Apricot variety Tsarsky: description and characteristics of the variety

History of selection

The Tsarsky variety was bred in 1986 by the famous breeder L.A. Kramarenko, in collaboration with the head of the department of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.K. Skvortsov. For more than 50 years, two famous botanists have been breeding various varieties of apricots, adapted to the conditions of the Central region, and it is to this breeding work that gardeners owe the appearance of Tsar’s apricots in the Moscow region.

The Main Botanical Garden is where the variety was bred

The new variety was obtained through open pollination of seedlings, which was carried out over several generations. The final work on the hybrid was completed within 15 years, and in 2004 the Tsarsky apricot variety was included in the State Register for the Central Region. According to reviews of many summer residents, the best variety of apricot for the Moscow region is Tsarsky.

A little about how to grow winter-hardy apricots

Some gardeners collect apricot seeds of the varieties they like and sow them, carrying out natural selection. Very few sprouts survive, but the seedlings turn out to be the most adapted to specific conditions and can amaze with their harvest. There is another way. Finding apricot seedlings is not particularly difficult now. Nurseries sell various varieties of apricots that are resistant to frost in central Russia.

Video about growing winter-hardy apricots

Description of culture

Tsarsky apricot trees grow no more than 3.5-4 meters in height. Growth rates in the Moscow region are low. The plant produces few shoots. The degree of their branching is considered average, however, the first 4-5 years of the tree’s life can be high due to the large amount of nitrogen fertilizers used during planting.

Starting from the age of five, the growth rate of shoots normalizes, and the crown of the tree takes on an oval shape, flattened in the horizontal direction. The crown density is low, so the time between pruning mature trees can be reduced by half compared to the standard.

The fruits of the hybrid are relatively small. Their size is about 3.5 cm in diameter, and their weight ranges from 20 to 22 g. The shape of the fruit is round or oval (slightly elongated lengthwise). The skin of the fruit is moderately thick, with clearly visible pubescence. Her color is yellow; red blush can occupy up to 30% of the fruit area. Below is a photo of the Tsarsky apricot.

The fruits have dense orange pulp. The separation of the skin from the pulp is easy, without tearing the latter. The apricot pit is small, its share in the mass of the fruit is about 10%. Just like the skin, it separates well from the pulp.

The pulp of the Tsarsky apricot variety contains many substances that have a positive effect on the human body. These include vitamins, organic acids, and microelements. In particular, among the plants in our climate, this apricot variety has the maximum concentration of potassium.

100 g of pulp contains:

• sugars – 7.9 g;
• titratable acids – 1.6 g;
• potassium – 0.315 g;
• other dry substances – 16.1 g.

Pros and cons of the variety

One of the main advantages of Tsarsky apricot is its special vitamin value. The fruits contain more potassium, iron and magnesium than other types of crops. As well as beta-carotene, ascorbic acid.

The positive point is that, if desired, the apricot variety is obtained by sprouting the stone, which is separated from the pulp quickly and easily.

The result can be not only a cultivated plant, but also a wild one, which will become an excellent basis for the cultivation of winter-hardy varieties of apricot, plum, and cherry plum.

To complete the assessment of Tsarskoe’s appearance, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the table:

Advantages and disadvantages

Excellent transportability and long-term storage of apricot berries. If the temperature conditions are observed, the fruits last 45-60 days.

High taste, juicy pulp

Resistance to low temperatures

Easily adapts to climate and soil

Fruiting is regular

During flowering, there is a need to cover flowers and buds so that returning frosts do not destroy future fruits.

Fruit weight is small

Productivity is rated as average

Also, the list of positive qualities can be supplemented with such a trait as early ripeness. Harvesting can be done in July, but allowances are made for the climate and temperature of the current summer.

The Tsarsky apricot is not at all afraid of drought: it can usually withstand more than 60 days without watering. A special bonus is that prolonged rains and increased moisture do not contribute to the appearance of fungal diseases.

Have you tried growing Tsarsky apricot?

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Characteristics

The set of characteristics of the Tsarsky variety can be called successful. The crop combines acceptable yield, short ripening time and good winter hardiness.

Drought resistance, winter hardiness

The plant's drought tolerance is quite high. Theoretically, the Tsarsky variety can do without watering at all, and will only have enough moisture obtained from natural precipitation. In the event of a prolonged absence of precipitation, the hybrid is able to wait out a drought lasting up to 2.5 months without any problems.

The plant has high winter hardiness. The bark of the Tsarsky variety tolerates alternating thaws and frosts well, practically without cracking. The frost resistance of Tsarsky apricot is also excellent. The plant can withstand frosts down to -40°C.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening time

The question of whether the Tsarsky apricot is self-fertile or not should not worry the summer resident. Kramarenko and Skvortsov, when breeding plants for the Central region, tried to obtain exclusively self-fertile varieties that did not require pollinators of another species. And the Tsarsky variety was no exception: it is self-fertile, that is, it is pollinated by pollen of its own variety.

