What varieties of apricots can be grown in the suburbs?

Breeders had to work a lot to adapt the apricots to the climate of central Russia. Now apricot for the Moscow region, the best varieties of which we will consider, has become an ordinary fruit tree. Some trees have settled far to the east and are grown in areas of a sharply continental climate.

Variety selection criteria

The weather in the Moscow region is characterized by instability. Thaws and frosts, long winters, unstable spring, with recurrent frosts - the usual Moscow climate. Therefore, the best varieties of apricots for the Moscow region are considered to be those that will withstand weather disasters and give sweet fruits.

The winter-hardy apricot for the Moscow region is the one that endures all the vagaries of the weather. The signs of winter hardiness include:

• frost resistance - withstanding a gradual decrease in ambient temperature to - 30 C;
• decreased sensitivity of fruit buds to temperature changes;
• an indicator of how quickly thaws provoke the onset of awakening;
• slight damage to flower buds during prolonged frosts.

The Moscow region is a large region. Fruit gardening is possible in the south and southeast of the region, on gentle southern, southwestern slopes. The area should be open to the sun, but protected from the northerly winds. The best varieties of apricots for the Moscow region are zoned, grown in the conditions of the region.

When choosing a planting site for an apricot tree, take a look around. If pears, ash, Norway maple grow nearby - the soil and climate is suitable for growing apricots.

The seedling should be grafted at a height of 1.2 m on a stem former - a plum of local varieties with high winter hardiness. This trick will save the tree bark from podoprevaniya - the scourge of the Moscow region apricot orchards.

Self-fertility is an important feature of the variety. Self-fertility is the pollination of flowers with their own pollen or from a neighboring tree of the same variety. However, if at least one apricot of another variety appears in the array, the harvest will be more abundant. Self-fertility is a quality that allows you to get ovaries even without pollinators, in unfavorable weather. The best varieties of apricots for the Moscow region are self-fertile.

Varietal apricots can only be obtained by grafting. There are no other breeding methods. Apricot does not propagate with woody and green cuttings. A guaranteed yield is possible from varieties grown in nurseries near Moscow and Kaluga.

Recommended varieties for growing in the Moscow region

Consider the best varieties of apricots for the Moscow region, combining signs of winter hardiness and self-fertility. Disease resistant, fruitful and have an excellent taste of the varieties: Iceberg, Alyosha, Winter-hardy Suslova, Black Velvet.There are many varieties, every fan will find his own tree. But generally recognized, apricot Lel in the Moscow region is the best.

Apricot Lel

In 1986, a Russian variety was bred, created by breeders Alexei Skvortsov and Larisa Kramarenko. The main difference between the tree is its compactness and high yield. The variety is winter-hardy, self-fertile with round-oval fruits weighing 20 g. Apricot Lel in the Moscow region grows up to 3 m in height - good conditions for shelter during the period of recurrent frosts. The variety is early ripening, ideal for growing in the conditions of central Russia.

Snegirek variety

A tree that feels great not only in the Moscow region, but further, in the North. The tree is not demanding on the composition of the soil. The height of 1.5 m allows you to create a shelter in extreme conditions. Fruits are elastic, can withstand transportation, and are stored for several months. The tree has the highest winter hardiness of all varieties cultivated in the Moscow region, self-fertile. The disadvantage is insufficient resistance to moniliosis, requires spring treatment with fungicides.

Northern triumph

The variety is zoned for the Central Black Earth Region in Voronezh, but has adapted to the favorable conditions on the southern side of the Moscow Region. The tree is spreading, vigorous. Apricot Northern Triumph gives large fruits, weighing up to 55 g. Fruits are pubescent, have a greenish spot in the shade, orange pulp and pleasant taste.

Advantages of the variety:

• high productivity;
• excellent taste of fruits;
• small bone;
• tolerance to typical diseases of apricots.

When rooting a seedling, it should be remembered that the tree will need a large unshaded area, protection from wind and freezing.

Red-cheeked apricot

Apricot Red-cheeked in the Moscow region is a giant among fruit trees. High trunk, spreading crown. Apricots have a slightly flattened rounded shape. The weight of one fruit is 40-50 g. The berry is pubescent, light orange. Taste qualities are excellent, there is sourness in the aftertaste. The fruit is dense, contains 13.7 mg / 100 g of dry matter, 9.7% sugar, 1.37% fruit acids. The tree bears a harvest annually, starting from 3-4 years of planting. The fruits ripen at the end of July. Apricot Krasnoschekiy is grown not only in the Moscow region, but also in other regions of Russia.

The taste of the fruit depends on proper care. A starving tree will produce small and tasteless fruits. Without proper agricultural technology, the tree will become a breeding ground for diseases and pests.

The variety is distinguished by:

• the best winter-hardy properties observed in fruit trees of the Moscow region;
• self-fertility;
• large-fruited and high productivity;
• high palatability of fruits;
• disease resistance.

Russian

A winter-hardy variety with a high yield, Russian, does not grow upward, but has a spreading crown. This creates a comfortable environment for picking fruits weighing 50 g. The fragrant yellow pulp has a rich aroma and harmonious taste. The variety can withstand frosts up to 30 degrees, resistant to diseases.

Gardeners are also interested in varieties such as:

• Honey can withstand 35 degrees of frost;
• Hardy - the winter hardiness of the variety also applies to flower buds, enters fruiting in 5-6 years.

Zoned apricot trees are particularly unpretentious to weather conditions, have medium-sized, but tasty fruits. The author of many forms of apricots, Professor A.K. Skvortsov.

The choice of apricot varieties for central Russia - video

Apricot in the Moscow region is not widespread, but in summer cottages it is planted more and more often. This is due to the fact that new varieties are constantly appearing that are resistant not only to severe frosts, but also to unexpected weather changes: apricot trees are very afraid of winter thaws. Of course, it is impossible to get a good harvest of southern varieties in the Moscow region, but the circle of zoned varieties is not so narrow.

