Apricot Zhigulevsky souvenir: description of the variety and characteristics, planting and care

Varietal features

Before planting a crop, it is worth studying its main varietal characteristics.

Wood appearance

The tree has certain characteristics:

the plant is considered medium-sized - its height is 3-4 meters;
the culture develops relatively quickly and forms a round or pyramidal shape, which is characterized by medium density;
shoots are covered with smooth light brown bark;
the leaves are large in size, rounded at the base and pointed at the tip;
the leaf blades are flat, light green in color and covered with slight fluff;
the petiole is medium in size.

Flowering and pollination period

The inflorescences include 2 white-pink flowers. The flowering of the crop begins in May.

Description of fruits

The fruits are characterized by the following features:

round-oval shape and large sizes weighing 21-35 grams;
orange tint and red blush;
sweet taste with pronounced sourness;
medium-density peel without fluff;
a large stone that lies freely inside the fruit and can be easily removed.

Ripening time

This is an early ripening crop, the harvest of which can be harvested at the end of July. The fruiting phase begins at 4-5 years.

Productivity

The variety is characterized by excellent yield parameters. From 1 tree you can get 45-50 kilograms of fruit.

Tasting qualities and scope of application

The fruits are characterized by excellent commercial properties and excellent transportability. If harvested slightly unripe, it can be stored for a week.

(Hargrand)

Apricot variety - Hargrand
Canadian apricot variety, selection by George Line. Developed at Harrow Experimental Station. Late ripening.

The tree is vigorous, with a spreading crown. Fruits annually and abundantly. The variety is self-sterile. Increased winter hardiness.

The fruits ripen in the first half of August.

The fruits are large, weighing 70-100 g, oval, slightly flattened on the stalk side, attractive. The skin is orange, with a slight spotted blush covering up to 20% of the fruit. The pulp is orange, lighter near the seed, tasty, with a light aroma. The stone is medium-sized, oval, round, easily separated from the pulp.

At low positive temperatures it tolerates short-term storage.

Advantages of the variety: resistant to moniliosis and bacterial burn. Fruits of high taste, universal purpose, transportable, and also suitable for industrial processing.

Characteristic features of the Zhigulevsky souvenir

Before planting this apricot variety, it is worth studying its key characteristics. This will help provide him with quality and complete care.

Drought resistance, winter hardiness

This plant can hardly tolerate prolonged absence of moisture. If the climatic conditions of the region allow the tree trunk to remain moist, additional watering of the plant is not required. In hot summers, watering is carried out as needed. This is done when the soil near the roots dries out.

The tree has excellent frost resistance. It can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees.

Resistance to diseases and pests

This variety is characterized by resistance to pathogenic bacteria. If you constantly monitor the condition of the leaves, it is possible to detect infestation by harmful insects in time. This allows you to eliminate them in time.

Son of Red-Cheeked

Tsyurupa pineapple The fruits are of medium size, weighing 40 g. The stalk is thick, attached to the tree moderately, not very firmly to the fruit, and may fall off in strong winds. The skin is medium dense, medium pubescent. The color is light yellow, matte, without blush. The pulp is light yellow with an orange tint, soft-fiber, medium density, juicy, sweet and sour, aromatic, good taste (tasting score 4 - 4.5 points). The taste depends on the growing conditions. In the south, the fruits are sweeter; in rainy summers, they are juicier and more diluted. Poor agricultural technology causes a deterioration in the taste of fruits. With a lack of moisture, astringency and even bitterness appear in the fruits. When overripe, the fruits fall off. The seed is sweet. The fruits ripen almost simultaneously. Transportability and shelf life are good, universal use - fresh and for making compotes, juices, jams, preserves. Productivity is average. The variety is recommended for cultivation in the Steppe and Forest-Steppe zones.

Landing specifics

To achieve success in growing crops, it is recommended to carry out planting work correctly. In this case, it is worth considering certain features.

Deadlines

Planting work for plants with closed roots is recommended to be carried out in the spring. Thanks to this, the seedling will have time to take root and prepare for winter.

If the plant was purchased with bare roots, planting is carried out in mid-March.

In this case, the soil should warm up by 10 centimeters, and the air temperature at night should not drop below +5 degrees.