The flowering period of the plant occurs at the beginning of April. Since this is very early in the flowering time, insects cannot be used as pollinators for the Royal apricot. Pollination occurs with the help of wind. Since the Royal apricot is a monoecious plant, one tree is enough for its pollination (so-called self-pollination). The size of the flowers of this variety is 4 cm. These are quite large flowers, one might say, the largest in Russia.

No matter how good the characteristics of the Tsarsky apricot are, a feature of plants of this variety is the vulnerability of the flowers to frost in early and mid-spring. Since flowering occurs early, a large percentage of the ovaries may die. To prevent this, it is recommended to cover the tree during flowering with film or even just thick fabric folded in half. Such protection will not interfere with pollination, but will help preserve most of the ovaries.

Fruit ripening occurs in early August. With fewer sunny days or colder summers, this period may shift by 1-2 weeks.

Productivity, fruiting

The description of the Tsarsky apricot, which is given in botanical reference books, indicates an average yield of 25-40 kg per tree. The reality may be more modest. In some areas, during the mass cultivation of apricots of this variety, there was a significant drop in yield to 7.5 kg per tree. True, we were talking about completely unfavorable growing conditions and the first or second years of fruiting.

On average, reaching the yield indicated in the “passport” is achieved by the 5-6th year of the plant’s life or by 2-3 years of fruiting. According to reviews of the Tsarsky apricot variety, the yield of an adult plant remains virtually unchanged from season to season and can be increased or decreased due to a more rational formation of the tree crown.

Area of ​​application of fruits

The pulp of the fruit, despite its density, is quite juicy and tender. It is very tasty and aromatic. The taste of the pulp is sweet and sour. The aroma is strong and pleasant. According to the tasting scale, the taste of this variety is rated as 4.5 out of 5 possible.

The fruits have universal uses. They are consumed both fresh, just picked from the plant, and in various canned foods: compotes, juices and preserves. The fruits can also be used for freezing.

The Tsarsky variety has good keeping quality and transportability. When stored in the refrigerator, the fruits retain their taste for two weeks.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The variety is resistant to diseases and pests. Even in the absence of any preventive measures, fungal diseases occur only in very rainy years or in the absence of plant care at all.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the Royal Apricot:

• excellent taste of the fruit;
• the fruits are well preserved for a long time and have universal use;
• good resistance to diseases and pests;
• high frost resistance and winter hardiness;
• self-fertile and self-pollinating variety (only one tree is enough for growth and fruiting).

Disadvantages of the variety:

• relatively small fruit size;
• low yield in the first years of fruiting;
• Fruiting largely depends on the degree of preservation of flowers during late spring frosts.

Harvest and storage

Harvesting begins in late July - early August. Apricots are easily picked; if they are overripe, they fall off. To make the harvest easier to harvest and the branches not to grow, formative pruning is used.

Apricot tolerates transportation well. Undamaged fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The variety is widely used for fresh consumption, for preservation and for freezing. The results are very tasty and nutritious preserves, compotes and jams.

You can see what the Tsarsky variety looks like live by watching the video.

Landing Features

As such, this variety does not have any special planting features. You should follow the usual methods for planting this crop in the middle zone.

Recommended timing

Planting of Tsarsky apricot in the Moscow region is carried out in the spring (the first ten days of April) or in the fall (no later than the second ten days of October).

Choosing a suitable location

The plant needs a flat, sunny area with protection from the wind. It is better not to plant apricots in the lowlands (danger of cold air) and on the southwestern slopes (high rates of vegetation interfere with normal fruiting). The soil should be fertile and loose. Groundwater is not higher than 1 m.

What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?

Apricot does not get along well with most crops in the Central region. Normally, it tolerates proximity only to dogwood and some medium-sized vegetables. The proximity of apricots to the following crops is strictly unacceptable: cherries, walnuts, currants, raspberries, almost all Solanaceae and Roses.

Landing algorithm

The distance between trees when planting should be at least 4 m (both in a row and between rows). Planting is carried out in holes 50-70 cm deep. A peg is installed in the hole for gartering a young seedling. 10 kg of humus and 1 kg of superphosphate are placed at the bottom of the pit. The seedling is placed in a hole, sprinkled with soil, tied to a peg and watered with 20 liters of water. The grafting site is located 10-15 cm above the ground level.

Protection from diseases and pests

This species is prone to fungal diseases and pests. Most often, hybrid plants get sick:

• moniliosis caused by fungal spores. The disease occurs when the weather is too wet. Symptoms - leaves and shoots are covered with brown spots, the bark is covered with light gray pads. Dark putrid spots appear on the fruits. The disease is incurable, therefore, in order to avoid its occurrence, trees are subject to preventive treatment with Bordeaux mixture or the preparations Horus, Abiga-Pik, Skor, Topsin-M;
• brown spot or gnomoniosis - also a fungal disease. It manifests itself as the appearance of yellow blurry spots on the leaves, petioles and fruits, as a result of which over time the foxes curl into tubes and fall off, and the fruits dry out and fall off. Treatment and prevention - treatment with 1% Bordeaux mixture, fungicides Abiga-Pik, HOM, Horus;
• Clusterosporiasis is a fungal disease, the symptoms of which are the appearance of rusty spots on the leaves, surrounded by dark rims. As a result, the spots turn into through holes, and the leaves turn yellow and fall off. In addition to leaves, other parts of trees can be affected - buds, flowers, fruits, ovaries, shoots and even bark. They fight this disease with the help of Bordeaux mixture, the drugs Kuproxat, Fundazol, Skor, Horus, Abiga-Peak.

