 m;
• an even and smooth trunk without damage or signs of disease;
• the presence of several branches with buds;
• a healthy root system is fibrous; fused specimens are unacceptable.

In the fall, when buying a cutting for the winter, it should be put in a cool place, the temperature should not exceed 5 °C. To preserve the roots, place them in a clay pot, dry them and wrap them in cloth or burlap. Seedlings should be stored in a dry box, the root system should be sprinkled with damp sand.

Landing algorithm

The planting hole for the “Black Prince” must be prepared at least a month in advance. If the work is planned for spring, then it is better to start preparations in the fall:

1. Make a hole at least 0.5 m wide and deep.
2. Pour a layer of expanded clay or river pebbles.
3. Fill the remaining space with soil mixture - replace a third of the excavated soil with peat, add 1.5 kg of wood ash and 0.4 kg of superphosphate.
4. Organize a film shelter for the winter.

The size of the planting hole should be larger than the root system

In the spring, dig up the chosen place, loosen it and make a hole again.

Apricot planting process:

1. Inspect the seedling; it should not be damaged or diseased.
2. Shorten the stalk. If there are leaves, remove them and cut the branches by a third. This measure delays the evaporation of moisture and protects during frosts.
3. Carefully place the seedling in the hole and cover it with soil, compacting it.
4. Drive a peg 20 cm from the cutting and tie the apricot to it.
5. Create a mound around the perimeter of the hole to retain water.
6. Water generously (2-3 buckets).
7. Mulch the tree trunk circle. You can use compost instead.

Reviews from gardeners

★★★★★
Margarita, 35 years old, economist. On the advice of friends, I planted this variety four years ago.
And now, after a few years, I am harvesting a good harvest. I like apricot fruits for their taste, which is so similar to cherry plum. I make jam and seal compotes for the winter. I am very pleased that I chose this particular variety of apricot. ★★★★★
Gennady, 30 years old, driver. I live in an area with predominantly cold winters.
And I really like this apricot variety, Black Prince, for its frost resistance. I cover it well, the roots don’t freeze, and the fruits are juicy and large in summer - their weight is up to 60 g. We are very happy with the whole family. The neighbors also followed our example and planted three apricot seedlings. Hide

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Subsequent care of the crop

"Black Prince" requires comprehensive care. Its main measures are:

1. Water regularly and moderately, preferably in the evening. As the crop matures, it needs less and less additional moisture. Watering is especially important in hot weather and drought, during the formation of ovaries, after harvesting and before wintering before frost.
2. Loosen and weed the soil after rains and watering.
3. Feed apricots with organic matter and mineral fertilizers for fruit and berry crops. Dosage and composition should be based on the age of the tree and the stage of vegetation. With active growth and ripening of fruits, potassium-phosphorus supplements are needed.
4. Formative pruning should be done for the first 3-4 years.
5. Regular preventative pruning with removal of branches growing inward.
6. Mulching the tree trunk circle after watering and for the winter.
7. Treating a trunk 0.5 m high with a mixture of slaked lime, PVA glue and copper sulfate. This repels insects and rodents.
8. In regions with cold winters or little snow cover, cover the tree with burlap or other breathable material.

Attention! Apricot "Black Prince" does not tolerate excess fertilizers and nitrogen fertilizing. There is no need to water the crop when it rains.

You can look at the tree and learn about the experience of growing the Black Prince apricot in the video:

Features of care

Growing the Black Prince is no more difficult than any other tree. Agricultural techniques are known to everyone: watering, pruning and fertilizing. But you should pay attention to some nuances. First of all, this concerns feeding the plant. The Black Prince reacts poorly to excessive application of fertilizers, especially nitrogen-containing ones. Therefore, organic matter should be added only at the beginning of the growing season and in a minimal amount. For this purpose, you can use compost or well-rotted manure. Bird droppings are absolutely not suitable, as they contain a lot of nitrogen. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied minimally during the period of crop formation.

The plant should be watered moderately but often. The Black Prince does not tolerate a lack of moisture well, and its excess can lead to rotting of the roots. After harvesting, the frequency of watering is reduced. This allows the young growth of branches to mature before the onset of cold weather. For the same reason, you cannot plant vegetables under trees, which have to be watered more often than the tree needs.

