Content
At the end of the nineties, breeders managed to develop the frost-resistant Favorite apricot, suitable for growing in the Moscow region. It is self-fertile and has good taste. The variety is popular among gardeners and grows successfully in the Moscow region and the Central region of Russia.
History of selection
The first seedling of the Favorit variety was obtained in 2000. The creator of the culture is considered to be the scientist breeder L.A. Kramarenko, the originator is the Main Botanical Garden. In 2004, the variety was included in the State Register. The creators recommend growing the Favorite apricot in the Moscow region and in the Central region.
Modern breeders have gone further and, based on the Favorit variety, created a new crop - columnar apricot.The tree is compact in size, its height does not exceed 2.5 m, the length of the shoots reaches 20 cm. The crop is used as a fruit and ornamental plant.
Columnar apricot Favorit is a frost-resistant premium variety that tolerates temperatures down to -30°C
Description of the apricot variety Favorite
The tree is distinguished by moderate growth vigor, the height does not exceed 4 m. The crown is not thickened, it is translucent, the shoots are well ventilated and illuminated. The shape is spreading, slightly raised. The shoots are annual, branched.
Favorit begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting 2-year-old seedlings
During the flowering period, small white buds are formed, the diameter of which does not exceed 3.5 cm. The flowers bloom before the leaves appear.
The bark on old trees is brown, grayish, and covered with shallow cracks. Young shoots have red-brown bark.
The leaves are oblong, with a pointed tip, ovoid, with jagged edges, dark green in color. The shoots are sparsely covered.
As you can see in the photo, the fruits of the Favorit variety of apricots are quite large, their average weight is 30 g. The shape is round, the surface is uneven, the skin is covered with soft fluff. The color of the fruit is orange, the side is bright red.
Apricot Favorit is a late-ripening variety
The flesh is bright orange, gristly, dense, but juicy. The stone is small, the volume is approximately 8% of the total size of the fruit, it is easily separated from the pulp.
Tasting assessment of the taste of the fruit is 5 points
Characteristics
When choosing a fruit tree for the garden, it is important to consider its main characteristics. The Favorit variety is unpretentious in care and is suitable for cultivation throughout central Russia.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Apricot is a southern crop, adapted for cultivation in the Central region; it retains its basic qualities and is drought-resistant. During the period of ovary formation, the tree needs watering to improve the quality of the fruit.
Apricot Favorite is adapted to cold winters, tolerates return frosts well, and the buds do not suffer from temperature changes. Able to withstand its drop to – 15 ᵒС. For the Favorit variety, frosts are dangerous during the flowering period. Only first-year seedlings need shelter for the winter.
Apricot pollinators Favorite
Before planting, it is important to find out whether this is a self-fertile apricot variety or not. The favorite does not require pollinators, as it belongs to the first variant of crops. This is important for regions with short, cool summers.
To increase productivity and improve the quality of fruits, other varieties are planted next to Favorit, coinciding with it in terms of flowering and fruiting: Tsarsky, Monastyrsky, Lel.
Flowering period and ripening time
The Favorite apricot blooms in May. The first harvest is harvested at the end of August. During the short, cold summer, the fruits may not ripen until the first cold weather.
Productivity, fruiting
Apricot Favorite is not characterized by high yield. From one mature tree you can get no more than 20 kg of fruit.
The variety begins to bear fruit 4 years after planting; be sure to vaccinate.
Area of application of fruits
Favorit apricots retain their presentation and taste for a long time and are not damaged during transportation. They are tasty fresh and also suitable for canning. The fruits make delicious preserves, jams, and confitures. They are also suitable for drying.Overripe fruits are processed for making wines and liqueurs.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The northern apricot Favorit is resistant to the main pests and diseases of garden trees. But it can suffer from clasterosporiosis, rarely from aphid attacks.
Advantages and disadvantages
The variety is adapted to the climatic conditions of the Moscow region and Central regions of Russia. Initially, the southern crop bears fruit well in short, cool summers.
