Apricot - in the south grew, as they say in the famous advertising. Fortunately, modern selection does not stand still and good cold-resistant hybrids are bred. Already without much difficulty you can get apricot in Siberia. Growing a fruit tree is not difficult, but has some features. We’ll talk about them.
About Apricot
Common apricot was introduced into the culture millennia ago and almost all this time was considered exclusively as a plant for the south. It is not surprising: most varieties at best can tolerate a short-term decrease in temperature to -30 ° C, and flower buds die already at -25 ° C. Thanks to the development of special varieties, it became possible to obtain apricot in Siberia. Growing and caring for him - hereinafter.
A great contribution to the work on the cultivation of zoned hybrids belongs to the Siberian I. L. Baikalov. He used in his experiments ordinary apricot, Manchurian, Siberian, as well as their forms and various varieties. The last two species are suitable for harsh climates. Fresh fruits are inferior in quality to their southern counterpart, but in canned, dried, dried form they have excellent qualities.
Apricot varieties for Siberia
- Siberian Baikalov. The tree grows up to 3.5 m with a spreading crown up to 4 m in diameter. It is characterized by rapid growth in the first few years after planting. Fruits are medium-sized, about 25 g with a slight blush, the flesh is aromatic, dense. It begins to bloom in May; the average yield per tree is 20 kg.
- Sayan. The height of the tree is up to 3 m, fruits weighing 25-30 g rounded in shape, do not have a blush. Siberian apricot of this variety will give you a yield of up to 15 kg from one hybrid.
- Khabarovsky. Strong-growing tree with a rare spreading crown. Fruits are large, weighing up to 45 g, round-cone-shaped, slightly compressed laterally. The color is dark green with a slight blush.
- Northern Lights. An elite variety blooming in the second decade of May. Fruits are rounded with a distinct seam, weighing 25-30 g with a good taste. This is a late apricot. In Siberia, cultivation is successful, the variety is highly resistant to frost, even in light winters.
- Mountain Abakan. The tree grows up to 3 m, has good resistance to frost. The fruits have a mass of 25-30 g, a dense orange flesh.
In addition to the five most famous varieties, the following are also worth noting: Academician, Amur, Akbashevsky, East Siberian, Handsome, Laureate, Firstborn, Piquant, Triumph North, etc.
Place for apricot and soil
The answer to the question of how to grow apricot in Siberia largely depends on the right choice of soil. Keep in mind that the tree will grow poorly on a heavy substrate, poorly transmitting moisture and air. Therefore, select for it the highest places on the site, lowlands and depressions are unsuitable. A consistently high crop is harvested when planting on mountain slopes, hills, hills. Apricot is a photophilous plant, therefore does not like a thickened planting, observe the correct distance.
Its wood is frost-resistant. Siberian apricot freely tolerates a decrease in temperature to -40 ° C. Of the negative sides of all varieties, it is worth noting a short dormancy period, so flower and growth buds wake up early and may fall under return frosts.
Planting apricot in the garden
We recommend that all gardeners remember one simple rule about how to plant apricot in Siberia. Growing involves landing on a hill and in no case in a hole for irrigation. Deepening the root neck can cause its decay. Plant trees on the mounds. It should be gentle in order to protect the roots from freezing. Use a fertile soil mixture with humus and a small amount of lime. Experts recommend planting several varieties of apricot at once, so that cross-pollination is carried out, and this, in turn, is the key to a good harvest.
After planting, for the first two years, the circulatory circle near the tree should be kept in a clean state (weeding from weeds) and periodically loosened, but shallow (by 6-8 cm) so as not to damage the root system.
Watering and fertilizing fertilizers
Fruit trees are hygrophilous. They need regular watering, apricot seedlings and plants are especially demanding for this after transplanting to a new place. The second half of the summer is calmer. Watering during this period is necessary only if drought occurs, otherwise excess moisture will lead to a strong growth of shoots that do not have time to ripen by winter.
Fertilizers should be applied to the soil. If it is poor enough, then you need to do this once a year. Starting from the age of two, apricots are fed with complex mineral preparations in early spring and late autumn. Organic fertilizers in the form of peat, compost, humus are applied as necessary, but at least once every 3-5 years.
Tree care
From an early age, trees begin to whiten. The work is carried out in late autumn and early spring. Use a mixture of whitewash with a small addition of copper sulfate. Damage due to frost and wounds on the trunks is covered with var. To protect fruit trees from rodents, frosts and the burning spring sun from autumn to April, wrap the bases of skeletal branches and mushrooms with fiberglass.
Crohn's tree is formed naturally, without interference. Siberian apricot is very sensitive to pruning, so it is better to exclude it.
Pitted apricot
The seed propagation method is acceptable for Siberian varieties. In order for the process to be successful, use a few tips:
- Take a bone only from a zoned tree. Fruits choose ripe, large, without flaws and defects. After you get the seed, put it in water for a day.
- Plant a bone directly in the ground or in seedlings. On the site for these purposes, choose a place protected from the winds and well lit by the sun. The distance between the holes is 10-15 cm. After planting, water the bed abundantly.
- Care for planted apricot kernels consists in periodic weeding from weeds, abundant watering and loosening of the soil.
- Young plants are transplanted when they reach the age of two. The process of growing apricot from the seed is not fast. The first crop with a favorable outcome of events you will receive only 5-6 years after planting.
Apricot disease
The fruit tree is susceptible to certain diseases that affect and damage the flowers, leaves, fruits and skeletal branches of the plant. The following are most common and harmful: moniliosis, cytosporosis, kleasterosporiasis, bacterial cancer, verticillosis, as well as curly leaves and brown spots on them. Apricot diseases are better to prevent than to treat for a long time and painstakingly. Use twice a year (in the spring, when the buds swell, and in the fall after the leaves fall) 1% solution of Bordeaux fluid. Of the preventive measures should also be noted:
- cleaning, disinfection and puttying of wounds on the bark of a tree;
- collection of carrion and fruit damaged by diseases with their subsequent destruction;
- collection and burning of diseased leaves;
- periodic treatment of the whole tree with special preparations or lime.
In addition, apricot seedlings and mature trees are susceptible to attack by pests (similar to those that damage plums): moth, aphid, codling moth, etc. Promptly treat Actellik, Decis, or other plants.
Planting apricots in Siberia is already quite a common occurrence. If you decide to plant this sunny and bright fruit tree in your garden, then there are a few points to consider. First, think about whether you have a place on the site suitable for it. Secondly, be responsible for choosing a variety, comparing all the indicators with the weather conditions of your area. It was not bad to consult with experienced gardeners and specialists, one head, as you know, is good, and two is better.