The best winter-hardy varieties of apricot for central Russia
Apricot is one of the most thermophilic crops, it can often be found in the southern regions, both in gardens and in the wild. But the varieties that grow well and bear fruit abundantly in the south, in the cold conditions of the middle zone and in the north of the country, are ordered to live long. Why does this happen? And the fact is that in central Russia, apricot varieties with high winter hardiness can survive, both of the tree itself and of flower buds. Cold winters, late spring, heavy snow cover or lack of precipitation in conditions of extremely low temperatures become destructive for southern varieties, and it is almost impossible to get a harvest from them.
However, through the efforts of breeders, many winter-hardy species this wonderful orange fruit that retains excellent flavor and high yields. We bring to your attention a selection of the best varieties of apricots suitable for growing in central Russia, with winter hardiness at the highest level.
On this topic:apricot Triumph North variety description.
Early apricot Alyosha
A medium-sized tree up to 4 m high with a rounded crown will delight with fruits at the end of July. Apricots are rather large, sour, yellow in color with a barely noticeable blush and pubescence, well kept.
The variety is characterized by earlier ripening and fruiting - the first fruits can be tried in the third year (after grafting).
Self-fertile Snegirek
The unspoken leader among winter-hardy varieties, Snegirek apricot can live on any soil. A low tree blooms late, therefore, return frosts are not afraid of it. Other advantages of the variety are that:
- juicy fruits have elastic flesh, due to which they have high transportability;
- yellow and red apricots are very sweet and can be stored all autumn;
- the apricot is self-fertile.
Among the shortcomings, it should be noted that in a rainy summer, Snegirek is prone to moniliosis and leaf spot.
Dwarf late hybrid Calyx
One of the most winter hardy varieties and a favorite of gardeners thanks to its compact size, making tree maintenance and harvesting fun. The maximum height of the apricot is 1.5 m, the crown is shaped like a bowl. The creamy yellow fruits ripen in early August, they are small and soft, but very sweet and aromatic.
The Chashechka variety has a good yield, which remains from year to year. It is self-fertile and requires other varieties for pollination in its neighbors.
Hardy apricot
A late variety with increased winter hardiness, including flower buds. Vigorous apricot Hardy grows into a large, tall tree with a slightly branched crown, which does not have a regular trimming thickens quickly. Apricots ripen in mid-August, are golden orange, with a delicate red blush on the side, sweet.
An additional bonus is the self-fertility of the variety.