The Favorite variety is a universal variety; it can also be cultivated in the south
Advantages:
- precociousness;
- high taste qualities of fruits;
- preservation of presentation during transportation;
- frost resistance;
- drought resistance;
- bright, appetizing color of the fruit.
The disadvantages of the variety include low yield and late ripening of fruits.
Landing Features
Several seedlings are rooted at a distance of 4 m from each other. In rows this distance is 5 m.
Apricot Favorite grows well; if planted close, access to sunlight to the fruit will be difficult
Recommended timing
Favorite apricot is planted in early spring - late March or early April. It is important to choose a time when the buds have not yet appeared on the shoots. Such a tree quickly takes root in a new place and easily adapts to the climatic conditions of the region. Autumn planting for the crop is not recommended.
Choosing a suitable location
Apricot Favorite needs open areas with good access to light and air. Strong winds and drafts should be avoided. It is advisable to plant the crop next to a building or fence, on the south side of the garden. In lowlands, the plant can die from stagnation of water; apricot Favorite is rooted at higher elevations.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?
Other varieties, including peach, are planted in the same area as Favorite. The proximity of apricots to apple trees, plums, pears, and mountain ash is not recommended. These crops have common diseases and consume the same elements from the soil. Walnut is planted away from fruit trees, as this strong tree kills everything that grows within a radius of 5 m.
Selection and preparation of planting material
It is better to purchase varietal crops from a nursery. The tree chosen is 2 years old, with a well-developed root system, several branched shoots, and a straight, strong trunk.
The quality of the seedling determines its survival rate and future harvest.
Before planting, dry root shoots are cut off, and the root of the young plant is soaked for 12 hours in a growth stimulator.
Landing algorithm
Young apricot Favorite is rooted according to the rules. Before planting, dig up the soil and mix it in equal parts with humus.
Procedure:
- A month before the expected planting date, holes are dug. Their depth and diameter should be 70 cm.
- The hole is filled one third with a nutrient mixture: garden soil, sand, organic matter. All components are taken in equal parts. The soil mixture is laid out in a mound.
- The seedling is placed vertically in a hole, the rhizome is laid out on the surface of the mound. The root collar is deepened by 3 cm.
- The root is covered with fluffy soil and lightly compacted.
- A tree trunk circle is formed around the seedling and the plant is watered abundantly.
Water helps to shrink the soil and fill all the voids
After watering, the crown is pruned, shortening the shoots to 60 cm.
Subsequent care of the crop
Apricot Favorite does not tolerate waterlogging.If the summer is hot, the crop is watered 3 times per season, abundantly.
After the first harvest, the tree is fed with organic matter. Fertilizers are applied to the soil during autumn digging.
In the spring, sanitary pruning of the tree is carried out, removing all dry and damaged shoots. In autumn, the crown is formed by shortening and thinning the branches.
Regular pruning is the best prevention of fungal diseases
Diseases and pests
Apricot Favorite can be affected by clasterosporiosis. This is a fungal infection, another name for it is perforated spotting.
The disease spreads from the leaves to the fruits, rusty spots appear on apricots
As soon as traces of the disease appear on the leaves, the tree is urgently treated with fungicides.
Aphids are a pest that is dangerous for the Favorit apricot. The insect eats away the soft part of the leaves, weakening the plant and reducing productivity.
Leaves affected by aphids curl, for this reason spraying without removing the affected areas becomes ineffective
The tree is treated with insecticides according to the instructions. Previously affected leaves are removed.
Conclusion
Apricot Favorite is a southern crop adapted to the conditions of central Russia. The variety is drought-resistant and frost-resistant at the same time. Growing this crop is not difficult, caring for it is simple, and the first fruits will delight you with excellent taste.
Reviews from summer residents about apricot variety Favorit
Elena Vasnetsova, 45 years old, Istra