Choosing a suitable location

The plant does not tolerate soil with high groundwater levels. Therefore, the tree should be planted in an elevated place that is well lit by the sun. The site must be protected from draft and wind. If groundwater is high, it is recommended to make drainage. There are no special requirements for the composition of the soil.

What to plant next

Apricot of this variety does not tolerate proximity to currants and raspberries. You should not plant the crop after removing peach, cherry, and plum. All plants that create shade absorb moisture and nutrients.

Landing rules

It is recommended to buy rooted seedlings. Exposed roots may become weathered, which will make it difficult for the plant to adapt. Developed roots adapt better to new conditions and will not suffer from diseases.

Rhizomes should be at least 10-15 centimeters in length. They must be healthy and branched. There should be no rot or symptoms of disease on the roots.

Plants should be planted at a distance of at least 4-5 meters. It is recommended to prepare the pit in the fall. Its dimensions should be 70x70x70 centimeters. It is recommended to make a mound at the bottom and place a seedling. The roots should be spread out to the sides and sprinkled with soil.

It is recommended to stick a pole near the roots, which will act as a support. When rooting, it is worth checking that the root collar is located 7-8 centimeters from the surface of the earth.

Growing conditions

Apricots should grow in a well-lit area, protected from the winds. If the tree remains in the shade for a long time, this will affect the quality and taste of the fruits - they will be small and less sweet. You should not plant Zhigulevsky souvenir apricot near buildings or between houses. This will have a detrimental effect on productivity. The building or high fence should be located only on the north side to protect the plant from the wind.

Did you know? Apricot trees are grown not only for their useful fruits. The gum that appears on the trunks is used to make glue and oil emulsions, and the wood is used to make musical instruments with excellent sound.

It is unacceptable to plant apricots in areas where there is close proximity to the surface of groundwater or stagnation of moisture. Groundwater should be no closer than 1.5 m from the soil surface. The best soils for apricot trees are light, nutritious loams or sandy loams with a neutral or low acidity level.

Caring for fruit crops

In order for the plant to develop normally, it is recommended to provide it with high-quality and complete care.

Watering

Apricots of this variety are characterized by a superficial root system. The plant can hardly tolerate dry weather and requires systematic soil moisture. Watering is carried out 4-5 times during the season.

Under 1 tree it is worth adding 20-30 liters of water.

Be sure to water the plant during and before flowering. The procedure is also carried out during the active development of shoots, a couple of weeks before the fruit ripens. The last time the procedure is performed is in July. It is worth watering the soil in the morning or evening, when the sun is not so aggressive and cannot cause burns.

Trimming

Apricot requires systematic pruning. The procedure helps to increase crop productivity, make fruits of higher quality, and strengthen the immune system.

Formative pruning should be done at less than 5 years of age. After planting, it is worth cutting off a third of the trunk. Subsequently formed shoots are recommended to be shortened by a third. In spring and autumn, it is worth cutting off damaged, dry, twisted branches.

If shoots develop rapidly, it is permissible to prune the tree in summer. In this case, it is recommended to trim the branches by 10-15 centimeters. The lower shoots that are in contact with the ground should be completely removed. They provoke the spread of diseases.

In addition to pruning shoots, it is worth getting rid of root shoots. It absorbs the beneficial components of the main plant and causes a decrease in its productivity.

Fertilizer application

Such trees require systematic fertilization. It is worth feeding the soil from 2 years after planting. In spring, urea is used. It should be applied before flowering and after flowering. The substance is also required during severe fall of the ovaries.

Preparing for winter

The culture is considered heat-loving, therefore it requires mandatory preparation for winter. The procedure involves sanitary trimming and whitewashing. Insulation of the trunk and roots is of no small importance.

Pruning is carried out before the temperature drops to +8 degrees. If the procedure is carried out in colder conditions, there is a risk of problems with the healing of damaged areas.

With the help of whitewashing it is possible to protect the plant from diseases, parasites and frost damage. A special mixture is used to carry out the procedure. It is made from slaked lime and mullein.

The trunk is insulated with spruce branches or burlap. Any materials that allow air to pass through well are suitable for this purpose. The roots should be insulated using mulching. To do this, the tree trunk circle is covered with humus, sawdust or peat. The thickness of the mulch layer should be 20 centimeters.

