Apricot - in the south grew, as they say in the famousadvertising. Fortunately, modern breeding 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 does not cause difficulties, but it has some peculiarities. We will talk about them.
Абрикос обыкновенный в культуру был введен Thousands of years ago and practically all this time was considered solely as a plant for the south. It is not surprising: most varieties at best can endure short-term lowering of temperature to -30 ° C, and flower buds die at -25 ° C. Due to the removal of special varieties, it became possible to get apricot in Siberia. Growing and caring for him - hereinafter.
Great contribution to the work of breedingzoned hybrids belong to the Siberian I.L. Baikalov. He used in his experiments apricot ordinary, manchzhursky, Siberian, as well as their forms and various varieties. For the harsh climate are suitable the last two species. Fresh fruits are inferior in quality to their southern relatives, but in a canned, dried, dried form they have excellent qualities.
In addition to the five most famous varieties, it is also worth noting the following: Academician, Amur, Akbashevsky, East Siberian, Handsome, Laureate, Firstborn, Spicy, Triumph of the North, etc.
The answer to the question of how to grow apricot inSiberia, largely depends on the correct choice of soil. Keep in mind that the tree will grow poorly on a heavy substrate that does not allow moisture and air to pass through. Therefore, select for him the highest places on the site, the lowlands and depressions are unsuitable. Stable high yield harvested when planting on the slopes of mountains, hills, hills. Apricot is a light-loving plant, so it does not like thick planting, keep the correct distance.
Its wood is frost resistant.Siberian apricot freely tolerates lowering the temperature to -40 ° C. Of the negative sides of all varieties, it is worth noting a short dormant period, therefore, flower and growth buds awaken early and can fall under reflex frosts.
All gardeners recommend remembering one simplerule about how to plant apricot in Siberia. Growing involves planting on a hill and in no case in a hole for watering. Deepening the root collar may cause it to rot. Plant trees on the mounds. It must be gentle in order to protect the roots from freezing. Use a fertile soil mix with the addition of humus and a small amount of lime. Experts recommend planting several varieties of apricot at once in order to carry out cross-pollination, and this in turn is the key to a good harvest.
After landing, the first two years are the circle ofnear the tree, it is necessary to keep it clean (weeding from weeds) and periodically loosen it, but not deeply (6-8 cm), so as not to damage the root system.
Fruit trees are moisture-loving.They need regular watering, especially demanding for this seedlings of apricots and plants after transplanting to a new place. The second half of summer is calmer. Watering during this period is needed only if drought occurs, otherwise excessive moisture will lead to a strong growth of shoots that do not have time to mature for the winter.
Fertilizers should be applied to the soil.If it is rather poor, then it should be done once a year. Starting from the age of two, apricots are fed in the beginning of spring and late autumn with complex mineral preparations. Organic fertilizers in the form of peat, compost, and humus are applied as needed, but at least once every 3-5 years.
From an early age, the trees begin to whiten.Work is carried out in late autumn and early spring. Use for this a mixture of whitewash with a small addition of copper sulfate. Damage caused by frost and wounds on the trunks are covered with barbs. To protect fruit trees from rodents, frosts and the scorching spring sun from autumn to April, wrap the bases around skeletal branches and woven glass fibers.
The crown of a tree is formed naturally, without interference. Siberian apricot is very painful tolerates pruning, so it is better to exclude it.
Seed breeding method is valid for the Siberian varieties. In order for the process to be successful, use a few tips:
Fruit tree is subject to somediseases that affect and damage the flowers, leaves, fruits and skeletal branches of the plant. The most common and harmful are the following: monilioz, cytosporosis, phytosteriasis, bacterial cancer, verticillis, and leaf curl and brown spot on them. Diseases of apricot are better to prevent than to treat them for a long time and painstakingly. Use twice a year (in spring, when the buds swell, and in the fall after the leaves fall) 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture. Of the preventive measures should also be noted:
In addition, apricot seedlings and mature treespests are attacked (similar to plum damage): peppered moth, aphid, moth, etc. In a timely manner, process the plants with Aktellik, Decis or other drugs.
Planting apricots in Siberia is already quitehabitual phenomenon. If you have decided to start this sunny and bright fruit tree in your garden, then it is worth considering a few points. First, think about whether you have a place on the site that is suitable for him. Secondly, be responsible for choosing a variety, comparing all indicators with the weather conditions of your area. It was good to consult with experienced gardeners and specialists, one head, as you know, is good, and two are better.
