Apricot Rattle

The Rossoshansk Experimental Station, located near Voronezh, has officially existed for more than 80 years, but its head M. Ulyanishchev was engaged in the development of new varieties back in the 1920s. Therefore, we can safely talk about a century of fruitful activity. Apricot Rattle is an excellent example of high-quality products, obtained by him in the 20s of the twentieth century, but has not lost its relevance and is still beloved by gardeners in regions with a cold climate.

Apricot Rattle got its name due to an interesting feature - the stone is very freely located in a ripe fruit and if it is shaken, then you can hear a faint hum. This resembles the principle of operation of a rattle, and a rattle is its name, somewhat out of use. This pleasant feature pleases when peeling fruits. But this was not the goal of the outstanding breeder M. Ulyanishchev. He was interested in the possibility of growing southern fruit in natural conditions of a temperate climate.

The start of the breeding of the winter-hardy variety was severe frosts, which were successfully survived by two trees. They served as the source for Rattle and some other varieties. The success of Rattle for many decades can be easily explained if we recall its valuable features - a high level of frost resistance, unpretentious care, undemanding soil conditions, abundant fruiting, large fruits and high yields.

Some scientific sources claim that there are practically no restrictions for it, it can grow everywhere except arid desert and permafrost. Perhaps this is a slight exaggeration, but the ability to take root and grow in temperate climates is high in this variety, and the taste and ability to easily tolerate transportation make it attractive to those who are breeding for commercial purposes.

Apricot Rattle has valuable features that make up a long list of benefits. It does not require the presence of other apricot trees on the site, because it is self-fertile and does not need additional sources of pollination. The description of the variety contains mention of the following advantages:

• large-fruited (with an average weight of 45-60 g, but young and strong trees can produce fruits weighing 70-80 g);

• excellent taste, rich content of valuable elements;

• mid-late ripening, which may differ in the regions, but invariably protects the kidneys from late frosts;

• keeping quality and the ability to carry transportation, while maintaining a presentable appearance;

• tree height of 3-4 m, which makes harvesting hassle-free;

• ability to withstand frost and common pests.

The middle lane and even more northern regions are places of successful breeding of a winter-hardy tree. Breeding work in the Voronezh region, the successful combination of the valuable qualities of the Krepky and Silistrensky varieties led to the appearance of Rattle, which is deservedly in demand among Russian gardeners.

The fruits of the tree are distinguished by the correct rounded shape, but due to the neat abdominal seam, they seem a little flattened.The weight ranges from 60 to 80 g, the color is yellowish-greenish, the pulp is orange, sweet, rich in taste and pronounced aroma, which is preserved during storage. Connoisseurs talk about a slight sourness and pleasant bitterness, which give the variety recognition and a special zest.

The fruits are referred to as universal - they can be eaten fresh with pleasure, used as a filling in baked goods, made preparations for the winter - from compote to jam and jam. Heat treatment preserves the taste, aroma and shape of the fruit, and the easily separable stone makes cooking easier. On the tasting scale, flavoring features are rated at 4.2 points, but fans of the variety are sure that it deserves a higher rating. The abundance of juice allows you to roll the Rattle in its own juice, but it can be successfully dried and frozen.

Determined by the region of residence of the gardener. Excellent survival rate and winter hardiness allow you to grow Rattle in a vast territory - from the Moscow region to the Urals. A cold summer can push back the ripening period until mid-August, although the standard harvest is in late July - early August. That is why it is called a medium-late ripening variety.

In regions where there is always the possibility of return cold and late frosts, such periods of flowering and fruiting facilitate the growth and ripening of apricots, which were recently considered southern plants. However, the tree has the ability to recover even after unfavorable weather conditions, and in the northern regions it bears fruit 2 weeks later than in the middle zone and the Central Black Earth Region.

Apricot Rattle is classified as a high-yield variety. It is difficult to find data, it is said about the figures from 5 to 80 kg per tree, but this is determined by the age of the tree, the quality of care and the region of germination. Gardeners' reviews say that the fruiting of the variety occurs regularly. But at the same time, there are ordinary years, and there are also so fruitful that you have to prop up the branches so that they do not break.

Speaking about the unpretentiousness and undemandingness of the apricot tree of the Rattle variety, gardeners are not exaggerating. It perfectly tolerates both frosty winters and dry summers. In the south of Russia, it is planted in the fall, after the leaves fall from the trees. In regions with a temperate climate, you can also choose the autumn period, but you need to focus on the long-term weather calendar. Planting should be at least a month before the onset of frost.

In the spring, it is better to plant the Rattle at the end of April, after the snow melts, the soil and air warm up. For planting, it is better to purchase a seedling in a nursery with a proven reputation, choosing a tree with a developed root system and no damage.

Conditions for successful engraftment:

• a hill or flat area to the south;

• protection from wind and an abundance of moisture (fungal diseases may develop);

• the optimal soil is loam, acidic must be calcified before planting;

• lack of unwanted neighbors - fruit and berry crops in the neighborhood;

• good illumination throughout the day.

Watering and applying fertilized soil mixture will accelerate the survival rate and growth of the seedling. Experienced gardeners are engaged in rationing the crop, thinning the crown, carefully monitoring the appearance of possible pests and diseases, conducting timely watering and the necessary fertilizing, pruning in spring and autumn, covering the planted seedling in the first winter.This is a routine job that allows you to increase the yield and the well-being of the tree.