Apricot Zhigulevsky souvenir

Apricot is considered a thermophilic fruit crop, and quite recently summer residents from the middle zone of the country only dreamed of growing these fruits on their land plots. Breeders realized the wishes of gardeners and created varieties that are capable of fully bearing fruit in different climatic zones and are unpretentious in terms of keeping conditions.

During their many years of practice, specialists have developed many frost-resistant varieties that are not afraid of low temperatures. One of these varieties is the apricot Zhigulevsky souvenir, which we will tell you about in more detail.

The height of the trees varies from 3 to 4 meters. They reach such growth at 6-8 years of age. Growth - medium height. The crown, average in density, has the shape of a pyramid. Smooth shoots are covered with light brown bark. During the flowering period, the tree is densely covered with white flowers with a pink tint. Inflorescences are small.

Light green leaves are large, wrinkled. The veins are noticeable and deep. Sharp at the tip and rounded at the base. The stalks grow mainly on lances and bouquet branches. Young trees are easy to identify by the even and smooth bark of a light brown color with a beige sheen. In older plants, it is noticeably darker.

Note: one of the features of the variety is its excellent frost resistance, however, the trees are difficult to tolerate heat and drought.

Fruit weight varies from 21.5 to 50 grams, so the sizes can be both medium and large. The shape is round or oval. The main color of ripe fruits is standard, rich yellow. The surface is covered with reddish spots that stand out prominently against the yellow background. The length and width of the stalk is medium.

The skin is bare, medium in density, but it is difficult to remove it. The abdominal suture is noticeable, medium in depth. The pulp is yellow with an orange tint, slightly dry and moderately dense. A large bone grows inside, which detaches from the pulp without any problems. Slightly unripe fruits are stored for no more than one week, subject to suitable conditions. It is best to keep them refrigerated.

Even after they are fully ripe, apricots can continue to hang on the branches for 10-15 days, but most often they are harvested when they reach technical maturity. Whole fruits can easily endure long-term transportation, but damaged fruits quickly deteriorate. The versatile purpose of the variety allows you to harvest for the winter, dry it or enjoy the taste in its natural form.

Pleasant and delicate taste combines sweetness and sourness. The sweetness depends on the ripeness of the fruit. Gastronomic qualities are preserved when stored properly.

The first harvest can be obtained only 4-5 years after planting seedlings in a permanent growing place. Trees bloom in May, and ripening dates are marked as mid-early. The Zhigulevsky souvenir variety bears fruit at the end of July, from the 23rd to the 27th.

The maximum yield from one adult tree is from 45 to 50 kilograms, which indicates a high yield of the variety. Universal fruits have excellent marketability and transportability. The yield depends on the growing conditions and the regularity of care.

For fruit crops, it is important to choose a site with good quality soil. Apricot prefers loam, sandy loam, and light and fertile soils. If the soil contains a lot of lime, it will not harm fruit trees. The acid reaction should be low or neutral, within the pH range of 7-7.5. If this indicator is increased, gum flow will begin. And also the seeds inside the fruit crack.

To reduce the acid reaction, you need to lower the pH level. For this purpose, ash, dolomite flour and other suitable substances are added to the soil.

When performing planting work in the spring, you need to prepare a pit in advance. It is advisable to do this in the fall. A plot of about 12 square meters is allocated for one tree. A hole is dug in the center of the location, into which the following substances are added: rotted manure, 20 grams of superphosphate and the same amount of potassium chloride. The amount of organic fertilizing affects the initial state of the land. Depleted soil requires increased volumes of organic components.

As the trees grow, they are fertilized in spring and autumn. Before flowering and during the period of massive shedding of the ovaries, the apricot should be fed with the following composition: 40 grams of any nitrogen fertilizer, urea is great.

Trees must be fed in the first autumn month, using potassium salt (in the amount of 100 grams) and superphosphate (150 grams). Organics are not completely abandoned. It is applied every 6-8 years. If fruit trees are planted in nutritious soil, the regularity and amount of fertilizing is reduced by three times.

Regular watering is also needed for this variety. As a rule, the garden is irrigated 2-3 times throughout the month. This is the standard pattern followed in normal weather conditions without heavy rainfall. In the heat, moisture evaporates faster from the soil, so you need to water the area more often so that a hard and dry crust does not form on the surface. Experienced gardeners are sure to monitor the condition of the trees.

At least 3 buckets of settled water are consumed per adult tree. The volume of the liquid is divided into two equal portions, and irrigation is carried out in the morning and in the evening, since it is impossible to moisten the soil during the hours of solar activity. Particular attention is paid to irrigation between May and June and a few weeks before harvesting. At the end of July, watering is suspended.

Self-fertile variety easily and quickly takes root in sunny areas. As the plants grow, molding and sanitary pruning is mandatory to keep the trees healthy.

The Zhigulevsky souvenir variety has a strong immune system, but despite this characteristic, it is advisable to plant apricot trees as far as possible from other fruit varieties (cherry, pear, plum, apple). If these trees are attacked by diseases or pests, apricots can fall into the affected area. Thanks to the crown of medium density, it is very convenient to examine trees for signs of disease.

As a preventive measure, you can use folk recipes or ready-made store products, when using which you need to follow the instructions exactly. Many substances cannot be used during the formation of ovaries, otherwise the fruits will absorb harmful chemical components.