Apricot is no longer an exotic fruit. There are many species of this plant that are actively cultivated in the Russian latitudes. Let's explore the 7 best winter-hardy apricot varieties that are easy to cultivate, regardless of weather conditions.
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The best varieties of apricots for the Moscow region
The middle zone of the country has a capricious climate. In winter and early spring, the bushes can freeze slightly. Popular winter-hardy trees and traits are worth exploring to get a good harvest.
Popular apricot frost-resistant varieties:
- Hardy. Refers to self-fertile and is not afraid of temperature changes. The bark does not crack when exposed to frost. Flowers and buds are able to withstand a slight temporary cold snap. Begins to bear fruit in 5 years. The fruit is smooth and even, weighing 50 g.
- Red-cheeked. Bred in the Crimean latitudes. Easy to clean. Self-pollinating, frost-resistant. Produces ripe apricots after 3 years. The advantage is the strength of the fruits, which stay on the branch for up to 20 days after ripening. The disadvantages include low immunity and susceptibility to moniliosis. The surface of the fruit is velvety, red-orange in color.
- Favourite. Grows rapidly, and the bush reaches a height of 5 meters. Panicled crown, with straight shoots. Fruits appear 3-4 years after the tree takes root. The rind of the hearth is bright yellow with red dots. The pulp is yellow in color with a sweet-sour aftertaste. Not susceptible to frost, not afraid of direct sunlight and harmful insects.
- Honey. The tree reaches 4 m in height, has a lush crown. Fruits are small, with yellow skin, red dots and fine down. The pulp is yellow, of medium consistency in the form of granularity and fibers. The taste is sweet. The tree can withstand frosts down to -35... -40 ° С.
- Russian. The trees are low, which makes it easier to harvest. If they are not covered, they will calmly overwinter at a temperature of -30 ° C. The fruits are round, orange, with a pleasant taste. The pulp is yellow, juicy. The fruits ripen 5-6 years after planting the tree.
- Snegirek. It has maximum winter hardiness, which makes it possible to grow it in the North. It grows on any soil, the fruit is dense, has a long shelf life and behaves well during transportation. Disease with moniliosis and spotting is possible.
- Manchurian. During flowering, it resembles a Japanese cherry. Listed in the Red Book. Possesses lush foliage spread out. Tying is necessary. Landing in Siberian and Far Eastern latitudes is possible. Not afraid of drought and frost. The yield is high, the duration of the growing season is about 100 years, i.e. a tree can live for almost a century.
Each variety needs watering and fertilization, then you can enjoy the tenderness of a ripe apricot.
How to determine the optimal variety
A quality apricot variety must meet several gardeners' requirements. Usually there are several of them.
Key quality indicators:
- smooth, evenly colored fruit peel, small red spots are allowed depending on the variety;
- high immunity to common diseases and insect infestation;
- endurance to temperature changes;
- pleasant taste and a sufficient amount of sugar;
- good keeping quality and transportation.
There should be no signs of rot or bitterness in the taste. If there are brown spots on the surface of the fruit, this is a bad sign. This may indicate that the fruit is overripe.
Winter-hardy apricot is a dream for many gardeners who love to feast on this southern fruit in the winter. Scientists have developed several varieties that can withstand any whims of nature and temperature changes. The advantage of such species is that all the necessary fertilizers can be found in Russian country stores.
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