Content
The popular Triumph Northern apricot is a gift from breeders to gardeners in cold regions. The qualitative characteristics of the variety help to grow a heat-loving crop in central Russia.
History of selection
The variety was obtained as a result of the work of breeder A. N. Venyaminov in 1938. The scientist crossed the “Red-cheeked” variety (southern large-fruited) with the early apricot “Trans-Baikal Northern”. The cultivar was bred and zoned in the Central Black Earth region. 20 years later, in 1954, cuttings of the Northern Triumph came to the Far East, to Khabarovsk. After grafting onto the seedlings and crowns of the “Best Michurinsky” variety, it began to spread throughout the regions of Russia. Apricot Triumph of the North fully demonstrated its inherent qualities and won the gratitude of gardeners. A little about the variety:
Description of culture
The external parameters of the apricot variety are necessary for the gardener to properly plan the site. The height of the tree and the spreading of the crown affect the placement of fruit crops. This variety has a spreading crown, and the height of the Triumph of the North apricot in adulthood is 4 m.
The branching is average, the skeletal branches and the tree trunk are thick. When marking the garden, you should take into account the area required for the growth and nutrition of the apricot. The tree is actively developing.
The leaf blades are large, their edges are pointed.
The flowers are large and white. The pistils are much longer than the stamens. In years with early spring, flowers are formed without pistils. Scientists explain this fact by a shift in natural timing and heat deficiency.
The fruits are slightly elongated, the weight of one fluctuates between 30-40 g, but with regular care it reaches 50-60 g. The color of apricots during harvest is yellow-pink, the taste is sweet.
Like most northern varieties, the fruits are similar to cherry plums. The skin is slightly pubescent and of medium thickness. The pulp is juicy and separates from the stone very easily. The bone is big. Apricots hold tightly to the tree, and even in strong winds they do not fall off.
The Triumph of the North variety is best adapted to the climate conditions in the Central region. A good photo of the Northern Triumph apricot for fruit lovers:
Characteristics
A description of the main characteristics contains the originator's ratings and reviews of the Triumph of the North apricot. Among them are:
- Edibility and taste of the seeds, reminiscent of almonds. This quality of Triumph Northern apricot is highly valued by culinary experts.
- Early fruiting of the variety.The first fruiting occurs 5 years after planting.
- Self-pollinating. Pollinators are not required for Triumph Northern apricot; the variety bears fruit well when planted alone.
- Resistance to major crop diseases, especially fungal infections. The variety does not require frequent preventive treatments. Can be quickly cured when problems arise.
- Apricot Triumph Northern demonstrates good adaptation abilities of the bark to temperature changes. But it should be noted that the kidneys are more susceptible to cold and can freeze.
The lifespan and fruiting life of an apricot is 40 years. Some gardeners consider this characteristic to be positive, while others would like a more durable variety.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
The most valuable characteristic of the Triumph Northern apricot variety for Central Russia is frost resistance. Branches of the variety without lesions tolerate frost down to -40° C, but with a constant index. As soon as sudden temperature changes begin, annual shoots may freeze. Then fruiting continues for two or three years. Buds react worse to low temperatures; their frost resistance is classified as average. Apricot Northern Triumph does not bloom in years with sudden spring frosts. The roots are located close to the surface, so the variety does not tolerate prolonged drought. The winter hardiness of the apricot variety Northern Triumph is considered above average.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
Pollinators are not required for this self-fertile variety. You can increase productivity by group planting with Amur and Best Michurinsky apricots. Other varieties whose flowering period coincides with the Triumph of the North are also suitable.The tree blooms earlier than other species, the harvest is ready for harvest in the last ten days of July or early August.
Productivity, fruiting
The first harvest is harvested from the tree at the age of 3-4 years. Usually it is 4-5 kg per plant. As apricots mature, the yield constantly increases. The average value for a tree at the age of 10 years is 60-65 kg per plant. Reviews from gardeners about the Northern Triumph apricot indicate instability of fruiting. Fruitful years alternate with periods of rest. This is due to the tree’s need to restore its strength. Proper tree pruning can extend the fruiting age.
Area of application of fruits
The fruits of the variety are tender, aromatic, and tasty. Fresh apricots are good, they are also suitable for preparations.
Resistance to diseases and pests
For gardeners, the resistance of apricot varieties to fungal infections is important. It shows good resistance to most diseases. In years with unfavorable weather conditions, he may suffer from cytosporosis, verticillium, monilliosis, and clasterosporiosis.
Advantages and disadvantages
Compared to other varieties, Triumph of the North has many advantages. The main advantages of this apricot are:
- Rapid onset of fruiting.
- Taste characteristics of fruits.
- Frost resistance.
- Strength of attachment of fruits and flowers.
- Suitability of kernels for food consumption.
- Self-pollinating.
- Disease resistance.
- Decorative appearance of a tree at the moment of flowering.
Gardeners do not have a consensus on the shortcomings. Some are dissatisfied with the size of the fruit, others do not like the quality of the preparations.But more significant disadvantages should be considered the possibility of freezing of flower buds and irregular fruiting.
Landing Features
One of the main problems is the difficulty in acquiring high-quality planting material. Growing seedlings yourself is quite labor-intensive, so it is better to buy them from nurseries.
