Content
Peach apricot is a hybrid form of the crop, characterized by increased resistance to unfavorable climatic conditions, large fruit size and excellent taste. According to its characteristics, this species is in many ways similar to the Breda variety, which has gained wide popularity in European countries. The hybrid completely dispelled the opinion that apricot can only be grown in the southern regions. With its advent, this became possible in the central regions.
Life expectancy of apricot Peach – 10 years
History of selection
This species was obtained at the beginning of this century by crossing peach and apricot. He managed to absorb the best qualities of these two cultures.It is not known for certain who is the originator of the Peach apricot, and who came up with the idea of breeding it; there is no official information. Also, this species is still not included in the State Register, since there are no results of tests conducted confirming its characteristics.
Despite this, Peach apricot has gained wide popularity among beginners and experienced gardeners, as it has proven itself well when grown in the southern and central regions of the country.
Description of the apricot variety Peach
In appearance, the hybrid is more similar to an apricot. The height of the tree reaches 3 m, which greatly facilitates the collection of fruits. The crown of the Peach apricot has a regular semi-circular shape, wide-spread, and medium density. The diameter of the lateral fruiting branches is 3-15 cm, depending on the age of the tree. The surface of the shoots and the main trunk is brownish-brown. The bark is rough.
The crown is spreading. Peach apricot shoots are thin, so they are inherently fragile under increased load. To avoid branches breaking off during fruit ripening, it is necessary to place supports under the branches so that they reduce the load. The leaves of the hybrid are the same as those of apricot. They have a standard shape and size. The shade of the plates is bright green.
The fruits of the hybrid are round, somewhat elongated in shape with a pronounced “seam”, which can be lumpy. The skin is dense, but not noticeable when eaten. It is not shiny, velvety. There is no clear blush on the surface, the color smoothly changes from yellow to orange.
The fruits are covered with a light fluff, like a peach.The seed inside is small; when the fruit is fully ripe, it separates and remains dry. The pulp is sweetish with a small amount of sourness, with a slight pineapple aroma.
The average weight of Peach apricot fruit is 50 g
Characteristics
Peach apricot is noticeably different from other types of crops. Therefore, when choosing this hybrid, you should study its main characteristics, as well as become familiar with its advantages and disadvantages.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Peach apricot easily tolerates a lack of moisture in the soil, but during prolonged drought the fruits may crumble. The hybrid is able to withstand short-term temperature drops in winter to -15-18 degrees without negative consequences for wood and roots. Taking these features into account, Peach apricot can be grown in the southern and central regions of the country.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
This type of apricot is self-pollinating and therefore does not require cross-pollinators. To get a good harvest, it is enough to plant just one tree. This makes growing much easier.
Productivity, fruiting
Apricot Peach belongs to the category of late species. The tree blooms in the second half of May, so it does not suffer from possible return frosts. In this regard, the flowers of the hybrid do not freeze, which explains its stable high yield.
When favorable conditions are created, 1 adult Peach apricot tree can produce up to 140 kg of fruit. This indicator directly depends on the timely application of fertilizers to the root circle of the tree.
Peach apricot is characterized by an extended ripening period. The first fruits of the hybrid can be collected after July 25.Its fruiting period lasts until mid-August.
Area of application of fruits
Peach apricots have a pleasant sweetish taste, making them ideal for fresh consumption. But due to the slightly dry consistency of the pulp, the fruits can be used for processing.
Peach apricot fruits can be taken for cooking:
- compotes;
- jam;
- jam;
- dried apricots.
When harvesting fruits at the stage of technical maturity, their transportation is permissible without loss of commercial qualities. But it is important to maintain the temperature within +8+12 degrees. In this case, Peach apricots can be stored for 10-15 days.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Apricot Peach is resistant to common diseases and pests. But if the growing conditions are inappropriate, the tree’s immunity decreases. Timely feeding, taking into account the period of development and fruiting, also plays an important role.
Advantages and disadvantages
Peach apricot has a number of advantages over other types. But the hybrid also has certain disadvantages, so you should familiarize yourself with them in advance. This information will allow you to identify its weaknesses and understand the degree of their criticality.
The consistency of the pulp of the Peach apricot is slightly dry
Main advantages:
- large fruit size;
- excellent presentation;
- does not require pollinators;
- balanced taste;
- versatility of fruit use;
- availability of harvesting;
- pleasant aroma of ripe fruit.
Disadvantages of Apricot Peach:
- uneven ripening of fruits;
- the need for annual pruning;
- ripe fruits may fall off;
- With high humidity, the pulp becomes watery.
Planting and caring for apricot Peach
In order for the tree to fully develop and subsequently produce a good harvest, it is necessary to plant it correctly. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the features of this procedure to avoid serious mistakes.