The best varieties of apricot for the Moscow region

Apricot has been known for a very long time: already about 7 thousand years ago, people used its fruits for food. Usually it is a large tree that grows up to 7 meters tall. Agriculture experts argue that all apricots in the world can be divided into 8 types, but only three are found in Russia, and one of them (Manchurian apricot) is listed in the Red Book, and we can seriously talk about only two.

The most widespread is the common apricot, which is native to Central Asia. It is a tree with a wide-round crown. Apricot blooms with beautiful pink flowers profusely and very early, even before the first leaves appear, in the conditions of the Moscow region this happens at the very beginning of May. It is this fact that is the main thing in the fact that the cultivation of apricots in the middle lane presents a considerable risk: during the flowering period, frosts very often occur.

Siberian apricot grows as a relatively low tree with a wide crown, it is found in the territory from South Transbaikalia to the Far East. The fruits are not eaten, but due to their high frost resistance and drought resistance, Siberian apricot is often used as rootstocks for grafting cultivars.

Siberian apricot grows in the wild, including in seemingly inconvenient places

For such a risky area as the Moscow region, it is necessary to choose varieties that are distinguished by increased frost resistance and resistance to the vagaries of the weather. Since heat and sun for full ripening in some years may not be enough, early varieties of apricots are especially popular here. In the Moscow region, they are planted in summer cottages, and our "6 acres" require to save space, so it is also important that the tree is compact and preferably self-fertile, that is, does not require replanting of the second or third apricot for pollination.

Self-fertile varieties

Many apricots, good in terms of taste, are self-fertile, barely produce a crop alone, and bear fruit well only in a group. They try to plant such varieties in large gardens, and in small areas, apricots should be chosen that do not require pollinators. As a rule, they bear fruit annually, if there are no weather disasters: the wood does not freeze out in the harsh winter or the flowering does not fall into unexpected severe frosts. True, self-fertile varieties usually do not give such high yields as self-fertile varieties, but apricots in good years bear so many fruits that this is quite enough for an ordinary family.

Among self-fertile apricots in the Moscow region, the most popular are Vystalivy, Alyosha and Lel.

Hardy

The name of the variety shows that this apricot can withstand harsh conditions, including severe frosts. Not only the tree itself, which is distinguished by its thick head, but also the fruit organs, almost does not suffer from spring frosts. Hardy is one of the most winter-hardy varieties recommended for the center of Russia, as well as the Ural and Siberian regions.

The tree grows quickly, has a round crown, which is typical for most apricot varieties. Fruits are of medium size (weight 30–45 g), color from golden to orange-pink, slightly pubescent, sweet, with a usual apricot aroma. Sugar content is above average, the stone is easily separated. The purpose of the fruits is universal: with the same success they can be eaten fresh and subjected to various types of culinary processing: boil compotes, marshmallows, dry. The variety is not early: harvesting takes place in the first half of August.

The fruits of the Hardy look in their own way, which is quite consonant with the name

The relative disadvantage of Hardy is late onset of fruiting: the first flowering is observed not earlier than the fifth year after planting a one-year-old seedling. The undoubted advantages, in addition to self-fertility, include:

• high yield (60–80 kg);
• resistance to most diseases;
• excellent winter hardiness.

Lel

The variety has been known for about 30 years. Unlike Hardy, the tree grows short, up to 3 meters. It grows slowly, with minimal pruning in the first years. It is considered one of the most beautiful varieties both in terms of the shape of the tree and the aesthetics of its fruits. Winter-hardy and early maturing, one of the best in terms of the ratio of these parameters for the center of Russia. Some experts even call it very early in terms of ripening.

The flowering of Lelya in the conditions of the Moscow region rarely falls under frost, therefore, harvests are almost annually. Pests are damaged to a minimum. Lelya's self-fertility is partial: a different variety of apricot planted nearby increases the yield somewhat.

Lel's fruits are not very elegant, but quite tasty

Fruits are orange, slightly below average, weigh about 20 g, slightly flattened, shiny. The easily detachable bone is rather large. The pulp is dense, orange, very tasty. Sugar content and acidity are well balanced. The main advantages that allow you to grow Lel in the Moscow region are as follows:

• the variety can withstand frosts down to -30 ° C;
• easily tolerates drought, without requiring mandatory watering;
• grows slowly, not reaching gigantic proportions;
• begins to bear fruit early.

Alyosha

Alyosha apricot grows in the form of a tree about 4 meters high. The crown is dense: annual shoots also begin to branch quickly. The variety, created in 1988, is included in the State Register of Russia for the Central Region. Winter hardiness is good, begins to bear fruit in the third year after planting or vaccination. All shoots and young branches extending from them are fruitful.

It is considered an early-ripening variety, but does not apply to the superearly. The harvest ripens by the end of July. The flowers are large, white, with pink veins. Fruits are round, somewhat smaller than average, weighing about 20 g. Color - bright yellow, weak pubescence. Orange pulp is characterized as tasty, no frills. The acid content is slightly higher than that of many other varieties, the juiciness is average.

The early ripe variety Alyosha has a classic apricot fruit color

The main disadvantage of the variety is considered to be too large a bone, but it is easily separated. Among the advantages, in addition to frost resistance, include high preservation and transportability of fruits.

Columnar apricots

Columnar in our time are not only the already familiar apple trees. Apricot varieties have also appeared, which are convenient to grow in the form of a compact tree, resembling a pillar. This “pillar” has a very small diameter, about 15–20 cm, and the main part of the tree, which determines all its properties, is the trunk, which has a height of about two meters. Short lateral branches directed upward at an acute angle. The flowering column looks like a single pink rod, the fruits are also located close to the trunk.

