Early apricot: description and characteristics of the best varieties

There are, of course, a very large number of different varieties of apricots. Early apricot - in this article we will pay much attention to these particular varieties. Thanks to the search for breeders, today there are many varieties of apricots that can be grown in a wide variety of natural and climatic conditions. Although earlier apricots were grown only in warm, southern regions.

Early apricot: variety description, features and growing process

Apricot Early: photo of the variety

Before reviewing the best early apricot varieties and describing them in more detail. It should be emphasized that ordinary apricots, which have a medium or late ripening period, are significantly different from fruits related to the early ripening period.

For example, Melitopol early apricot, as well as its other varieties, which begin to bear fruit in July, require special attention and care.

Early apricots are also more sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. As a rule, they are not so well resistant to climatic conditions. They practically do not tolerate frost, are more vulnerable.

All this once again suggests that with improper care, the plant will not survive a long winter. And it is basically impossible to expect fruiting from him.

In the process of growing early varieties of apricots, it is necessary to create the most comfortable and favorable conditions. As well as proper care to keep the plant as comfortable as possible.

Caring for early apricots involves regular pruning, the introduction of a complex of fertilizers and top dressing. And also the gradual treatment of plants from pests.

Speaking about pruning, it should be noted that early-growing varieties require it at least once a year. It is important to do this so that larger shoots form on the tree.

Pruning should also be done when the air temperature drops at least five degrees. Otherwise, after pruning, the plant runs the risk of freezing and never again bearing fruit.

If we talk about summer pruning, then it is usually carried out in mid-August, when the entire crop has already been harvested.

Speaking about the optimal watering of such early varieties, experienced gardeners recommend to produce it along the ring ditch. Apricots receive the first watering at the very beginning of their flowering. And the second time, apricots are watered during a period of very active growth of shoots.

10 days before the fruits ripen, the gardener can make the third abundant watering.

The pit is harvested in the fall. A drain is placed at the bottom to retain moisture. And they also make some additives and organic fertilizers, which are necessary to create a favorable environment in the soil.

In the process of growing the plant, you should also repeat the feeding. In spring, gardeners introduce liquid chicken manure. And also peat, as it is extremely useful for apricot plants.

If we are talking about feeding in the autumn, then organic fertilizers are the most relevant here. Which the gardener himself can create in his own summer cottage (if he has animals).

Early apricot varieties (for example, the Voronezh variety) are very unstable. They have weak immunity, if we are talking about diseases and attacks from pests. For them, diseases such as:

• moniliosis;
• brown spotting;

In order to protect early apricots from these and other diseases, it is necessary to periodically spray with preparations. Especially those with a high copper content.

Early varieties of apricots do not need insulation. But, according to some advice from experienced gardeners, in severe frost conditions, some early varieties should still be covered. Otherwise, the plant may ache or not take root in the soil.

It is also enough to shovel snow around the trunk to prevent freezing or freezing.

Early varieties of apricots: TOP of the best

Of course, speaking of early apricots, it is necessary to focus on the most basic varieties, which today are very popular with modern gardeners.

• The first variety that I would like to talk about in this part of the work is early apricot. Seraphim.

Early apricot Seraphim: photo of the variety

It is distinguished by its early maturity, and at the same time by its average vigor. Cracks characteristic of the variety can be found in the wellbore. Although in fact they do not carry any sign of the disease - this is only a feature of the variety.

The buds are small, the leaves are of a standard shape and medium in size, the variety is self-fertile. Moreover, as a result - large fruits that have a rounded shape.

The pulp is of medium density, has a delicate aroma and a pleasant sweet and sour taste. The gardener can harvest the first crop as early as 4 years after he has planted the seedling in open ground.

• Second grade - early apricot Iceberg.

Early apricot Iceberg: photo of the variety

Today this early apricot variety is included in the Russian state register. It is considered one of the preferred and best for growing and obtaining a bountiful harvest in the Moscow region.

The tree has a moderate intensive growth, the fruits are large, the pulp is juicy, especially in ripe fresh fruits.

The taste qualities of the fruits of this early apricot are estimated by experts at 4 points out of a possible 5. This suggests that the fruits really have delicious taste properties and are preferred by both adults and the smallest amateurs.

• Early apricot Earle Blanche.

Early apricot Airlie Blanche: photo of the variety

Another popular variety of early apricots. Its peculiarity is that it can be stored for a long time. It is also suitable for transportation, which makes the fruits of this apricot tree even more suitable and valuable.

