Apricot Sardonyx

Sardonyx is an apricot variety bred by breeders of the Voronezh Agricultural Institute. The parents of the variety can be considered the apricots Amber and Champion of the North. Sardonyx has an excellent taste and does not require complex agrotechnical measures.

The tree is distinguished by its medium vigor, reaching a height of 3-4 m and has a dense, spreading, dense crown in the form of a ball. The bark on the trunk is brown and thick. The leaves are large, oval-elongated, serrated at the edges. The flowers are white, aesthetic.

The fruits are large in size, their weight is 50-60 g, they are formed in the form of a slightly flattened egg. Juicy yellow flesh is hidden under the yellow-orange skin with pink specks and slight pubescence. Fruit transportability is not very high.

The taste of the presented variety is highly estimated at 4.8 points. The fruit pulp is dense, juicy, sweet, separates well from the stone, which also contains a sweet core. The fruits are suitable both for fresh consumption and for making compote, preserves, jam.

The first fruits develop 4-5 years after grafting, after which the tree bears fruit every year. Flowering begins in May, and harvesting is carried out in the first or second decade of August, which is typical for varieties with an average ripening period.

It is a highly productive variety that yields a rich harvest even under unfavorable conditions. And also the volume depends on the availability and quality of pollinators.

It is a partially self-fertile variety, therefore, in order to achieve an excellent yield, it is necessary to place varieties with the same ripening period next to the tree. The varieties Yantarny, Champion of the North, Michurinsky the best can become especially effective pollinators.

Already at the planting stage, the gardener must pay special attention to the young plant. So, first of all, you need to choose a suitable site for planting. The presented variety prefers to grow in fertile loose soil, while the chosen place should be well lit by the sun and be protected from the wind.

In order for a seedling to take root well and be ready to meet winter, it should be planted in early spring before bud break or in the first two weeks of autumn. If the seedling has already been purchased, but the planting needs to be postponed, then dig in the shoot in the trench - here it will safely wait for the planting day. It is recommended to prepare a planting pit in spring for autumn planting and in autumn for planting in spring.

The disembarkation process is as follows.

1. Dig a hole 70x70x70cm.

2. Organize drainage at the bottom, such as a layer of rubble or chipped bricks.

3. Mix the excavated soil with organic and mineral fertilizers, and re-fill the hole with a part of the resulting composition.

4. Place the seedling in the hole, straighten the roots. The root collar should be 3 cm above ground level.

5. Place a wooden stake on the south side that will serve as a support.

6. Cover the hole with earth and compact the planting site.

7. Water with 2-3 buckets of warm settled water.

8. Cover the trunk circle with wet sawdust.

9. Tie the seedling to a support.

When caring for a plant, you should pay attention to the following agrotechnical measures.

• Watering

The Sardonyx apricot tree requires timely watering, that is, about twice a month, but this applies only to young seedlings - adult specimens are allowed to be moistened only during dry periods. In any case, gardeners are advised to stop irrigation 2-3 weeks before the fruit ripens, as excess moisture impairs the taste of the fruit.

• Pruning

This variety grows quickly, so pruning should be done regularly. Usually, the procedure is carried out in early spring or late autumn, during these periods there is no sap flow, so the tree will calmly withstand the operation. During formative pruning, it is important to remove all branches growing at an acute angle or overlapping shoots. Sanitary pruning involves the elimination of dry, frozen, old branches. Treat all cuts with garden pitch.

• Fertilizers

The presented variety responds well to feeding. Additional nutrition is introduced in spring and autumn, while organic matter is used only in the spring. Compost and humus are added to the trunk circle, and the bed is loosened.

Sardonyx is almost not affected by diseases and insects, including fungi, but in order to be completely sure of the health of the plant, it is recommended to carry out preventive measures. Suitable, for example, treatment with products containing copper. In addition, do not forget to remove plant debris and weeds in time.

One of the main advantages of Sardonyx is its high frost resistance. It can withstand temperatures of -33 degrees. Moreover, not only the trees themselves are considered winter-hardy, but also their flowers and flower buds, which tolerate a temperature of –2.8 degrees. Wood insulation for the winter is not required.

According to gardeners, this variety is great for growing in a summer cottage. The taste of the fruit is highly valued, as well as the ease of growing. As for agricultural technology, experienced summer residents are advised to form a crown according to a bowl-shaped or tierless type.