Video: columnar apricot

The clear advantages of columnar trees are their small size, decorative effect and ease of maintenance. However, such apricots require a specific approach to pruning and are more capricious to growing conditions. But on the usual area occupied by one huge tree, you can plant several copies of them, and of different varieties.

Regular apricots not only take up a large area and shade the space around them. They also spread their powerful roots very far, greatly depleting the soil at a great distance. So much so that practically nothing can be planted nearby.

The columnar apricot hardly interferes with the cultivation of most garden crops. True, there are not very many varieties that fit the definition of "columnar". The most prominent representatives are Prince Mart and Star.

Prince March

Prince Mart is distinguished by its ultra-high frost resistance: it can withstand temperatures as low as -35 ° C.Resistance against diseases and pests is also one of the highest among the known varieties of apricot. It begins to bear fruit early, but experts advise to cut off all the flowers that appeared in the first year, so that the next year the tree will get stronger and give a full harvest. Ovaries are formed on lateral branches.

Prince Mart takes up very little space in the country

Yields are stable, high, fruits ripen in early or mid August, although Prince Mart blooms early. Fruits have a very wide spread in weight, but most of them are larger than average: up to 60 g, and sometimes even higher. The color is bright orange, toasty, the taste is closer to sweet, the stone is easily separated. The purpose of the fruit is universal.

Star

In most of its characteristics, the Starry tree is similar to Prince March: it is also winter hardy and very resistant to diseases and pests. The variety is also distinguished by its early maturity, it is advisable to cut off the flowers that appear in the first year. However, the size of the fruits of this variety is even higher than that of the Prince: some reach a mass of 100 g, that is, they already resemble a peach. They are similar to many peaches in color.

The taste of the fruits is assessed as very good; they are used both for direct consumption and for making various desserts. Suitable for drying. The variety is self-fertile, medium ripening (ready by mid-August). The yield is up to 10 kg, and since the tree takes up little space, planting several specimens on the site completely solves the issue of providing the average family with apricots.

Winter-hardy and frost-resistant varieties

Apricot varieties differ in different degrees of frost and winter hardiness. Despite the apparent similarity of these two terms, they represent different concepts. If everything is clear with frost resistance from the name, then winter hardiness is understood as the ability of an apricot to endure the entire set of unfavorable winter conditions. These are temperature fluctuations, and unexpected thaws, and this also includes late spring frosts.

Apricot, by its nature, has a relatively high potential winter hardiness, but its real level strongly depends on agricultural technology, that is, on how well it is looked after, starting from the moment of planting. Damage to apricot buds is observed on average at -28 ° C, but closer to spring, temperatures of -22 ° C become dangerous, and with significant temperature fluctuations - and around -15 ° C. Buds in different varieties die at -1 ... -5 ° C, and opened flowers and formed ovaries - at the slightest transition of temperatures to negative values. Apricots growing under conditions of constant soil moisture are more frost-resistant, and drought reduces their frost resistance.

Apricots for the Moscow region should withstand frosts down to -30 ° C with a margin and react little to prolonged spring thaws. Such properties are possessed, for example, by Red-cheeked, Hardy, Snegirёk and Russian.

Red-cheeked

The Red-cheeked variety is perhaps better known than other apricot varieties, since it was bred back in 1947. In turn, it served as a source material for the selection of other varieties. Red-cheeked is highly adaptable to adverse climatic conditions. The tree grows above average height, sometimes clearly large, with a normal crown. The variety is unpretentious to the composition of the soil. Krasnoshchekiy is one of the most popular varieties in the Moscow region.

Relatively fast-growing, begins to harvest in the fourth year. The ripening period of the crop is average, around the end of July. Fruiting annually, but with poor care, it goes on to periodic fruiting, and the fruits become smaller. With proper agricultural techniques, they are of average and above average size (weighing up to 50 g), rounded or somewhat elongated, average pubescence, golden color with a slight blush. The taste is excellent, with sourness, the aroma is strong, typical for apricots.The fruits are suitable both for direct consumption and for any processing.

Red-cheeked - as it is often said, "a classic of the genre"

The main advantages of the variety:

• very good winter hardiness: one of the leaders among apricot varieties near Moscow in this indicator;
• good productivity;
• transportability of fruits;
• great taste;
• good disease resistance.

Russian

The apricot of the Russian variety is a relatively short tree that grows, as it were, in width, which is convenient for caring for the crown and harvesting. The variety is very frost-resistant, easily withstands cold temperatures down to –30 ° С. Disease resistance is average. Fruiting begins late: as a rule, not earlier than 5 years after planting.

Fruits are yellow-orange in color, tan is small, pubescence is weak, rounded, above average (about 50 g). The pulp is friable, juicy, bright yellow in color, very sweet, fruits are used mainly fresh.

Russian - a variety with a native name, it is distinguished by a high yield

The main advantages of the variety include excellent winter hardiness, excellent fruit taste and high yield.

Bullfinch

One of the leaders in terms of frost resistance is the Snegirek variety, grown not only in the Moscow region, but also in regions with more severe climatic conditions. This is facilitated by a small growth (maximum - up to two meters), as a result of which, if necessary, the tree can be partially covered for the winter, however, even in the open state, the declared frost resistance is -42 ° C, which is an undoubted record. Unpretentious to the composition of the soil, self-fertile. The yield for such a small tree is quite sufficient (about 10 kg).

The fruits ripen in mid-August, but they are perfectly stored (at least until the New Year) and transported, since they are not soft and friable, but are characterized as elastic. Small, weighing from 20 to 25 g, light yellow color with a slight tan, sweet and juicy, with a characteristic aroma.

Snegiryok - champion in frost resistance

Being the undoubted leader in the advancement to the north, Snegiryok has a significant drawback: he very weakly resists diseases, and the most terrible for him are various spots and moniliosis. This fact adds to the problems in the cultivation of apricots, since periodic preventive spraying with suitable chemicals is required, and in the event of a disease, serious treatment. Snegiryok feels especially bad in seasons with prolonged rains.

