Description of the variety of apricots Countess, advantages and disadvantages, cultivation
Apricot varieties Countess are classified as varieties with medium ripening periods. Horticultural crops are characterized by large annual yields and attractive fruits. Their use is reduced to fresh consumption, as well as the preparation of various preserves.
Description of the variety, history of origin
The Countess is included in the collection of the Botanical Garden of Moscow State University. The apricot variety was bred in 1988 by co-authors L. A. Kramarenko and A. Skvortsov. Scientists were engaged in the selection of crops for growing in Moscow and the region. Apricot has been in the State Register since 2004.
Trees grow fast. They can be up to 6 meters high. The crowns are round, paniculate, of medium thickening.
The level of frost resistance of the apricot is quite good. The tree can withstand cold temperatures down to -30 degrees. Only the kidneys do not tolerate recurrent frosts.
In the description of the variety, fruits are characterized as follows:
- color - light yellow;
- the peel is thin;
- juicy orange pulp;
- the taste is sweet and sour.
Characteristics of the variety
The main characteristics of the plant will help the gardener decide on the choice of the variety.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
In terms of frost resistance, the Countess compares favorably with other varieties of apricot. The trees are able to withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees.
Abundant watering is not required. This fruit crop tolerates long dry periods well.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening times
The structure of the flowers does not allow the Countess to pollinate independently. Therefore, she needs neighbors - Monastyrsky, Lel, Triumph Severny, Favorite.
The time of flowering for the Countess comes later in time than for other varieties. The first apricots are enjoyed in mid-August. But the harvest fully ripens only by the end of summer.
Productivity and fruiting
One tree produces up to 30 kg of fruit. A large number of fruits ripen on each branch.
The fruiting period begins in the 3-4th year. Small yields are distinguished by large specimens, up to 35 grams. If the tree produces a large number of fruits, then each will not exceed 25 g.
Disease and pest resistance
Disease resistance is highly dependent on the weather. In dry and hot summers, apricots ripen in perfect shape, without flaws.If it is a rainy season, the Countess is struck by clasterosporium disease. This disease spoils the appearance of the fruit. Black unpleasant spots of any size form on their skin. Trees can begin to grind.
Advantages and disadvantages
The positive properties of apricot include:
- large fruits;
- long fruiting time;
- resistance to infections and parasites;
- cold resistance;
- transportability;
- rich productivity.
The disadvantages of the Countess are as follows:
- the ability to change taste due to the weather;
- small size of apricots with a high yield;
- gum flow with frequent rains.
Landing features
The variety does not require special knowledge and skills. Even an inexperienced gardener is capable of growing a fruit tree.
Seat selection
The site is chosen so that it is constantly illuminated by the sun, and there are no shadows on it. It also needs constant dryness and ventilation. But at the same time, trees require shelter from strong gusts of wind.
Selection and preparation of planting material
It is recommended to purchase seedlings from nurseries. There, the tree is chosen 1-2 years old, with a height of 50 cm.
When buying, attention is paid to the condition of the apricot roots. They must be strong and healthy.
Landing dates
Gardeners are engaged in the planting process in early spring, before the buds dissolve.
Planting stages
If there are damages on the roots of the apricot, they are removed with pruning shears.
The countess sinks into the hole so that the root collar is located 5-6 centimeters from the soil. The apricot is covered with earth, the near-stem section is compacted. The tree is tied to a peg driven into the ground.
The seedling is watered abundantly with water in the amount of 25 liters. Next, the hole is mulched with sawdust. If the young apricot is too tall, it is pruned to 65 cm.
Care
Includes the usual activities required to grow any variety.
Pruning
Due to the fact that the trees are tall, sparse-tiered crowns are formed by gardeners. This process takes 4 years.
Be aware that when completing the formative pruning, the center conductors of the trees are cut above the upper branches. Then they closely follow the skeletal branches. Do not allow any of them to take the place of the central conductor. Otherwise, the tree will begin to grow vigorously upward.
At the end of each season, sanitary pruning of diseased, damaged and dry branches is carried out.
Watering rules
The main principle is observed here - watering is not frequent, but abundant. It is necessary to carry out them so that the earth is moistened to a depth of 40 cm. Then the soil is loosened and mulched.
Watering is carried out in the middle and at the end of flowering, with the growth of apricots, shoots, after removing fruits and shortly before winter.
Fertilization
Top dressing is required for a high yield. For the first time, seedlings are fertilized 2 years after planting.
A mixture is made independently, including:
- potassium salt - 40%;
- rotted manure - 5 kg;
- nitrogen compound - 60%.
It is also recommended to buy complex preparations with iron, boron, manganese.
Frost protection
Shortly before the first cold weather, the trees are covered with wooden cones. From above, they are wrapped in cloth and sprinkled with earth.
Disease and pest control
Easy and essential activities are:
- cleaning the garden from fallen leaves;
- digging up the soil;
- whitewash;
- tree processing;
- setting traps.
Also requires regular examination and timely treatment.
