Apricot Countess: description and characteristics of the variety, features of cultivation with a photo

Apricot variety Countess is classified as a variety with an average ripening time. Garden culture is distinguished by large annual yields and attractive fruits. Their use is reduced to fresh consumption, as well as the preparation of various preserves.

Description of variety, history of occurrence

The Countess is included in the collection of the Botanical Garden of Moscow State University. The variety of apricots was bred in 1988 by co-authors L. A. Kramarenko and A. K. Skvortsov. Scientists were engaged in the selection of crops for cultivation in Moscow and the region. Apricot has been in the State Register since 2004.

Trees grow fast. They can reach 6 meters in height. The crowns are rounded, paniculate, medium density.

Apricot hardiness level is quite good. The tree is able to withstand cold down to -30 degrees. Return frosts are not tolerated only by the kidneys.

In the description of the variety, fruits are characterized as follows:

color - light yellow;
peel thin;
juicy orange flesh;
taste is sweet and sour.

Characteristic variety

The main characteristics of the plant will help the gardener decide on the choice of variety.

Drought resistance, winter hardiness

Countess in terms of frost resistance compares favorably with other varieties of apricot. Trees can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees.

Heavy watering is not required. This fruit crop tolerates long dry periods well.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening period

The structure of the flowers does not allow the Countess to self-pollinate. Therefore, she needs neighbors - Monastyrsky, Lel, Triumph Severny, Favorite.

The flowering time for the Countess comes later than for other varieties. Enjoy the first apricots in mid-August. But the harvest fully ripens only by the end of summer.

Yield 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 3rd-4th year. Small crops are distinguished by large specimens, up to 35 grams. If the tree produces a large number of fruits, they will not exceed 25 g each.

Resistant to diseases and pests

Resistance to diseases strongly depends on the weather. In a dry and hot summer, apricots ripen in perfect shape, without flaws. If the rainy season turned out, then the Countess is struck by clasterosporium. This disease spoils the appearance of the fruit. Black unpleasant spots of any size form on their peel. Trees may start to gum.

Pros and cons

The positive properties of apricot include:

large fruits;
long fruiting time;
resistance to infections and parasites;
cold resistance;
transportability;
rich yields.

The Countess's shortcomings are as follows:

ability to change taste due to the weather;
small size apricots with high yields;
gumflow with frequent rains.

Fit features

The variety does not require special knowledge and skills. Even an inexperienced gardener can grow a fruit tree.

Choosing a seat

The site is chosen such that it is constantly illuminated by the sun, and there are no shadows on it. It also requires constant dryness and ventilation. But at the same time, trees require shelter from strong gusts of wind.

Selection and preparation of planting material

Seedlings are recommended to be purchased from nurseries. There, a tree is selected at the age of 1-2 years, with a height of 50 cm or more.

When buying, attention is drawn to the condition of the apricot roots. They must be strong, he althy.

Date of planting

Gardeners are engaged in the process of planting in early spring, before bud break.

Steps of planting

If the apricot roots are damaged, they are removed with pruners.

The Countess descends into the pit so that the root neck is located 5-6 centimeters from the soil up. The apricot is covered with earth, the near-trunk area is compacted. The tree is tied to a peg driven into the ground.

The seedling is abundantly watered with water in the amount of 25 liters. Next, the hole is mulched with sawdust. If the young apricot is too tall, cut to 65 cm.

Care

Includes the usual activities needed to grow any variety.

Cutting

Due to the fact that the trees are tall, gardeners form sparsely-tiered crowns. This process takes 4 years.

Need to know that when completing formative pruning, the central guides of the trees are cut above the upper branches. Next, closely monitor the skeletal branches. You must not allow any of them to take the place of the central conductor. Otherwise, the tree will begin to grow strongly upwards.

At the end of each season, sanitary pruning of diseased, damaged and dry branches is carried out.

Irrigation Rules

Here the main principle is observed - to water not often, but plentifully. It is necessary to carry them out so that the earth is moistened to a depth of 40 cm. Then the soil is loosened and mulched.

Irrigation is carried out in the middle and end of flowering, with the growth of apricots, shoots, after fruit removal and shortly before winter.

Fertilization

Feeding is required for a high yield. For the first time seedlings are fertilized 2 years after planting.

Self-made blend including:

potash s alt - 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 onset of the first cold, the trees are covered with wooden cones. From above, they are wrapped in fabric and sprinkled with earth.

Disease and pest control

Easy and essential activities are:

cleaning the garden from fallen leaves;
digging the soil;
whitewash;
tree processing;
setting traps.

Regular examination and timely treatment is also necessary.