Recommended timing
Peach apricot should be planted in spring. This allows the seedling to get stronger before the onset of winter. You need to start planting as soon as the soil warms up to a depth of 50 cm. Usually in the southern regions this happens in the first ten days of April, and in the central regions - by the end of this month.
Choosing a suitable location
For Peach apricot, you should choose a sunny, open area, but protected from strong gusts of wind. You can plant a tree on the south or east side of buildings and fences, which will protect it from adverse weather conditions, but their shadow will not fall on it. The groundwater level on the site must be at least 2 m.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?
Peach apricot is one of the crops that prefers to grow away from other trees. He can only get along with dogwood.
It is not recommended to plant this hybrid next to the following crops:
- apple trees;
- pears;
- plums;
- peach;
- cherries;
- rowan;
- cherry;
- all types of nuts;
- raspberries;
- currants.
All these crops have common diseases and pests, so close proximity negatively affects their development.
Selection and preparation of planting material
For planting, you should choose 2-year-old seedlings with a height of at least 120 cm and no more than 180 cm. The bark should be free of damage and signs of mold and fungal diseases.
A Peach apricot seedling must have a well-developed root system, consisting of 2-3 main shoots of at least 1 cm in diameter and many small lateral ones. Such a plant is able to quickly adapt to a new place and grow.
Landing algorithm
Planting Peach apricot requires following some recommendations. The further growth of the tree depends on how correctly it is carried out.
It is recommended to prepare a planting hole measuring 60 by 60 cm 2 weeks before the procedure. Place a layer of broken brick on its bottom. Fill the remaining 2/3 of the volume with a soil mixture of turf, peat, leaf soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1:1:1.
Algorithm of actions:
- Make a slight elevation in the center of the planting hole.
- Place an apricot seedling on it and straighten the roots.
- Install a wooden support nearby with a height of at least 1.0 m.
- Sprinkle them with earth, fill all the voids.
- Compact the soil at the base, lightly trample.
- Tie the seedling to the support with an overlap.
- Water generously at the rate of 10 liters per plant.
Subsequent care of the crop
In order for a tree to fully develop and consistently produce a good harvest, it is necessary to provide it with favorable conditions.
Peach apricots need to be watered rarely when grown in a temperate climate, only in the absence of seasonal rains for a long time. And in the south, moisten regularly once a week with the obligatory soaking of the soil in the root circle to a depth of 50 cm.
In addition, in early spring and late autumn, moisture-charging irrigation should be carried out, pouring 100-150 liters of water under the tree, depending on the age.
Peach apricot needs to be fed from the age of 5 years. To do this, in early spring, humus should be spread at the base of the tree to the width of the crown and then incorporated into the soil. During flowering and the formation of the ovary, you need to make a small ditch at a distance of 0.5-1.5 m from the trunk in a circular manner. Add superphosphate (50-200 g) and potassium sulfide (30-100 g) into it. Then the ditch needs to be leveled.
Caring for Peach apricot also involves regularly loosening the soil and removing weeds in the root circle.
Trimming scheme:
- First year. Shorten the main trunk to such a height that it is 30 cm higher than the side branches. Leave 3-5 lower shoots, cut out the others.
- Second year. The tips of the branches of the first order should be cut off by 7-10 cm, and 3 shoots of the second order should be selected on them, and the rest should be removed.
- Third year. It is necessary to trim the shoots of the first and second order by 7-10 cm, leaving 3 branches of the third. In this case, the height of the main trunk should be 30-50 cm higher than the lateral shoots.
In the future, only sanitary cleaning of the crown from damaged and thickening shoots is carried out, and the given shape is maintained.
Diseases and pests
Peach apricot can suffer from diseases and pests if growing conditions do not meet its requirements. In this case, the stability of the hybrid decreases.
Possible problems:
- Moniliosis. When damaged, the bark on the main trunk cracks, premature leaf fall occurs, flowers wither, and the ovary falls off.
- Ringpox. Brown, raised spots appear on the fruits, and the branches dry out. The disease is practically incurable.
- Mushroom Valsa. An orange-colored canker appears on the apricot trunk, from which tree resin oozes.
- Aphid. A small insect that feeds on young leaves and shoots of trees. When infected, it forms entire colonies, which are concentrated on the tops of branches and on the underside of leaves.
- leaf roller. The danger comes from the voracious larvae of this pest. They feed on buds, fruit buds, and leaves. With mass distribution, yields are reduced by up to 70%.
To protect against fungal diseases, it is necessary to treat the wood with Bordeaux mixture, and to use Actellik against pests.
Conclusion
Apricot Peach is a productive hybrid that, if the rules of care are followed, can show high productivity. It can be grown in garden plots and on an industrial scale. Its high popularity is due to its excellent taste, large fruit size and the ability to transport, which is important for fruits.