Low-growing varieties of apricot

The usual apricot trees take up a lot of space in the garden, they grow both in breadth and in height; as a rule, they are higher than the usual country house. Therefore, many gardeners strive to start undersized varieties, even dwarf ones. Their advantages are not only that their trees are compact and much easier to care for: their height does not exceed 2.5 meters. As a rule, undersized varieties enter fruiting earlier, giving the first harvests in the third year after planting, and earlier reach the age at which the yield is maximum. At the same time, per unit area of ​​the garden, it is even higher than that of giant trees.

Of course, a seven-meter tree, covered with beautiful fruits, brings joy to the summer resident. It's just unrealistic to collect all this harvest: a seven-meter step-ladder is a rarity, and there is nowhere to put it. Climbing such a tree is incredibly difficult, and you still can't get to the periphery of the branches. And ripe apricots that have fallen to the ground almost always break, and it is impossible to use them.

For the conditions of the Moscow region, the most suitable variety that grows in the form of a small tree is the Snegiryok discussed above. You can also plant a Cup.

The calyx is one of the so-called dwarf varieties, reaching a height of no more than one and a half meters. At the same time, its winter hardiness allows planting a tree not only in the Moscow region, but also in more northern regions.The cup-shaped crown gave the name to this variety. The yield for a miniature tree is decent, but the main thing is that it bears fruit annually and consistently. They are small, weighing no more than 30 g, light yellow, rather, even cream-colored. Blush is their decoration. The pulp is loose, sweet.

Another representative of dwarf varieties is the Black Mouse apricot, but black apricots stand as if they were aloof: this, as we now say, is a completely different story.

Video: black apricot

Early varieties

Early varieties of apricots are especially important in short summer conditions, since the total amount of positive temperatures that the fruits have time to gain is important for the ripening of any fruit. Therefore, in the conditions of the Moscow region, it is advisable to plant early varieties. However, on the other hand, they are more sensitive to spring temperature fluctuations and tolerate frosts worse. But in case of normal weather, you can enjoy tasty healthy fruits very early: the earliest varieties are capable of producing ripe fruits as early as mid-July. True, it is more difficult to care for them than for apricots of medium or late ripening. Qualified pruning, feeding and preventive spraying from diseases and pests are required.

In the conditions of the Moscow region, Iceberg, Alyosha, Tsarsky and Lel are considered the best early varieties. The varieties Alyosha and Lel were discussed above, since they are also one of the best representatives of self-fertile apricots.

Iceberg

The Iceberg apricot variety was developed in 1986. The tree is not tall, winter hardiness is at an average level, little pests are affected. It reacts very badly to drafts, so the Iceberg should be planted near a high fence. Not self-fertile, pollinators are required (Alyosha or Lel). It is considered one of the best early maturing hybrids for the central regions of Russia. The yield is high.

White flowers are quite large, bloom on all types of shoots. The first fruits ripen in mid-July. Their color is yellow-orange, the blush is small, the size is slightly below average. The pulp is juicy, of excellent taste, the stone is small. The skin is thin. The taste is dominated by sweet tones, it is used mainly for fresh food. The variety is valued for its unpretentiousness to conditions and ease of care.

Iceberg combines ease of cultivation and excellent taste

Tsarsky

Tsarsky apricot appeared about 30 years ago, it is recommended specifically for the conditions of the middle zone, in the Moscow region it is very popular. The tree grows slowly, branches branch weakly. The maximum height of an apricot is 4 meters.

Fruits are small, about 20 g, oval. The main color is yellow, with a slight pinkish blush. The skin is dense, the stone is small. The pulp is yellow-orange, fragrant, sweet, there is a peach flavor. The yield is average, but regular. The fruits are stored for some time, they tolerate transportation well over long distances.

Regionalized varieties

The Moscow region climate is famous for its unpredictability. Even the Ural weather is more suitable for apricots, since everything is usually clear with it: the winter is long, but stable. In the Moscow region, severe and moderate frosts alternate with unexpected warming of varying intensity and duration. And the worst thing for an apricot is podoprevanie root collar and its damage during recurrent frosts. Therefore, it is advisable to choose for cultivation precisely zoned varieties that can withstand all the vagaries of the weather.

There are currently no apricot varieties suitable for industrial cultivation in the Moscow region, and we are talking about varieties intended for planting in personal, amateur gardens. And they are often located in poorly adapted, even lowered places, so it is imperative to pay attention to the choice of apricot variety. For example, Countess, Monastyrsky and Favorit are considered promising varieties for the Moscow region. But the Northern Triumph succeeds only in the south of the Moscow region.

Video: apricot varieties Triumph North

Favorite

Apricot Favorit belongs to the late varieties, the last fruits are harvested in the second half of September. Medium growth tree, medium branching, frost hardy, medium to good yield. The favorite was bred at the turn of the XX and XXI centuries. It is considered one of the best for cultivation in the Central region of Russia.

Fruits are medium in size, about 30 g, orange in color with red spots on the sunny side. The pulp is sweet and firm, crispy, bright orange. The taste is excellent, the use of the fruit is universal. Fruits of the Favorit variety, like many late varieties, are well kept.

Favorite - one of the best late varieties

Countess

Apricot, bred in 1988, is quite capricious in cultivation. The tree is tall (up to 6 meters), young shoots hardly branch. In rainy seasons, it is prone to illness. Frost resistance at a high level, but lower than other zoned varieties. Self-fertility is weak, but in the presence of a pollinator blooming at the same time as the Countess, yields are very high.