Recommended timing
Numerous reviews of the Northern Triumph apricot variety in the Moscow region indicate that it is best for the region to plant young trees in the spring in April. But please note that you should not be late for boarding. Apricots enter the sap flow phase early, so excavation work must be completed before this point.
In autumn, trees tolerate planting well only with a closed root system or in the south.
Choosing a suitable location
In the middle zone, the optimal place for planting apricots will be a sunny area protected from the cold wind. It is best if this is the south side of the building or fence. For Northern Triumph, it is important that during the spring snowmelt the trunk does not stand in water. Therefore, a southern slope with an inclination angle of 10° is chosen. On flat areas you will need to make a hill. The groundwater level is 2 meters. It is recommended to choose soil with a neutral reaction or to carry out preparatory measures to reduce the acidity level in the soil.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?
Apricot is an individualist plant. Triumph should not be planted in close proximity to other fruit trees and shrubs. It is better to allocate a separate area in the garden for the variety. Only plantings of different types of apricots go well together.
Selection and preparation of planting material
The optimal solution is to buy a seedling from a specialized nursery or store.
It is best to purchase planting material in a container. Then the seedling takes root and develops more easily. In a well-formed tree, the root system should be twice the volume of the crown.
Landing algorithm
Planting apricot Triumph Northern has its own algorithm that allows the young plant to quickly take root in a new place. Need to:
- Dig a hole 60 cm in size and 70 cm deep.
- Prepare a nutritious mixture of peat, sand, clay, garden soil in equal quantities.
- Pour the mixture into the bottom of the hole in a mound.
- Place the roots of the seedling on the top of the mound and straighten it out.
- Place a peg nearby.
- Fill the hole in layers, alternating soil and watering.
- Leave the root collar at least 2 cm above the soil surface.
- Compact the soil and water the plant.
A distance of 4 m is left between the trees. The young Triumph apricot will require attention and careful care.
Subsequent care of the crop
Growing Triumph Northern apricots is not a difficult task even for novice gardeners. The main thing is to give the seedling enough attention in the first year of life.
Watering is necessary in spring and mid-summer. Young trees require 30 liters of water per 1 square meter. m., for adults no less than 50 l. In August, watering is suspended.
Feeding. The variety needs nitrogenous components before flowering and after fruit set. Quantity 30 g per 1 sq. m.
Potassium components are added during the fruiting period (40 g per 1 sq. m).
Superphosphate is necessary before flowering begins and after its completion (60 g per 1 sq. m).
Manure is placed in the ground when digging once every 3 years (3-4 kg per 1 sq. m).
Pruning helps regulate the yield of the variety. Immediately after planting, the branches of the seedling are shortened by a third so that the establishment of the crown begins. When mature, annual pruning is required in spring and fall.
Preparation for winter consists of whitewashing the trunk and branches with a special garden solution. This measure also protects the plant from rodents. Additionally, they dig up the soil and cover the trunk with material that allows air and water to pass through.
It is necessary to monitor when the Northern Triumph apricot wakes up. This happens when the first warm days arrive. Be sure to take frost protection measures so that the flower buds do not freeze. How to revive the Northern Triumph apricot after winter if the buds do not bloom for a long time? It is necessary to water the tree with an anti-stress drug and feed it with nitrogen fertilizers.
Harvesting and processing
If the fruits are to be eaten raw or dried, they are harvested when fully ripe. To transport the crop, you need to collect apricots at the stage of technical ripeness.
Don't be in too much of a hurry to pick the fruit. Even when ripe, they hold tightly to the branches.
Northern Triumph apricots are harvested on a sunny day. The dew should have evaporated by this time. It is best to schedule the collection for the morning or evening. When harvested during periods of cold weather or extreme heat, the fruits quickly deteriorate and their taste deteriorates.
What can be prepared from ripe apricots can be found in the following article.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
Problem | Methods of prevention and control |
Moniliosis | Careful compliance with agricultural technology requirements. Treatment with a solution of lime and copper sulfate (100 g of preparations per 10 liters of water). Spraying with Horus 4 times per season according to the instructions. |
Verticillium | Treatment with Bordeaux mixture. Cleaning up all plant debris in the fall. |
Cytosporosis | Treatment with copper oxychloride before leaves bloom. |
Insect pests. | The drug "Entobacterin". Spray according to instructions. |
Conclusion
Apricot Triumph Northern fully lives up to its name. Unpretentiousness and high yield in the climatic conditions of Siberia and the Middle Zone are the most popular characteristics of the variety. Planting and caring for Triumph Northern apricots are not qualitatively different from other varieties.
Reviews
I found a good variety of apricot for the garden. Triumph Northern behaves well in our climate. Shows not only good winter hardiness, but also productivity. The first flowering showed in the third year after planting. And the next season they harvested. I liked the fruits in taste, appearance and size. I think they are sweeter in the south. In the first years, the whole family only had enough fruit to eat. Now we are drying the apricots, preparing compotes and jam. The variety is completely satisfactory. Very durable and unpretentious. It is only important to purchase a seedling from a reliable supplier, so as not to make a mistake.
My trees are two years old plus two and three years old. For the winter I bandaged it with spandbond.