A special feature of the variety is that the tree crown thickens little. In spring and autumn, sanitary pruning is carried out, when frozen, broken or diseased branches are removed. The crown should be formed in the first 3–4 years after planting. Then only if necessary, when weak shoots growing inwards are removed.

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Formative pruning begins at planting

For young seedlings, in late autumn it is better to insulate the base of the trunk with foliage, peat or spruce branches. This will prevent freezing, especially if the winter has little snow. When the snowdrifts are large, then at the beginning of spring you need to remove some of the snow from the trunk, leaving 40–50 centimeters. A thicker cover will have a negative effect on the lower part of the plant.

Diseases and pests

The Black Prince has high resistance to fungal diseases, but, unfortunately, not absolute. In addition, there are various trees in the garden that may be more susceptible to various infections. Under favorable conditions (high temperatures and humidity), the risk of their spread to other plants increases. Infections in the Black Prince are the same as in ordinary apricots or other stone fruits.

Table: apricot diseases and their treatment

Photo gallery: fungal diseases of apricot

Manifestation of kleasterosporiosis

Moniliosis affects all stone fruits

Fruit rot can destroy an entire crop

Insect pests that may appear on apricots:

Aphids are one of the most common pests in our gardens. A large number of ants on the site contributes to its dispersal very quickly, and the fertility of the aphid is such that tens of generations appear per season. To combat these sucking insects, drugs such as Karbofos, Fitoverm and others are used (according to the instructions). The appearance of aphids at a time when the crop will soon need to be harvested makes it impossible to use chemicals. In this case, folk remedies to combat this pest will come to the rescue. You can treat the plant with a soap solution (dishing detergent or washing powder), but it is better to use laundry or tar soap. Grate a piece (100 g) on ​​a coarse grater and add a bucket of water. When the soap gets wet, the solution is mixed and the plants are treated with it. A good effect is achieved by using an infusion of wood ash (1 glass per 5 liters of water). Leave for a day, then add 1-2 tablespoons of detergent (for better adhesion). You can use hot pepper, horseradish or garlic. Treatment with such infusions is safe for humans and destructive for aphids. Finely chopped horseradish roots and leaves are poured with boiling water in a ratio of 1:2. After a day, strain, add 1-2 tablespoons of detergent and use. Finely chop hot pepper (1-2 pods) and pour 1 liter of boiling water. After 10–15 hours, strain and add a spoonful of detergent. Peel the garlic (1 large or 1-2 medium heads), pass through a garlic press, pour in a liter of boiling water. When the infusion has cooled, strain it and add detergent.

Weevils, scale insects, moths and other pests can move to apricot from neighboring trees. To destroy them, drugs such as Decis, Intavir, Aktara, etc. are used (according to the instructions). If the use of chemicals is not desirable, then a garlic-soap solution, tested by many generations of gardeners, will come to the rescue. The garlic is passed through a garlic press, laundry or tar soap is grated on a coarse grater and water is added in a ratio of 1:1:3. After a few hours, the solution is mixed, filtered and sprayed on the plant.

Everyone knows that it is easier to prevent diseases than to treat them. This is true for plants as well. Timely removal of plant debris, sanitary pruning and garden treatment in late autumn and early spring will significantly reduce the risk of infections or pests.

Diseases and pests

If agricultural practices are followed, the tree rarely gets sick. To prevent fungal diseases, it is recommended to spray the “Black Prince” with fungicides three times a season:

1. Fitosporin-M also prevents bacterial infections.
2. Fundazol.
3. Vectra.
4. Topaz.
5. Speed
6. Bordeaux mixture.
7. Copper sulfate.
8. Colloidal sulfur.

To prevent pest damage, insecticides must be systematically used. One of the enemies of apricot is aphid. You can fight it with the drugs “Akarin”, “Biotlin”, “Tanrek”, “Fitoverm”. Among the folk remedies, soap solution, infusion of zest, pine needles, garlic and chamomile are effective.

Aphids feed on the sap of young leaves, branches and buds and can destroy a tree