The fruits themselves are large in size, each of which in weight can reach about 60 grams.

The pulp of this early apricot has an orange tint. The degree of aroma is not high, but rather average. But this does not in any way affect the general characteristics of the fruits themselves.

This variety will be a good choice if the gardener wants to have a crop not only for his own personal use. But also in order to carry out further transportation and sale.

At the moment, the early apricot variety Earley Blanche is recognized as one of the best among all early apricot varieties, it is very popular among both experienced and novice gardeners. The crop can be harvested at the end of June, which makes this variety even more profitable among all the others.

• Bryansk early apricot.

Early apricot Bryansk: photo of the variety

This is a variety whose fruits are much larger than average. Although the ripening period is not at all as early as that of Airlie Blanche, this variety of apricot is still considered to be early.

The peculiarity of the fruits is that they have a very sweet taste, almost no sourness is felt. And this is a huge advantage.

The tree of this early apricot is quite resistant to temperature extremes and frost.And also to a variety of diseases due to the fact that the variety has a high level of immunity and stress resistance.

This is a huge advantage as the plant can be planted even in the most unstable regions. And it will still survive and give a decent harvest, and this is really a huge plus.

• Apricot called Golden nectar.

Early apricot Golden nectar: ​​photo of the variety

Its trees can reach a height of 2.5 meters, and the crown is quite compact, which makes the tree medium-sized. The crop can usually be harvested a little later, around the middle or end of July.

One of the characteristic features of this variety is that the pulp has a very pleasant and delicate taste, and its consistency literally melts in the mouth and is very juicy. The variety is suitable both for fresh consumption, and for preparing spins for the winter, boiling compotes, freezing fruits.

• Early Chelyabinsk apricot variety

Early apricot Chelyabinsk: photo of the variety

It differs in that it is also included in the list of the state register. This plant requires a pollinator and is generally best Kichiginsky variety of apricots.

Fruits are medium in size, weighing about 40-50 grams each. They have a characteristic blush on one side only. The taste of the fruit is sweet, resembles, in fact, the most common apricot.

The variety is suitable for storage, but for this it is best to collect the fruits 5-7 days before they are fully ripe, so that they "reach", but already in a dark and dry place - for example, in the basement of a summer cottage or a cellar.

• The next variety, which we will talk about, is Voronezh ruddy apricot.

It is highly resistant to temperature extremes, frost, and strong winds, since it is quite stress-resistant.

Even when planting a tree in areas with long winters, one should not be afraid that it will be exposed to any diseases or danger in general, as this is unlikely to happen.

The tree as a whole gives a wonderful and bountiful harvest. The number of fruits depends solely on the care from the gardener, as well as on the composition of the soil.

Apricots love a comfortable and fertilized soil, and also prefer to be regularly moistened, since only such conditions are the most suitable for both a young seedling and an older tree.

It is worth noting that the variety of this early apricot is quite whimsical, it requires a lot of attention and care from the gardener. Therefore, when deciding to plant this particular apricot, you need to measure your strengths and capabilities in regular care.

• Kiev early variety of apricots.

Early Kiev apricot: photo of the variety

This tree belongs to the medium-sized variety. It grows quite intensively, especially at a younger age. And in height it usually reaches about three meters, although sometimes more, if you provide it with favorable conditions for growth and decent care.

Flowering as expected earlier and ripened fruits are of medium size. Usually the fruits are either round or slightly elongated, velvety on the outside, and the fruits are firm inside. Sweet, with a slight but pronounced sourness.

You can start harvesting the first harvest of this early apricot as early as mid-July. Of course, a successful harvest depends on both the care of the gardener and the variety itself.

Features of growing early apricots

Early varieties of apricots are usually very finicky, but, despite this, they can give a fairly rich harvest. And this is very important if the gardener is guided by a similar result.

The peculiarity of early varieties is also that they are loyal to transportation, can be stored for a certain period, and at the same time do not deteriorate at all.

To lengthen the shelf life of early apricots, it is recommended to harvest the fruits slightly unripe.In a dark, dry and cool place, they will reach the desired degree of maturity, and will also be ready for extended transport.

As for fertilization and feeding, the gardener should choose standard mineral complexes. As well as organic compounds, feed the trees as they grow, and depending on what stage it is at: active vegetation, flowering, fruiting.

The same applies to the processes of watering early apricots - soil moistening also entirely depends on the characteristics of care and the period in which the early apricot tree is located.