Apricot Shalah (Yerevani): variety description, planting and care, how to harvest
Many gardeners are interested in the description of the Shalah (Yerevani) apricot variety, its planting and care. This culture is considered quite popular in Russia and other countries. This is due to the high yield, undemanding care and excellent taste of the fruit. At the same time, in order to obtain tasty and he althy fruits, a number of requirements must still be observed.
Variety description
The culture of this variety is medium in size. Trees do not exceed 2 meters in height. In addition, they are distinguished by a moderate intensity of growth. For 1 year, the plant increases by 25-35 centimeters in height. The tree has a not very dense, but rounded and wide crown.
The leaves are large and heart-shaped. At the end of May and in the first half of June, the trees are covered with small flowers with a diameter of 3 centimeters. Flowering lasts only 1-2 weeks.
In the middle of summer, the first fruits appear on the trees. Ripe apricots are characterized by rather large sizes. 1 ripe fruit can weigh 100-120 grams. At the same time, Shalah apricots are distinguished by an ovoid or oval shape. The skin has a smooth texture with small bumps. In this case, the shade of the fruit is different. In most cases, apricots are orange in color with a slight reddish tinge.
Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionThe pulp of the fruit is characterized by a pronounced taste. She is quite sweet and juicy. At the same time, a slight sourness is felt in the fruits. Some ripe apricots have a slight pineapple flavor.Advantages and disadvantages
This strain has many benefits. The main advantages of culture include the following:
- high resistance to moniliosis, clasterosporia, leaf curl;
- self-fertility of the plant;
- freeze and drought resistance;
- high yield.
At the same time, culture has a number of disadvantages:
- deterioration of the taste of overripe fruits, the appearance of fibers in the structure of the pulp;
- falling of ripe fruits ahead of time;
- short shelf life;
- development of diseases during stagnant water.
How to plant
The culture of this variety is considered undemanding to care for. However, the choice of landing site should be treated very carefully. The tree responds well to light, systematic watering and fertilizing.
Apricot Shalah is recommended to be grown in well-lit areas that are reliably protected from strong winds and stagnant moisture. It is best to plant the plant in light and fertile soil. Before planting, it is recommended to add 1 bucket of compost and humus per 2 square meters to poor soil before planting. In clay soil, it is worth adding an additional 1 kilogram of sand or sawdust.
Seedlings should be bought in nurseries or contact trusted suppliers. Planting work is recommended to be carried out in mid-spring or early autumn. At the same time, you should not plant an apricot near other stone fruits, such as peach, cherry, apple tree, sweet cherry. The neighborhood with a pear is considered especially unfavorable.
Also, do not plant a plant near coniferous crops. Their litter provokes acidification of the soil, which negatively affects the development of the tree. At the same time, it is quite acceptable to place an apricot near plums and berry bushes.
To plant plants, it is recommended to do the following:
- Dig holes 70x70 centimeters in size. It is important to observe an interval of 5 meters between the pits.
- Place a layer of small stones on the bottom.
- Soak seedlings overnight in Kornevin's solution or other growth stimulant.
- Install the plant in the central part of the recess and sprinkle with fertile soil.
- Tamp so that the root neck is 5-7 centimeters above the ground.
- Pour the plant with a bucket of warm water.
- Install a wooden peg and tie a seedling to it.
Features of care
To grow he althy plants, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Give the culture a rare but plentiful watering. In the first month, apricots should be watered at intervals of 3 days, and then do it weekly.
- Apply fertilizer 2-3 times. In early spring, it is recommended to use organic matter, and during flowering - superphosphate and potassium s alt.
- Periodically loosen and weed the soil in the trunk circle.
- Mulch the near-trunk area. This requires placing hay, sawdust or other materials in a layer of 10 centimeters.
- Perform sanitary and shaping apricot pruning. This can be done in early spring or late autumn. This helps to remove old branches and thin out the dense crown.
Experienced summer residents recommend shaking off all flowers from a 4-year-old tree. This will ensure a consistently high crop yield in the future.
How to harvest properly
Fruit ripening occurs around mid-July. In this case, the fruiting period lasts 7-10 days. Do not keep apricots on the branches for a long time. Overripe fruits quickly crumble, so the crop is usually harvested immediately.
It is recommended to use Shalah apricots fresh. They can also be heat treated. The fruits are used to make jams, jams, compotes, purees.
Apricot Shalah is a sought-after variety that has many advantages. This plant is characterized by high productivity and is considered undemanding to care. In order for the cultivation of a crop to be successful, it is still necessary to follow a number of rules of agricultural technology.