What varieties are there for the Middle Zone?

The main thing you should pay attention to when choosing an apricot variety for growing in central Russia is its winter hardiness. This is the most important characteristic, since in regions other than the south there may be severe winters that heat-loving varieties will not survive

Late spring and early autumn frosts also sometimes occur, which can damage young leaves and ripened fruits.

A little history

The creation of winter-hardy apricot varieties began in the 19th century by the famous scientist I.V. Michurin. Later, his work was continued by other Russian breeders. As a result, varieties of frost-resistant apricots have been created that are suitable for cultivation in the Middle Zone, such as:

Gardens of such apricots are still preserved in monasteries in the Central region. Such varieties were created by crossing southern apricots with Manchurian apricot, which has unpalatable fruits, but withstands harsh winters.

Manchurian apricot has unpalatable fruit and is usually used as a pollinator for self-sterile varieties.

Winter-hardy varieties included in the State Register

Currently, breeding work continues, and along with old-time apricots, new varieties are appearing. Let's consider those that are currently registered by the Federal State Register of Agricultural Achievements as suitable for planting in central Russia.

Early ripening varieties

These apricots ripen in the first ten days of August; Iceberg and Alyosha can ripen even at the end of July.

Iceberg. Medium-sized, fast-growing variety. The plant has a raised crown of medium density with wide, shiny dark green leaves. It has straight dark red shoots. After grafting, the tree begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year. The fruits are orange-red, slightly pubescent. The pulp is yellow, sweet and sour, tender and juicy.

The fruits of the Iceberg variety ripen in late July-early August

The Lel variety has small but tasty fruits

Mid-season varieties

The fruits of these varieties ripen in the second ten days of August.

Aquarius. A vigorous, fast-growing variety. The tree has a spreading, raised crown of medium density with thick, straight, dark red shoots. The leaves of the plant are large, smooth, dark green. Fruiting begins in the 3rd year. The fruits are yellow-orange in color, slightly pubescent. The pulp is orange, sweet and sour, tender and juicy.

The Aquarius variety has medium-sized fruits and excellent taste.

Late ripening varieties

Apricots of late-ripening varieties ripen in mid-to-late August, but if the summer was cold and rainy, they may remain unripe.

Monastic. Medium-sized, fast-growing variety. The crown of the tree is of medium density, spreading, spherical. The shoots of the plant are straight, brownish-yellowish in color; the leaves are large, dark green. It begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year. Apricots are yellow-pink in color and slightly pubescent. The pulp is yellow, sweet-sour, juicy.

The Monastyrsky variety is characterized by high productivity

Table: tasting scores and fruit weight

Variety name	Iceberg	Alyosha	Lel	Tsarsky	Aquarius	Countess	Monastic	Favorite
Average fruit weight, grams	20	13	18	15	25	22	22	30
Tasting rating	4	3	5	4	5	5	4	4,5

Table: average yield

Variety name	Iceberg	Alyosha	Lel	Tsarsky	Aquarius	Countess	Monastic	Favorite
Average yield, centners per hectare	48	43	40	30	133	70	150	30

Video: secrets of growing apricots in the Middle Zone

The apricot variety Delight has beautiful, very tasty fruits

The Khabarovsky variety has large, weighty fruits

The Red-cheeked variety was named for the characteristic “ruddy” color of the fruits.

There are quite a few varieties of apricot that are suitable for growing in central Russia. Thanks to their frost resistance, they will survive cold winters, and with proper care, southern fruits will delight the summer resident for many years.

Diseases and pests: treatment and prevention

Sometimes the plant suffers from diseases and harmful insects. Common pathologies include the following:

Cytosporosis. As the pathology develops, the bark becomes covered with small gray bumps. At the same time, the leaves wither and dry out. To cope with the problem, dry shoots should be removed. Spring treatment of the crop with Bordeaux mixture with a concentration of 1% will help to avoid the disease.
Bacterial necrosis. In this case, the bark becomes covered with burns, which transform into ulcers. Gum then flows out of them. The affected fragments should be cut off and burned. It is recommended to treat open damage with copper sulfate at a concentration of 1%, and then lubricate it with garden varnish.
Moniliosis. Branches and leaves turn brown and wither. During the flowering period, the tree should be sprayed with a solution of Bordeaux mixture with a concentration of 1%. When symptoms of the disease appear, the tree should be treated with Topsin M or Topaz.