Subsequent care of the crop

Growing Tsarsky apricot is quite standard. Regular watering (every 2-4 weeks, 20-30 liters per tree) followed by loosening the soil. Feed twice per season. In spring, per 1 sq. m is entered:

• 4 kg of humus;
• nitrogen fertilizers 6 g;
• phosphorus 5 g;
• potassium 8 g.

In autumn - 10 kg of humus per tree.

Preparation for winter involves pruning the tree and whitewashing the trunk. The latter will also help protect the tree from rodents. In case of cold winters, covering with a thin film is recommended. The soil within a radius of 1 m from the trunk is mulched with leaves, straw, peat or humus; mulch thickness – 20 cm.

The variety requires regular but infrequent pruning. The basic rule is simple: do not allow the crown to thicken excessively and do not allow the upper shoots to outstrip the lower shoots in growth.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

Apricot Tsarsky: planting and care

Apricot Tsarsky: photo of the variety

To obtain apricots, you need to purchase a seedling, choose a place where it will grow, prepare the place before planting and directly care for the plant.

Purchase of seedlings

It is better to buy Tsarsky apricot seedlings in special stores. When choosing a seedling, make sure that it is not sick or damaged; also pay attention to the roots, they must be developed.

Soil preparation

It is better to plant the royal apricot in an open and well-lit place; the soil in this place should be nutritious. Groundwater must be deep from the surface. Before planting, the site must be dug up about 30 days before and weeds and roots must be removed, then fertilized. In 2 weeks you will need to make a hole measuring seventy by ninety. At the bottom of the hole you need to lay broken bricks, then nutritious soil with fertilizer and pour a couple of buckets of water.

Landing

Place the seedling in the prepared hole, straighten the roots and cover with the remaining soil. Compact the soil around the seedling, water and mulch.

Care

Caring for the Tsarsky apricot tree is as follows:

• Timely watering of the plant when the soil begins to dry out;
• After moistening, you need to loosen and weed;
• During the season you need to fertilize the tree three times, in summer and spring min. fertilizers, and in the fall organic matter;
• Circumcision should be carried out in spring and autumn;
• To prepare for cold weather, it is necessary to whiten and wrap the tree with special material or burlap.

Apricot Tsarsky: video about planting the variety

Reviews of the Tsarsky variety

...You will also have to graft stone fruits if you want the same variety to grow, because... It’s not entirely clear WHAT will grow from your stone (no one has canceled the splitting of characters, but it occurs in both stone fruits and pome fruits!). Apricot varieties for the Moscow region: the most famous and easiest to obtain is Northern Triumph. But, if you try really hard, find out places and “good” people, then you can get Lel, Zeus, Sea Buckthorn, Tsarsky, etc. They are in bloom now in the Michurinsky Garden of the TSHA.

Alex. Moscow

https://dacha.wcb.ru/index.php?showtopic=636&pid=11229&mode=threaded&start=#entry11229

... I had a variety of apricot “Tsarsky” blooming, planted in an open place near the road and 18–23 meters in a straight line from it, a variety of apricot “Bryansky Early”, planted on the south side of the greenhouse. Despite the fact that he is 1.5–2 years younger, he looks larger. All apricots planted in the open die or grow very slowly. Apricots obtained from Siberia and the Southern Urals performed especially poorly. Of the more than 40–45 vaccinations that survived, as of last year, Royal, Seraphim and Michurinsky. A lot of work was put in and the output was 0. Nothing to brag about.

Bogdan. Saint Petersburg

https://forum.prihoz.ru/viewtopic.php?t=7076&start=75

– The wood is normal, healthy. But the kidneys could freeze in winter. The cross section of the root pruner should be the same light. BUT . NO FEEDING CAN BE MADE. ... THE WEAKER THE ROOTS, THE MORE SENSITIVE TO THE CONCENTRATION OF NUTRIENTS IN THE SOIL. AND NO MINERAL FERTILIZERS IN THE ROOT ZONE OF THE YOUNG SEEDLING!

Oleg, Kyiv

https://dacha.wcb.ru/index.php?showtopic=636&pid=16217&mode=threaded&start=#entry16217

People familiar with the Latin definition of apricot as an Armenian plum should not worry about the harsh climate of Russia. The Tsarsky apricot produces delicious, tender fruits, but the tree itself is winter-hardy and drought-resistant. Truly a royal gift for a gardener.