Plum Apricot: variety description, planting and care, pros and cons of a tree
Summer residents are often interested in the description of the Apricot plum variety, its planting and care. This plant is an early hybrid of plum and apricot. This variety has a rich history and is popular with many gardeners. The plant is characterized by undemanding care and produces very tasty fruits. Also, the indisputable advantage of the culture is its high resistance to frost.
How the variety appeared
The apricot plum was created by crossing two different plants through cross-pollination. The author of this culture is a researcher from the University of California, Floyd Seiger.She was released in 1989. The fruits of the culture are characterized by a combination of the delicate texture of apricot and the pleasant aroma of plums. They have a fresh taste with a slight acidity.
His description
Today, several subspecies of such plums are known - Pluot, Aprium, Plumkot. Each of them is able to easily withstand a strong drop in temperature. The culture is equally successfully grown in the north and in the south.
Trees are small. Their maximum height is 2.5 meters. The crown of the plant is more like plum. The flowering of the tree begins in the first half of April. At the same time, white flowers form inflorescences.
The leaves are smooth and wavy. They are located on small petioles. Fruit ripening occurs by the end of summer - in July and August. This process is synchronous. In 10 days, 50 kilograms of fruits can be obtained from one tree.All types of plants share common fruit characteristics:
- large sizes – plum weight varies from 30 to 70 grams;
- oval;
- yellow, green-pink or purple peel that has a waxy coating;
- juicy and firm flesh.
Features
Apricot plum has certain characteristics. When planting a plant, you need to focus on the following criteria:
- Resistant to drought and frost. The variety is characterized by a high degree of frost resistance. The hybrid is capable of withstanding large temperature drops. He also tolerates heat and warm climates. It is important to bear in mind that the culture does not tolerate winter thaws well.
- The need for pollinators. The culture is self-fertile. However, to increase yields, it is worth planting trees of similar varieties nearby. These include Michurinskaya, Renklod Kolkhozny, Altanta.
- Productivity and fruiting. The culture is an early hybrid. Its fruiting begins 2-3 years after planting. The yield increases as the tree develops. Flowering occurs in April. At the same time, ripe fruits can be harvested at the end of summer. 1 tree can bring 50 kilograms of plums. It is important to consider that fruit ripening occurs within 7-10 days. However, weather conditions may affect this period. It is necessary to monitor the hybrid so as not to miss the moment of ripening.
- Scope of fruit. Plums of this variety have a sweet taste, which makes them an excellent dessert. The fruits can be used to make jams, juices, compotes, preserves.
- Resistance to diseases and pests. This hybrid is practically not susceptible to the development of diseases and pest attacks. In order to completely protect trees from the harmful effects of external factors, it is important to engage in prevention.
Advantages and disadvantages
The apricot plum has many benefits, making it a popular choice among gardeners. The main advantages of culture include the following:
- High resistance to frost. This makes it possible to plant the plant in the north.
- Early variety. Plum gives a harvest in 2 years after planting. Fruit ripening is observed at the end of summer.
- Large fruit sizes. Plums can reach 70 grams. In addition, they have a pleasant dessert taste. This makes it attractive for both personal and commercial cultivation.
- Useful properties of fruits.
At the same time, it is important to take into account some of the disadvantages of culture:
- The content of a special enzyme in the pulp. This substance causes the development of peptic ulcer. To avoid this, do not eat a lot of plums on an empty stomach.
- Deterioration of the presentation of fruits during transportation.
- Inability to store for a long time. Picked fruits should be consumed immediately.
The nuances of landing
Planting an Apricot Plum is easy. To do this, you need to choose the right place and follow a number of rules. Planting work is recommended to be planted in early spring. This allows the culture to take root quickly. Before the onset of cold weather, the tree will have time to get stronger and adapt to local climatic conditions. In areas with mild and warm weather, planting work can also be carried out in autumn.
When planting a plant, it is important to choose the right place. It must meet the following criteria:
- enough light;
- no drafts;
- nourishing and breathable soil.
It is important to consider that the soil should not be too acidic. Lime solution will help to neutralize the increased acidity. It must be applied to the ground before planting.
It is worth remembering that tall trees with a spreading crown cannot be planted near the Apricot Plum. They will lead to the creation of a shadow, which will negatively affect the quality of the fruit. Similar varieties of plums, apple trees and evergreens can be planted nearby.
To plant an Apricot Plum, you need to do the following:
- Prepare holes measuring 80x80 centimeters.
- Lay a drainage layer of stone or brick at the bottom of the recess.
- Apply fertilizers - organic, potassium, superphosphate.
- Set seedling. Its root system needs to be freely spread in the recess, then sprinkle the stalk with earth, water and tamp.
- Tie the trunk to a wooden peg.
- Form an earth mound around the trunk. It will prevent the accumulation of fluid in the root area.
How to properly care for a plum
Apricot plum can hardly withstand moisture stagnation. Therefore, it needs to be planted in well-drained soil. After watering, be sure to loosen the ground. At the same time, watering the tree is required quite plentifully. Between moistening, the soil should dry completely.
You need to feed the tree in stages:
- In spring, Apricot Plum needs nitrogen supplements. They need to be applied to the soil in early spring, during the flowering period and after it is completed. At the end of May, the tree needs to be fed with organic fertilizers. To do this, use urea, s altpeter, chicken manure.
- In the summer you need to apply nitrogen fertilizers by spraying. Closer to autumn, you can add organic matter to the soil.
- Autumn top dressing requires the use of mineral preparations. To do this, use potassium and phosphorus.
Diseases and pests
Despite strong immunity, the plant can suffer from the development of diseases or attacks of parasites. This usually happens when the rules of agricultural technology are violated. Of the diseases, Apricot Plum is more affected by such disorders:
- Perforated spotting - in this case, spots form on the foliage and shoots. Over time, holes form in these areas. Falling of foliage and fruits and drying of branches are also observed.Before flowering and 2 weeks after it, the culture must be treated with Bordeaux liquid. In this case, the affected fragments must be completely destroyed.
- Coccomycosis - with the development of pathology, reddish spots appear on the upper fragments of the leaves. From the inside they are covered with a white coating. The leaves fall off, and the fruits dry up. To cope with the pathology, you need to destroy the fallen leaves, fruits and shoots. For spraying, it is recommended to use Hom and Bordeaux liquid.
Of the pests, fruit mites are the most dangerous. When attacked by pests, the leaves turn brown and crumble. There is also a lack of flowering. To avoid problems, the plant is treated with chemical insecticides.
Apricot plum is a unique hybrid of popular horticultural crops. This plant has taken over all the advantages of the parent plants. To get a bountiful harvest, the crop must be properly looked after.
