Apricot Lel

Due to the labors of breeders, varieties appear that delight gardeners with many positive characteristics. Experts try to combine the maximum benefits in one plant: excellent yield, easy care, great taste and much more. One of the last such varieties is Lel apricot.

Medium-sized fruit trees grow up to 3 meters. The shape of the crown resembles a mushroom, it is compact and medium in density, so the plant does not take up much space in the garden. Given the unusual structure of the crown, it is convenient to care for and harvest the tree. Straight shoots are covered with smooth dark red bark, branching is weak.

Standard ovoid leaves have a smooth and shiny surface with a crenate edge. Pointed at the ends. The color is dark green on the obverse. Below they are covered with a light fluff. With the arrival of autumn, the foliage is colored in different shades of red. Ovaries are formed on all shoots.

Flowering begins in the last month of May. During this period, the decorative qualities of the variety reach their peak. The branches are strewn with a large number of pale pink buds. The maximum diameter reaches three centimeters.

Small fruits gain a weight of about 20 grams. The shape is round, slightly flattened on the sides. Color - orange, uniform. The skin is practically fluff-free, shiny. Inside is a tender, but dense pulp. The large seed is easily detached from the berry. The fruits have high decorative qualities, attracting attention with their neat shape and bright color.

You can store the crop for 60 days due to its good keeping quality. The purpose of the fruit is universal.

They can be used for the following purposes:

• making puree for baby food;

• compote;

• juice;

• jam;

• eating in natural form;

• preparation for the winter (drying).

The fruits of this variety harmoniously combine rich sweet taste and pleasant sourness. Experts gave the berries a tasting rating of maximum 5 points. The percentage of dry matter content is 16.8, sugar - 8.6, acid - 2.8. Excellent gastronomic qualities are emphasized by the appetizing aroma.

Trees begin to bear fruit 3-4 years after the seedlings are planted in a new place. Ripening dates are marked as early. With proper care, the variety will delight with a rich harvest for many years in a row. The fruiting period falls on July 15-20.

The yield of apricot Lel can be medium or high. To harvest a rich and tasty harvest, you need to plant trees in comfortable climatic conditions and observe all the conditions of agricultural technology. In commercial cultivation, 40 centners of fruit are harvested from one hectare of land (on average). Apricots are formed both in inflorescences and in single flowers.

Both pistils and stamens grow inside the buds, thanks to which the variety can independently pollinate without the help of third-party plants.

When caring for apricots, it is important to consider that fruit trees do not like excess moisture.The garden is irrigated systematically and in moderation. Lack of water is also undesirable for both plant health and fruit flavor. During the dry season, apricots do not reach the required size and quickly crumble. Experienced gardeners recommend watering with a sprinkler system.

The root system develops in the upper layers of the soil. During watering, it is important not to allow the soil to wash out from under the roots, otherwise they will begin to dry out. It is imperative to moisten the trees during the growing season and the formation of the crop. After that, the frequency of irrigation is reduced so as not to harm the taste of the fruit.

In arid autumn, the garden must be watered before wintering. Moisture is needed in order to easily transfer frost. During this period, up to 70 liters of water are consumed per tree. And also the regularity of watering depends on weather conditions.

As for dressing, formulations with a high nitrogen content are needed in the spring. When using store products, you must follow the instructions exactly. The first fertilizers are applied in mid-April. After feeding, it is applied during and after flowering, using phosphorus and potassium.

Humus is added every 2-3 years to enrich the soil. Two to three buckets are enough to fertilize one tree. Apricot Lel reacts well to organic matter, especially during fruit formation. They are able to completely replace purchased substances.

Pruning is also an important part of tree care. The most common option is to thin out the crown in several tiers. It takes 3 to 4 years to create a new form. The recommended crown shape consists of four tiers. The number of skeletal branches should not exceed 5 to 6 units. Shoots should be positioned at an angle of 40-50 degrees relative to the trunk. The rest of the tiers are formed in the same way. They get rid of excess growth.

After the crown acquires the desired shape, you can proceed to sanitary or anti-aging pruning. The procedure is carried out as needed, clearing the tree from broken, dry and diseased branches. It is important to complete the work before the sap flow begins.

One rejuvenating pruning every 5 years will be enough. The branches should be shortened by one third. Strong shoots do not need to be shortened as this can weaken the tree greatly.

In order for the trees to survive the winter normally, they are prepared for wintering. Gardens located in southern latitudes do not need shelter for the winter. In other regions of the country, additional measures are needed.

Initially, the ground around the trunk is cleared of debris and dug up. At the bottom, the tree is covered with a mixture of lime, copper sulfate, clay and office glue. In order not to prepare the desired composition yourself, you can find a suitable option in a gardening store. Spruce branches are laid to protect against rodents.

Also, the ground around the tree is covered with mulch. The minimum layer thickness is 8 centimeters. During severe frosts, a dense covering material is used, which is laid in several layers for more reliable protection. If the winter is snowy, precipitation can be used as additional insulation. If a dense ice crust forms on the surface, it should be removed so that it does not interfere with the flow of oxygen.