Apricot Kyiv Early: variety description, selection history, planting and care with a photo

For several decades, heat-loving apricots have been steadily moving to the north of Russia, where they have become popular among gardeners. Domestic breeders have bred about 50 types of plants resistant to cold. The Kyiv Early apricot stands out especially. Description of the variety is discussed below.

History of occurrence

Acclimatization of heat-loving crops is a huge work that deserves great respect. Thanks to I. V. Michurin, apricots began to tolerate northern conditions well.

Frost-resistant apricot species were developed in the Ukrainian SSR in 1914-1935. Later, scientists from the Institute of Horticulture UAAS developed a new variety, which differs from many others in its improved characteristics.

Variety description

Trees are considered medium-sized. Their height rarely exceeds 3 meters. The leaves of the Early Kyiv apricot resemble the shape of a slightly elongated heart, the top is drawn off, along the edges there are small teeth.

In the description of the variety, fruits are given a special place. Apricots are medium in size, their weight is about 80 g. The shape is slightly elongated. Apricot pulp has a pleasant light yellow hue, juiciness, sweetness and slight sourness.

Features of cultivation

When you plan to plant apricots on your site, you should immediately take into account the type of climate, topography and soil composition.

Choice of place and time

Trees are placed on flat areas, without lowlands. The presence of groundwater closer than 2.5 meters is unacceptable, because the apricot does not like waterlogging.

For a seedling, only the brightest corner of the garden, protected from the winds, is selected. The crown is very important to provide sunlight throughout the summer day. Otherwise, the shoots will stretch and become thin, therefore, less ovaries are formed. Subsequently, the taste and appearance of apricots will deteriorate.

Departure time depends on areas. In the south, where warm autumn prevails, Kyiv Early sets from October 15 to November 30. Under these conditions, it is important to complete the work 14 days before the onset of cold weather, otherwise the roots will not have time to get stronger.

In areas with cold autumns, the ideal time for planting is early spring. When the positive temperature is set, the buds do not bloom yet, and the soil warms up by 10 cm.

Selection of seedlings

It is necessary to select plants, according to the following requirements:

• age - 1-2 years old;
• height - about 70 cm;
• bark with no cracks or spots;
• presence of 2-3 strong taproots of 25 cm each;
• visible graft - 10 cm from the neck of the root.

Boarding rules

Pits are dug 14 days before landing. At the bottom are added:

• humus - 30 kg;
• superphosphate - 100 g;
• potassium sulfate - 100 g or ash - 400 g.

Attention! Acidic soils are preliminarily limed (500 g of substance per 1 square meter). Compost with dry clay of 10 kg is applied to the sandy soil.

Before planting, plant roots are immersed in water for several hours to saturate with moisture. The seedling is placed in a hole with a straightened root. A stake of 80 cm is set near the tree. The plant falls asleep, the root collar remains open 5 centimeters from the ground.

The apricot is loosely tied to the peg. A circular groove is made around the trunk, where up to 2 buckets of water are poured. Next, the soil is mulched with straw or sawdust.

To protect the seedling from possible frosts, it is sprayed with Epin and covered with agrofiber during the first days.

If planted in the spring, the plant is cut off at around 80 cm in height, this will stimulate branching well. It is impossible to do pruning in autumn, it is better to postpone it to the next spring.

Rules of care

Early Kyiv apricot pleases gardeners with a rich harvest. But this requires following the rules of agricultural technology.

Water and fertilize

Young trees have a need for moisture. They are watered 1 time in 2 weeks: 20 liters per plant.

Fruit-bearing Kyiv apricot requires good watering 3 times per season - during bud break, after the formation of flowers, before harvesting 14 days.

Under the condition of planting Kievsky Early apricot in the soil, which was previously fertilized, no top dressing is made in the first summer. Only next spring, ammonium nitrate is added to young trees at the rate of 30 grams per 1 square meter. Or use organic. In autumn, phosphorus-potassium top dressing is necessary.

Preparing for winter

Apricot Kyiv Early is winter-hardy. Frosts below 25 degrees damage skeletal branches, destroy buds.

The trunk is necessarily whitened. An insecticide is added to the solution to prevent frostbites.

A layer of humus with straw is placed around the tree. When the weather sets in with a temperature of -2 degrees, the apricot turns around. Mostly agrofibre or burlap is used. Non-woven material added for added warmth.

Pests and diseases

When brown spotting occurs, all fallen leaves are removed, the plants are treated with "Khom". Gray rot neutralizes Horus. Cytosporosis is killed by using 2% copper sulphate.

If the Kyiv apricot was attacked by the codling moth, the preparations "Benzophosphan" and "Match 50" will be able to save the trees. Traps with a special sticky layer are additionally installed on the branches. Kinmiks or Agravertin will save you from the invasion of aphids.

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