Blooms profusely, flowers are medium-sized. Ripening period - average: end of summer. In a dry and warm summer, the fruits are very elegant, variable in shape, of medium size (from 30 to 40 g). The pubescence is delicate, cream color with an original blush. But at high humidity, it becomes densely covered with black specks, spoiling the appearance. The pulp is very tasty, juicy, orange in color. The large bone is easily detached. Most of the fruits are used fresh, but they are quite suitable for canning. Not subject to very long storage. The transportability of the Countess's fruits is low.

Monastyrsky

According to the characteristics of the tree, Monastyrsky is in many ways reminiscent of the Countess, approximately at the same time the harvest takes place. But the number of fruits is slightly higher, and in appearance they differ significantly from the Countess.

Monastyrsky is a medium-ripening variety zoned in the Non-Black Earth Region

Fruits are not quite regular in shape, lemon-yellow in color, with good orange lighting, the blush is pronounced. Weight from 40 g. The stone is large, it is not perfectly separated. The skin is quite dense. The pulp is juicy, orange in color, the taste is good. The purpose of the fruits is universal, they are well stored.

Video: an overview of the best varieties of apricot

Reviews of varieties

There are dozens of apricot varieties grown in the Moscow region, but the most popular are not so many. This is due to the fact that it is not easy to achieve the optimal set of qualities for cultivation in harsh conditions: the excellent taste of the fruit is not always accompanied by a high winter hardiness of the tree, and the ease of care makes one put up with the mediocrity of the quality and quantity of the crop. Therefore, when choosing a variety, it is necessary to weigh well all the positive and negative aspects, since the planted apricot will live in the country for more than a decade.

Graduated from the Chemistry Department of Moscow State University in 1981. Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor. Rate the article:

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Until recently, the thermophilic apricot plant could only be grown in southern latitudes, which include Kalmykia, Dagestan, Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories. But thanks to the work of breeders, it became possible to grow apricots in the middle lane, and even in the north of Russia. Many gardeners from the Voronezh, Kursk, Tambov and Samara regions are already quite successfully growing crops in their gardens. Some varieties of apricots are also growing successfully in the south of the Moscow region.

The most hardy varieties of apricots

Apricots intended for cultivation in the Moscow region are capable of withstand a gradual decrease in temperatures and frosts down to -30C... They are hardy and resistant to almost all unpredictable weather conditions.

Red-cheeked

One of the most popular varieties that gardeners successfully grow on their plots. The variety is different:

• significant size;
• rounded and spreading crown;
• self-destruction;
• large-fruited and good yield;
• high resistance to various diseases;
• high winter hardiness.

The culture bears fruit in large round-flat or ovoid fruits, whose weight can reach 40-50 grams... The fruits have a golden-orange skin with a pronounced blush. Thin but dense skin is slightly pubescent. The light orange pulp tastes very pleasant and sweet or slightly sour. The bone is separated from it very well.

With proper planting and care, the variety begins to bear fruit in 3-4 years. Fruiting occurs on annual growths, spurs or bouquet branches. The fruits ripen by the end of July. Apricot Red-cheeked is unpretentious to soils.

The variety can be grown almost throughout Russia. The fruits tolerate transportation well and are used fresh or dried, as well as for making stewed fruit and jam.

Son of Red-cheeked

Apricots of this variety are hybrids of the Krasnoshchekiy variety... They differ:

1. Strong trunk and well-leafy dense oval-shaped crown.
2. Slightly flattened, rounded or oval fruits with a narrow seam and a delicate orange skin.
3. Each fruit can weigh 30-35 grams. The largest fruits reach 60 grams.
4. The bright orange pulp of the fruit has a sweet taste with notes of sourness and bitterness.
5. The dense bone is oval and medium in size.

Even if during flowering there are slight drops in temperature and cooling, a third of the fertile buds from which fruits are formed will remain on the tree.

Since the large and sweet fruits of the Son of the Red-cheeked variety have strong flesh, they can be rolled into banks. Among the disadvantages of the variety, an irregular yield can be distinguished, which depends on sharp drops in temperatures to minus values.

Northern triumph

The early variety Triumph Severny, obtained by crossing Krasnoschekiy and Severny varieties, was bred for the central chernozem zone. It tolerates low temperatures with dignity, however, its cultivation in the gardens of the Moscow region has some difficulties.

The Northern Triumph is spreading plant... Therefore, when growing it, you need to pay attention to this aspect so that light-loving plants do not fall under its shading.

The variety is different:

1. Round-oval large fruits, the weight of which can reach 55 grams.
2. On the sunny side, the fruits have a yellow-orange color, on the shady side - a noticeable green.
3. The apricot peel is of medium thickness and pubescent.
4. The orange homogeneous pulp has a pleasant, sweet taste that melts in the mouth.

The Triumph Severny variety is distinguished by excellent taste characteristics, high yield and horizontal disease resistance. The planted seedling, with proper care, will begin to bear fruit in four years.

Snegirek

This variety can be grown even in the Northern regions, since it is one of the leaders in winter hardiness. Therefore, in the conditions of the Moscow region, the apricot Snegirek is grown with success.

The variety is different:

1. Only one and a half meters high. At the same time, up to 10 kg of fruit can be removed from one tree.
2. Increased firmness of the fruit, which makes it easy to transport fruits and increases their shelf life.
3. Self-fertility.
4. Fruits with aromatic, juicy and sweet pulp. At the same time, some bitterness may be felt from the skin.
5. Creamy fruit with a maroon blush.
6. The small size of the fruit, the weight of which can be 15-18 grams.
7. Unpretentiousness to the soil.

Fruits ripen by about mid-August.

The disadvantages of the variety include the fact that it is unstable to some diseases. Most often, the tree is exposed to diseases such as moniliosis and leaf blight.Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to the culture in rainy weather, spraying the plant with drugs for these diseases.