Often the tree suffers from attacks from various pests. These include:

Aphid. Parasites live on the underside of leaves. They absorb the juice of the leaves, which causes them to curl and dry out. The affected fruits should be removed, the old bark cut off and the trunk whitened. It is recommended to dig up the soil. The leaves are treated with Fufanon and Fitoverm.
Codling moth. These insects cause damage to the fruit from the inside.
Leaf roller. Parasites attack flower buds and fruits.

Mid-season apricot varieties

Varieties of apricots with descriptions and photos

A distinctive feature of these varieties is their increased resistance to low temperatures and lack of moisture.

drying and making dried fruits
all types of conservation
culinary purposes (making desserts)
fresh consumption

Among the variety of varieties with average ripening periods, favorites have already emerged that deserve mandatory attention.

Pineapple

The productivity is very high. The first fruits can be tasted 5 years after planting; their number steadily increases every year. After 15 years, an adult tree can produce 155 kg of mature fruit.

Frost resistance is average, but disease resistance is quite high. The fruits are medium in size and characterized by a very pleasant aroma. The taste is sweet. At maturity they are pale yellow or completely white in color.

Great for:

drying
all types of canning
preparing desserts
fresh consumption
sales

Shalah

You can enjoy the first fruits 4 years after planting. The tree is very tall, its lifespan is about 65 years. This allows more than one generation of gardeners to enjoy delicious fruits.

Productivity is high, apricot of this variety is undemanding to the soil and is well adapted to any climatic conditions. Does not require special care. Resistant to major types of diseases.

During frosts, when most apricots can no longer bear fruit, Shalah can please you with a rich harvest. But the tree does not tolerate severe frosts well.

The weight of the fruit reaches 53 grams. The taste is simply excellent. The fruits have an attractive appearance.

At maturity, their color is uniform, dark orange, reminiscent of an orange. Suitable for all types of canning, processing and fresh consumption.

Russian

A very good variety that can please you with fruits 5 years after planting. Disease resistance is high, frost resistance is also very good. The height of the tree is small, but the crown is quite spreading and not compact.

The fruits of the Russian are large, the weight of one can reach 112 grams. The skin is quite dense and has a uniform yellow color when ripe. Ripening occurs around the end of July.

Apricots can be processed and canned, or eaten fresh.

Saratov ruby

The variety is perfectly adapted to the climate of the northern regions. Tolerates severe frosts down to -40°C without damaging fruiting. High resistance to diseases, but at the same time requires timely care.

Good yield. The average weight of one fruit of this variety reaches 40 grams, but larger specimens are also found. The color is uniform, with a characteristic ruby blush.

Sometimes it occupies almost the entire area of a ripe apricot. The skin is quite dense, the taste characteristics are at a very high level. The fruits tolerate transportation well, without losing their commercial qualities and maintaining their presentation.

When preparing compotes and dried fruits, a beautiful color is preserved

Royal

A very productive variety, capable of producing about 156 kg of ripe fruits from one tree in one season. High frost resistance, good resistance to major types of diseases. The first fruits can be tasted within a couple of years after planting the seedling.

The weight of one fruit is about 44 grams, the peel is quite dense. The taste is excellent, the flesh is very sweet. The fruits are beautiful; when ripe they are yellow in color with a red blush.

They tolerate transportation well and retain commercial quality. Can be used both fresh and for processing.

Triumph Northern

It begins to produce tasty and beautiful fruits 5 years after planting. The tree is frost-resistant, resistant to major types of diseases. After a couple of years, it may show the ability to self-pollinate.

The fruits have an average weight of 55 grams. The taste is simply excellent: soft and sweet pulp with a classic aroma will not leave anyone indifferent. Ripe apricots tolerate transportation well.

Ripening occurs in mid-summer.

Can be used for:

fresh consumption
jam and kaisa preparations
Juicing
sales

It is the middle varieties that are considered the most versatile and adapted to any climate. By giving preference to mid-ripening apricots, a novice gardener has the least risk of making a mistake and choosing a seedling that is not zoned for a specific region.