Apricot Favorite

Breeders work wonders. After all, now in any climatic zone you can grow whatever plant you want. Sweet cherry grows in Siberia, figs - in the Moscow region, and apricot - in middle latitudes. For many years now, summer residents have been harvesting frost-resistant apricots of the Favorite variety.

Apricot variety Favorite is relatively young. They have been breeding since the beginning of the XXI century. It was entered in the register of tested varieties in 2008. The State Sorting Commission of the Russian Federation accepted the application for admission under the number 41216 from 2004-01-28. The originator is Tatiana Vasilievna Eremeeva.

The fruit tree is quite tall, reaching 5 meters - medium height. It is characterized by rapid growth. The crown is spreading, paniculate, average density. Differs in straight naked shoots of medium thickness, dark red. The leaves are long-pointed, large, ovoid, dark green in color with a matte finish and a crenate edge. Winter hardiness of the variety is high, resistant to insect attacks and diseases. Ripens in the first half of August.

Fruits of lemon-yellow color with a raspberry tint and light brown blotches, heart-shaped. The average weight of fruits is 21 grams, the weight of individual fruits reaches 27-30 grams. The pulp contains 132 mg of vitamin C, 11.6% dry matter, 2.1% acid, 6.1% sugar. A small bone is difficult to separate. The skin is characterized by medium tomentose pubescence. Therefore, ripe fruits are universal in purpose.

Taste qualities are high: juicy pulp, pleasant aroma, fruit is moderately loose. The fruit tastes sweet with a subtle sourness. The pulp is yellow, mealy, estimated by the tasters at 4.8 points out of 5 possible.

Bears fruit for 4 years after planting. The bulk of the fruit is harvested by mid-August.

The average yield per tree is 55-60 kilograms, per hectare - 18.8 centners. But with good care, yields can increase.

Most of all, this variety is suitable for growing in the East Siberian region. But lately, severe winters have been in the middle lane and in the Central region. Therefore, Beloved takes root well, gives a good harvest in these places.

This variety is considered self-fertile. In other words, it does not need a pollinator variety for flowering and fruit set. Generally, apricots grown in harsh climates are self-fertile.

After planting, it is extremely important to remove weeds from the seedling in a timely manner without damaging the root system.

Watering young shoots is often unnecessary. The first good watering should take place during flowering, the second - during the fruit set. The last watering is before harvesting.

For the first time, top dressing must be carried out in the spring: urea - 700 grams per 10 liters of water. It is recommended to add nitrogen to the soil.

A year later, the seedling grows up to 1 meter in height, so it is necessary to prune the branches. The pruning procedure is done every year until fruiting begins.After the first fruits appear on the tree, only dry branches should be removed.

This variety is resistant to pest attacks. But in the spring, it will not be superfluous to carry out the treatment with a 1% solution of Bordeaux liquid. As a prophylaxis for various diseases, you should not often water the tree. If there is no excess moisture, then the tree will grow faster, the bark and roots will be healthy, and the fruits will not be affected by diseases.

Winter hardiness, the need for shelter

After planting a young tree, it is recommended to cover the soil with hay or straw. To protect seedlings and young trees, we advise you to cover the trunk with a non-woven material in the autumn, tying it with a clothesline. But before sheltering, it is best to whitewash the trunk with a solution of lime, clay and manure in equal proportions (the mixture should look like thick sour cream). Copper sulfate and ash can be added to this mixture. It is necessary to apply the mixture to a height of 1.5 meters. Next, we advise you to build a small shelter for the tree from wooden boards, and it is better to fill the inner space with crushed foam. By April, "warm clothes" can be removed, and the trunk circle can be mulched again with freshly cut grass.

Location and soil requirement

Despite the fact that the Lyubimy variety is distinguished by enviable winter hardiness, it is still a tree of southern origin. Therefore, when planting a seedling, it is recommended to choose a sunny place, without winds and drafts. The tree is distinguished by drought resistance, therefore it is unacceptable for the planting site to have groundwater nearby or to observe stagnant water. Excess moisture threatens decay of roots, bark, and the formation of fungal diseases. The best option is to plant a young tree on a mound 80 centimeters high and 1.2 meters in diameter.

It is better to choose the soil for the future tree loose and light, with good organic matter and permeability, with a slightly alkaline or neutral composition. At the site of the Beloved's landing, it is recommended to dig up the earth with dolomite flour, loosen it thoroughly, and get rid of excess debris.

Apricot loves being alone. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it away from other fruit crops. For example, it is planted from plum, apple and raspberry trees at a distance of 4 meters.

Gardeners who are engaged in the cultivation of apricots on their site note the following positive characteristics of the Favorite variety:

• frost resistance of the culture;

• high productivity;

• fast fruiting;

• taste of the fruit.

Each crop and plant needs its own approach. But if you find an approach to the Lyubimy apricot variety in harsh climatic conditions, then you will have delicious fruits on your table in the summer.