Honey

The free pollination variety was bred thanks to the selection of K. K. Mullayanov. A tree up to four meters high bears fruit abundantly. Every year from him you can get up to 15-20 kg of harvest, which, due to the height of the tree, is very inconvenient to collect. In addition, the variety is different:

1. Wide spreading crown.
2. Small, isosceles, pubescent yellow fruits with small red dots. Each fruit weighs 15 grams.
3. Yellow, dense, fibrous pulp with a sweetish taste.
4. A round bone that separates easily from the pulp.
5. High winter hardiness. The culture can withstand frosts down to -35C.

Fruits with excellent taste can be used both fresh and cook compotes and jam from them.

Russian

The variety will be an excellent choice not only for growing in the gardens of the Moscow region, but also in areas of central Russia. It has increased winter hardiness and high yield. Apricot Russian is different:

1. Medium-sized crown, with which it is very convenient to harvest.
2. Squeezed from the sides by rounded, large fruits weighing 50 grams.
3. Yellow-orange skin with a slight blush and slight pubescence.
4. Yellow pulp that has a bright apricot aroma.

For processing, the fruits of this variety are practically not used, they are mainly used only fresh. Apricot Russian is able to withstand frosts at -30 degrees and is resistant to a number of diseases.

Hardy

The late ripening variety belongs to the selection of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. It is winter-hardy and very hardy in relation to subzero temperatures. These qualities apply not only to the tree itself, but also to the flower buds. That is why apricots of this variety are very popular among gardeners of the Moscow region.

The Hardy variety is characterized by:

1. Large size and round crown of medium neglect.
2. Excellent yield.
3. Round-flat, medium-sized fruits, each weighing from 30 to 45 cm.
4. A skin with minimal pubescence, which has a golden orange color and a bright carmine blush.
5. Bright orange, aromatic flesh that tastes sweet and delicious.
6. The bone is separated from the pulp very well.

Apricot seedling Hardy begins to bear fruit only in the fifth year, however, from each tree you can collect up to 60-80 kg of crop... The variety is resistant to disease and easily tolerates frost, since it has a thick bark. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the branches of the trunk are not damaged.

The fruits can be consumed fresh, as well as cook compotes and preserves from them and make dried fruits.

Apricot varieties for the Moscow region: reviews of gardeners

I always thought that apricots can only be grown in the southern regions. So when my husband bought the seedlings three years ago, I thought it was a waste of money. But this year we have harvested a real crop of these amazingly tasty fruits on our site. Every year, when young trees were blooming, I admired them and consoled myself that if there were no fruits, then apricots would bloom beautifully. But this year, ovaries appeared on the trees. I was very worried and thought that they would disappear, however almost all ripened... The apricots are fully ripe on July 16. There were so many of them that we ate ourselves and treated all our friends to them.

Seedlings of the Son Krasnoshchekogo variety were purchased in the spring with an open root system. We planted them by the fence so that the graft was on the south side. Then the seedlings were watered with water, and further care for them was minimal. Since they grew far from the water supply system, we did not water them very often. For the winter, they did not cover with anything or cut them off. Also, during this time, the apricot trees were never fed. This year we bought and planted one more seedling.

The tree of this variety is tall, spreading and prickly. Located on a long trunk, short branches are sharp as thorns. The tree grows very quickly, and takes up quite a lot of space, so when planting an apricot, this moment must be taken into account. The seedlings have never been sick with anything, maybe because in our area there are no those pests that are in the south. Only once it is not clear why one seedling suddenly burned out. But after a while above the vaccinations on it new branches began to grow... And this year we removed sweet apricots from this tree. Therefore, in my review I want to say that gardeners are not afraid to plant apricots in the Moscow region. They grow well with us!

Irina

I bought three-year-old apricots Triumph North in September. I just saw late that there was a wonderful nursery on the way to our dacha. As a result, I planted it in October without any special fertilizers. I poured into each pit only a bucket of good humus. By winter, the seedlings were almost completely painted with a special paint. The leaves did not fly around until Novemberso I cut them off myself. I didn't cut anything off.

In vain I made near-trunk circles, since water began to collect in them in the spring. I had to destroy. In the spring, even before the thaw, I tinted the seedlings and wrapped them in non-woven fabric. He began to form the future crown, and cut off the budless branches. The fruits that were born began to sell, so no one believes that they are of their own harvest. Their taste is sweet, with a slight sourness. I don't really like these, I like sweets more. They buy up my apricots willingly.

Sergei

I have several apricot trees growing on my site. I raised two of them from seeds, and one tree of the Krasnoshekiy variety was grafted. The most unpretentious were those grown from seeds. They have the same, oddly enough, large fruits... The only problem is that apricots grow on the same tree, the stone of which does not want to be separated from the fruit. The grafted seedling will get sick with something, then it will freeze. The fruits on it are tasty, beautiful and large, but there are very few of them.

Elena

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The Moscow region is an area in which, in order to grow an apricot, you need to constantly take care of the tree. In addition, not all varieties are suitable for growing in such a climatic zone. Our article will tell you how to grow an apricot in the Moscow region and which varieties are best suited.

Hardy varieties

In the Moscow region, for growing apricots, you should take only hardy varieties that can withstand the climate of this zone. When growing apricots, preference should be given to varieties that have a fairly high resistance to frost, since this is a fairly common phenomenon here in the cold season.

In this climatic zone, the following varieties of apricot have shown themselves better than others: red-cheeked, hardy, Russian, honey, snowflake, northern triumph. It was these apricot varieties that received the best reviews from gardeners. In addition to these varieties, other early-growing varieties will feel good in the Moscow region.

Let's consider the above types in more detail.

Red-cheeked

Apricot Red-cheeked is the most common variety that is grown today in the Moscow region.

This variety has a distinctive feature, which is the rather significant size of the tree, which has a spreading and rounded crown. The tree bears fruit with relatively large fruits. The average weight of one apricot ranges from 40 to 50 grams. They are characterized by an ovoid or rounded-flat shape. The skin color is golden orange with a beautiful and pronounced blush. In this case, the apricots have the appearance of light pubescence. The skin is rather thin, but dense. The pulp is light orange in color.It tastes sweet and pleasant, and the bone separates quite well from it. Sometimes the pulp can give off a slight sourness. A pleasant aroma of fruits is noted, due to which the variety has one of the best reviews for this indicator.

