The common apricot fruit tree is one of the most common plants that can be observed in the gardens and vegetable gardens of our regions. So that your tree bears fruit annually and you harvest a rich harvest, you need to know what conditions are suitable for this resident of your site. Common apricot is a favorite tree for children, as many of them like to eat its ripe sweet fruits, sitting on strong branches. We have put together some recommendations that will help you take care of your apricot and get a great harvest.
Description
Common apricot, the description of which we present to you, was originally grown in warm areas, where the winter was not severe, and the summer period was long. Thanks to the work of scientists, we are able to grow this tree in any region. Externally, apricot may differ in the size of the crown and the type of fruit. Depending on the variety, you can find both green, and yellow, and orange gifts of nature. They also taste different. Some people like sweets, while others prefer sour ones. This is an individual matter. Before you plant a tree in your area, make sure that you like the taste of the future fruit.
Growing method
Apricot can be grown in the following ways:
- Finished tree purchased in a special store.
- Planting bones in his garden.
Both methods are good in their own way, but there are some points. If you bought a seedling and are going to plant it on the site, there is no guarantee that you will like the fruits. But this method is much easier and faster than growing from seed. The work procedure in this case is very long, and there is a danger that the seed will not give the seedling growth. But there is a guarantee that you will grow the variety that you tried before that. When working with a seed, it should be remembered that it is suitable for planting only within a year after the fruit has ripened.
Landing place
If you decide to plant an ordinary apricot, then you immediately need to choose a place to place it. Never plant a tree in a valley. It loves high mounds that are illuminated by the sun. In extreme cases, flat terrain, but not a shadow. The whole earth is suitable, since the tree grows and develops quietly in any soil. He has such a powerful root system that penetrates deep underground that he is not afraid of even drought. It is recommended to plant two trees at once, as this will ensure good pollination in the spring. Or the second option - the presence of such a tree in the neighbors will also benefit the future harvest.
When buying a seedling, pay attention to the roots. They must be fresh, strong and alive. Put it in a hole with a meter deep and the same width, water it and wait for the tree to take root. Typically, the first fruits can be tasted three years after planting. In early spring, the tree begins to bloom. And already in May, fruits are appearing. Depending on the variety, this continues until the fall.
As for the bone, here you need to carefully study all the recommendations for preparation and planting. In this case, your efforts will not be in vain.
- Take for planting seeds that are extracted from fruits growing in your region. Exotic varieties may not be accepted.
- If you choose a seed for planting, then remove it from the ripe fruit, even overripe. Rinse the bone and dry in partial shade.
- It is better to plant seeds in October. Before planting, put them in water for 24 hours. Those that come up are not suitable for landing. Put the rest in the ground six centimeters in depth with a distance of 10 cm. You can sprinkle humus and grass on top. During the winter period, the seeds will be hardened, and in spring you will see the first shoots.
- When they ascend, you need to worry about their salvation from birds. For this purpose, you can cover them with caps from bottles in which holes for air should be made.
- In the summer, the sprouts grow well, and in early autumn they can be transplanted to the chosen place.
Tree care
By planting an ordinary apricot, you will see that already in a year the tree will grow by a meter, or even two, in height. Cron forms independently, therefore, constant supervision and adjustment of the form is necessary. Otherwise, you will get a shapeless tall tree from which it will be difficult to harvest.
Water and loosen the soil around the apricot. Regularly treat the barrel with special preparations that will protect it from attacks of the fungus and pests. In autumn, it is recommended to whitewash the trunk and lower branches to prevent diseases from developing.
Varieties
There are many varieties of this wonderful tree, and all of them are divided into three types:
- Early ripening.
- Mid-season.
- Late ripening.
The first include such varieties as "Aleshka", "Melitopol", "Leskore". The second type is usually attributed to “Krasnoshchekiy”, “Polesye”, “Yalta”, “Pineapple”. And the latest varieties are Iskra and Favorit.
It should be noted that all varieties are good, but there are those that enjoy special attention. For example, the common apricot “Favorite”. Reviews gardeners talk about the excellent qualities of this variety. The fruit is medium in size, while it is sweet and juicy, but not soft. Suitable not only for eating raw, but also for canning. The tree is unpretentious in care and is very popular among the population. Although if your region is characterized by early winter, then there is a chance not to see ripe fruits.
Common apricot: medicines in the garden
It is important to know that this fruit is not only tasty, but also very healthy. Its composition includes elements such as sugar, vitamins, acids, iron, potassium, mineral salts and much more. What can apricot do for your health and what useful functions does it perform?
- Excretion of cholesterol.
- Stimulation of the intestines.
- Improving the work of the heart.
- Antifungal effect.
- Work as an antibiotic.
- It is necessary for anemia patients, suffering from hypertension, pregnant.
- Acts as a laxative.
As you can see, apricot is so multifaceted that it is simply necessary to grow it in your garden. And a small tree care effort is worth getting such an unmatched fruit. Reviews of people who already have such happiness in their garden indicate that it is a pleasure to grow this tree. Try it and see for yourself!