Apricot
Apricot is a heat-loving tree, quite common in the southern regions, found in gardens and in courtyards. In more severe temperature conditions, in the Moscow region, Siberia or the Urals, growing apricots in open ground is much more problematic.
Zherdeli, this is the second name for apricot, is very popular in the Caucasus and Krasnodar region.
Choosing an apricot variety for planting
We approach this issue responsibly, taking into account the climate of the area in which you live. Not every plant will be able to survive a harsh winter with low temperatures, if any are suitable for the southern regions apricot varieties, then for the northern ones the best option would be frost-resistant ones, for example - Manchurian.
We recommend reading an article about the Siberian variety and finding out why it is used exclusively in decorative purposes.
Apricot planting
Like all representatives of the southern flora, the tree prefers warm, well-lit areas, protected from northern winds. Apricots are planted in a permanent place of growth with the onset of warm weather, but before the buds open, approximately in mid-April.
The crown of an adult tree has substantial dimensions; the area of root growth has a diameter approximately twice as large. Therefore, the recommended distance between trees is at least 5 m.
Naturally, in order to get a strong plant that can bear fruit abundantly, you will need to add:
- mineral fertilizers
- organic matter, in the form of humus
- wood ash or lime
Reproduction
The question often arises about growing apricots from seeds and the likelihood of them bearing fruit. Most likely the seed will germinate, the tree will grow and produce a harvest.Since apricot seedlings are capricious, we recommend that you carefully study the material about rules of care after them.
To the delight of novice gardeners, it should be noted that apricot grown from the seed almost always retains the properties of the variety, and the tree will also be more resistant to climatic conditions.
Seeds can be planted in spring, summer or autumn.
The second option for obtaining the desired variety is grafting cuttings of a fruiting plant.
Features of care
The agricultural technology for growing apricots is not at all complicated; under favorable weather conditions, only periodic application of fertilizers will be required. In case of severe drought, it is recommended to water the tree.
An important point - in the case of a very large number of ovaries, they should be partially thinned out after the excess ones have fallen off. It is recommended to leave only one ovary for every 20 leaves. Excessive fruits can cause branches to break off.
The timing of harvesting is regulated depending on its further use:
- Fruits that are beginning to turn yellow are removed for transportation
- for making jam - medium maturity
- for fresh consumption, making jam and juice - fully ripe.