The content of dry matter in the pulp is 13.70%. At the same time, the content of sugars at the level of 9.72% was noted in the fruits, ascorbic acid - 13.7 mg / 100g, as well as acids - 1.37%.

Red Cheek has the following features:

• strong and vigorous tree;
• high winter hardiness. The variety has the best winter-hardy properties of all fruit plants grown in the Moscow region;
• self-fertility;
• good productivity and large-fruited;
• sufficiently high resistance to various diseases.

With improper care, the tree produces small fruits, and the yield becomes irregular. If the care was correct, and the planting of the seedling was successful, then the tree begins to bear fruit from 3-4 years old. The yield is maintained every year. Fruit ripening occurs in July (end of the month). Fruiting is possible on bouquet branches, spurs, as well as annual growths left on the tree after cutting in the spring of last year. This variety is characterized by unpretentiousness to soils.

Apricots of the Krasnoshekiy variety can be eaten both fresh and used for making jams, compotes, and dried fruits. Moreover, the fruits themselves can be stored for one week. They tolerate transportation conditions well.

Apricots of the Krasnoshekiy variety are considered a universal variety, so it can be grown practically throughout Russia. But he gained maximum popularity in the Moscow region.

Hardy

The name of the variety shows that this apricot is very hardy in terms of withstanding low temperatures. Its winter-hardy properties are among the best among apricots grown in the Moscow region. At the same time, winter hardiness extends not only to the tree, but also to its flower buds.

The tree itself is characterized by strong growth. It has a large size and a round crown. It is characterized by moderate neglect.

The first fruiting occurs only 5-6 years after the seedling is planted in the ground. But at the same time, excellent productivity is noted. The fruits are medium in size and have a rounded flat shape. The weight of one fruit is 30-45 grams. Apricots are golden orange in color with a bright carmine blush. The skin is characterized by minimal pubescence. The pulp is tasty and sweet, has a bright orange color. Very aromatic. For her, an increased sugar content is described. The separation of the bone from the pulp is quite easy. The seed is pretty sweet.

Fruit ripening occurs late - in the first decade of August.

Of the advantages of the variety, the following parameters can be noted:

• stable and high yield. Up to 60-80 kg of the crop can be harvested from one tree;
• self-fertility;
• high resistance to most diseases;
• excellent winter hardiness. The tree can withstand fairly low temperatures due to its thick bark. Thanks to her, the apricot easily tolerates frosts, if there is no damage to the branches of the trunk.

Apricot variety Hardy can be eaten both fresh and in the form of compotes, jam or dried fruits.

Russian

An excellent choice for growing in the middle lane of the country, as well as the Moscow region, is the Russian variety. As well as the two previous species, apricot has increased winter hardiness against the background of high yields.

The Russian is a fairly large tree with a medium-sized crown. Unlike the two varieties described above, the tree does not grow very tall. Its growth is better than the previous two, suitable for a comfortable harvest. Large fruits are formed on the tree, which weigh 50 grams on average.

The shape of the apricot is round, although outwardly it is slightly compressed from the sides.The skin of the Russian is colored yellow-orange with a faint blush. The pubescence of the skin is poorly expressed. The pulp has a harmonious taste and a bright apricot aroma. Its color is yellow.

The fruits are usually consumed fresh. They are not used for processing at all.

The advantages of this type of apricot include the following qualities:

• high productivity;
• excellent taste of fruits;
• excellent winter hardiness. It can even withstand 30-degree frosts;
• resistance to a number of diseases.

Honey

This is a vigorous variety. Honey can reach a height of four meters. It is very inconvenient to harvest such trees without using a stepladder. Has a wide and spreading crown. Relatively small, isosceles fruits are formed on the tree. The skin color of the Honey Apricot is yellow. At the same time, small red dots are scattered on it, which are most densely located at the top of the fruits. Weak pubescence of fruits is characteristic. The apricot pulp of this variety has a fibrous and dense texture. It is yellow in color and has a sweetish taste. In terms of taste, such an apricot gives odds to many other varieties.

The Honey variety also has the best reviews for its winter-hardy properties, as it can withstand frosts down to -35 degrees and even lower.

The advantages of this type of apricot include the following parameters:

• yield;
• excellent taste of fruits, which can be used both for processing and for fresh consumption;
• exceptional frost-resistant properties that allow the plant to withstand even the most severe and long frosts.

The fruits of this tree are most often consumed fresh. But with the same success, jams and compotes are prepared from them.

Snegirek

Another leader in winter hardiness is the Snegirek variety. It is grown today even in the North. Therefore, such a fruit tree will perfectly fit into the climate conditions of the Moscow region, which are not as severe as in the North. The fruit tree can develop on any soil.

The tree of this species grows to a height of only 1.5 meters, which makes harvesting from it very comfortable and convenient. Despite such a rather small size, up to 10 kg of fruit can be removed from one tree.

A distinctive feature of the fruits of this fruit variety is increased elasticity, which contributes to an increased indicator of the transportable properties of fruits, and also increases their shelf life. If all storage conditions are met, such apricots can lie and not deteriorate until mid-winter.

The obvious disadvantages of the species include the fact that the tree has low resistance to some diseases. Snegirek demonstrates the greatest susceptibility to leaf spot and moniliosis. In the spring, if there is frequent rainy weather, the tree needs to be given special attention and sprayed against these diseases. If the onset of the infection was detected, then treatment should be started immediately to prevent the possibility of spreading the disease to other trees.

