Columnar apricot - a general characteristic and suitable varieties for the Moscow region
For many years, delicious apricots were grown in Russia only in regions with a warm climate. Thanks to the intensive work of scientists, in modern suburban areas of the Moscow region, you can find the columnar apricot. The fruits of this tree are no different from the usual varieties that are cultivated in the southern regions of Russia. Their juicy pulp, pleasant aroma and standard size evoke a lot of positive emotions. In addition, the tree occupies a small area in the garden, which gives the garden an unusual look. What are these cute fruit beauties? Let's get to know them better.
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Columnar apricot - external features
In the first half of April, pinkish or snow-white inflorescences appear on the plant. And a little later, it is dressed in oval or heart-shaped foliage. Each of them has a pointed tip, which is typical for this species fruit trees.
The columnar apricot bears fruit in the second half of the sultry summer. A lot of juicy fruits appear on elastic branches, weighing about 20 g. Some giants reach 100 g. Basically, they are painted in the following colors:
- yellow;
- Orange;
- red-orange.
A bone is “stored” inside the fruit, the core of which is also eaten. Some chefs add it to apricot jam to give it a savory taste.
The bud, which is located at the top of the tree, is considered the plant's most vulnerable spot. If it suffers from frost or dies for some reason, the tree will give vertical shoots. This leads to a violation of the unique integrity of the plant form.
To stimulate fruiting, gardeners carry out regular pruning columnar apricot. In early spring or late autumn, they remove old branches, and also shorten young shoots. The maximum length should be no more than 20 cm. If this procedure is not done in time, the tree will lose its original shape. As a result, fruits will form only at the base of the lateral branches. By adhering to this simple rule, you can enjoy an abundance of delicious fruits from an unusual tree every year.
Popular varieties of compact trees
In the territory of central Russia, several varieties of columnar apricots are cultivated, which perfectly tolerate cold winters and give good yields.
Therefore, gardeners consider each of them in the light of such criteria:
- climatic conditions of the area;
- growing rules;
- yield;
- biological features of the tree;
- reviews of experienced gardeners.
The greatest danger to apricot columnar is posed by thaws in winter. At this time, the tree begins to wake up, which affects the growth of the shoots and the swelling of the buds. But with the return of the cold, they all die irrevocably.Therefore, in the Moscow region, summer residents are trying to grow not only frost-resistant varieties, but also those that can withstand winter thaws. Some of them even recover from minor injuries. Consider the most suitable options for such fruit trees.
"Prince Mart"
In some nurseries, the tree is simply called "Prince", but this does not affect its performance. Apricot is valued for its high and stable yield in the Moscow region, the Ural region and even Siberia. This fruit tree can withstand 30 degrees of frost for a long period and continue to bear fruit abundantly.
Apricot columnar "Prince Mart" is a self-fertile plant. Its flowering begins very early, when the pollinating insects are not yet particularly active. The fruits have a bright orange color and a delicate velvety surface. On the side facing the sun, a pinkish or crimson hue appears in the form of small specks. The round shape of the fruit is slightly elongated, but this does not violate its external symmetry. The maximum weight of apricots is approximately 60 grams. Juicy and aromatic, bright yellow pulp has a sweet taste with subtle hints of acid.
Since the pulp separates from the stone wonderfully, such apricots are often used for canning and making various types of jam. After heat treatment, the fruits retain the integrity and brightness of the original color.
The peculiarity of the variety is that apricots ripen almost simultaneously in early August, and in hot summer, at the end of July. The first fruits appear as early as 3 years after the tree is planted in a permanent place. Collecting them is quite simple, since the plant has a compact appearance and an accessible height of 2 meters.
"Star"
Another name for the variety is "Zoryany". Its main feature is resistance to various diseases and high frost resistance. It perfectly tolerates air temperatures below 30 degrees, so it wonderfully takes root in the Moscow region. The maximum weight of one fruit can reach 100 grams, which is especially popular with gardeners.
Fruiting apricot the columnar "Zvezdny" begins 2 years after landing at the summer cottage. The first inflorescences appear on it in early May, so the ovaries are not afraid of spring frosts. In mid-August, the tree bears bright yellow fruit with a cute "blush" on the sunny side. Under the delicate skin is "hidden" golden pulp, which is not very juicy, but surprisingly fragrant. On average, about 10 kg of fruit are harvested from one adult tree.
Apricots of this variety are ideal for harvesting dried fruits for the winter.
The tree grows no more than 2 meters, which allows you to safely harvest. It does not require special care, except for timely pruning, feeding, and regular moisture.