So, the list of advantages of this variety of apricot should include the following:

• lack of special requirements for the place of cultivation in terms of soil indicators;
• high productivity;
• excellent properties of fruits, allowing them to be stored for a rather long period of time;
• high transportability of fruits;
• self-fertility;
• has one of the highest frost-resistant indicators, which allow you to grow a tree even in the northern regions of the country.

Northern triumph

Triumph Severny was obtained by crossing the varieties Severny Early and Krasnoschekiy. It was developed for the central black earth zone. Therefore, in the conditions of the Moscow region, he has some difficulties with wintering, although it tolerates low temperatures with dignity.

Northern Triumph is a vigorous plant on which a rather spreading crown is formed.This aspect of growing should be taken into account when planning your garden to avoid unnecessary shading by the tree of other garden plants.

The variety is characterized by large fruits with a rounded-oval shape. The weight of one apricot can be approximately 55 grams. The fruits are yellow-orange in color, on the shady side of which there is a noticeable greenness. The peel is pubescent and of medium thickness. The pulp is homogeneous, has an orange color and a pleasant taste. The apricots taste sweet and melting. The stone is medium in size.

The first harvest can be obtained four years after planting the seedling.

The advantages of this type of apricot include the following points:

• high productivity;
• excellent taste characteristics;
• horizontal resistance to various diseases.

Of course, in some respects, Triumph Severny is inferior to the above-described varieties of apricot, but it is still quite often grown in the gardens of the Moscow region.

Growing features

Given the climatic features in the Moscow region, when growing apricots there, certain recommendations must be followed. When planting a seedling in spring, for its faster growth and high yield, in the future, the rules for planting, fertilizing and watering should be observed.

When planting seedlings or sprouted seeds, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the apricot is a light and heat-loving plant. Therefore, the place for further disembarkation should be well lit and warm (especially in the morning). It is better to choose the south side of existing buildings or fences. In the placement of seedlings, it is recommended to use a 6 × 4 pattern, where "6" means the distance in meters between rows, and "4" - in a row. Planting a seedling in the spring of any of the above-described apricot varieties should be carried out according to the following algorithm:

• digging a shallow hole. Its approximate dimensions should be 70x70x70cm;
• planting a seedling does not imply a deep lowering of it into a prepared planting pit. It is enough just to cover the seedling with earth slightly above the rhizome;
• after that, we slightly trample the ground with our foot. The soil near the rhizome should be tamped tightly.

The planted tree should be watered 5-6 times during one season.

For young trees, you need to observe the water regime, which is more demanding than that of adult plants. So, young trees need to be moistened 2-3 buckets more than old trees.

Diagram of apricot crown formation

As the plant grows, the amount of watering should be slightly reduced. In addition to seedlings in the Moscow region, there are conditions for growing apricots from the stone. It is often quite problematic to grow a purchased seedling, since not all trees tolerate such stress well as transplanting to a new place. Especially if the seedling used to grow in other climatic conditions. This greatly affects the adaptability of the tree and very often leads to the death of the seedling in the first year after planting.

Planting seeds eliminates this risk and allows you to grow a strong and fruitful plant. If the seedling is planted either in early spring or in the fall, then the seed should be harvested in the fall. It will be too late to do such manipulations in the spring.

For cultivation in the Moscow region of apricot from seeds should be guided by the following scheme:

1. we select the sweetest and largest fruits;
2. we separate the bone from the pulp and rinse it in water, to which potassium permanganate was previously added;
3. prepare a container for the bone. Fill it halfway with sand. We put the bone there so that it is completely under a layer of sand;
4. we bring water into the container. The surplus can simply be drained;
5. then close the container with the bone with a lid with previously made holes in it and put it in a cold place (you can put it in the refrigerator).

Periodically, you need to check the condition of the soil so that it is constantly moistened. With this method, you will receive the first shoots in March. They will have a bright red color, but in the spring (closer to the middle) they will turn green. Choose the strongest and strongest shoots from the growth. We carry out their planting in open ground according to the same scheme as purchased seedlings.

Since almost all fruit trees suitable for growing in the Moscow Region are self-fertile species, several apricot trees should be planted in the garden at once. This will increase their pollination and yield levels.

In the first year after planting in open ground, it is necessary to mulch the earth along the perimeter of the trunk. If there is no mulching, then the earth under the tree will retain moisture, preventing it from penetrating through the formed crust to the root system. As a result, there is a decrease in the vital functions of the plant, which leads to a decrease in yield, as well as a decrease in the palatability of the fruit.

In addition, mulching allows you to avoid severe freezing of the soil, which can cause the apricot to die. Young trees have a tendency to freeze the lower branches. Therefore, seedlings and young plants should be covered for the winter, especially the lower branches. This must be done even for varieties for which the highest frost resistance is described (-35 degrees of frost). You can cover with burlap or any other dense fabric.

For young stock, in the spring, it is necessary to inspect the trunk for cracks. If found, the cracks should be covered with garden varnish. To increase the yield of already enough fertile varieties, you need to fertilize the trees with horse manure and peat.

Since almost all varieties suitable for growing in the Moscow region have strong growth and a rounded shape, there is no need to carry out shaping pruning for the crown.

The presence of a fairly high resistance of hardy varieties of apricot to various types of diseases is not yet a reason not to monitor the health of trees. Some varieties have medium or even low resistance to certain infections. Here, a more careful monitoring of the state of health will not hurt at all and, when the first symptoms of the disease are detected, take the necessary treatment measures. In addition, do not forget about preventive measures, which are the best fight against various infections. For preventive purposes, plants can be treated with Bordeaux mixture, as well as any preparations that contain copper.

As you can see, even in the Moscow region, you can plant a fairly large number of apricot varieties that can not only grow, but also give an excellent yield level. Planting, maintaining, and watering correctly will make your garden more fruitful and your fruit tastier.

Video "Apricot variety Melitopol early"

After watching the video, you can see what the tree and the fruits of this variety look like.