Apricot Kichiginsky

A wonderful southerner - a sunny apricot is more and more confidently mastering the cold regions of the country. This circumstance, of course, pleases the owners of garden plots who dream of sweet and fragrant fruits. Breeders have already been able to donate many subtropical crops adapted for temperate latitudes. The universal variety Kichiginsky belongs to such achievements and is capable of bearing fruit in cold climates. Delicious compotes and preserves, jams and marmalades are cooked from its fruits, consumed fresh, used in baking.

The originators of the variety are the breeders of the South Ural Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable and Potato Growing V. I. Putyatin, K. K. Mullayanov, A. E. Pankratova, I. G. Zamyatina. The variety was approved for use in the Ural region in 1999.

Medium-sized (from 3.5 to 5 meters) trees have a crown of medium density, not prone to thickening, and straight dark red shoots of medium thickness. Medium-sized dark green leaves have a rounded shape and a slightly elongated pointed tip. The edges of the leaf plate are dotted with small denticles; the plate itself is slightly concave along the central vein, clearly visible from the seamy side. The small bone of the fruit separates well from the pulp.

Rounded fruits weigh up to 14 grams and have a yellow integumentary color. At the time of physiological ripeness, the burgundy blush appears in the form of small smears. Thin, but dense skin with the finest pubescence is almost not felt while eating. The abdominal suture is indistinct, but still quite clearly visible.

The yellow juicy pulp of a dense consistency has a balanced sweet and sour taste, where the acid is felt in the form of a pleasant refreshing note. The composition of the fruit, rated by the tasters at 4.5 points, includes: sugar 6.3%, acids 2.3%, vitamin C 7.6 mg /%

The plant begins to bear fruit in the fifth year after budding and belongs to the mid-late ripening category. Apricot Kichiginsky blooms in early May, harvesting begins in late July - early August.

The variety is considered a medium-yielding variety - up to 15 kilograms are harvested from one tree, but it should be remembered that these are average figures. Compliance with agrotechnical requirements and the creation of ideal conditions can significantly increase yields.

Kichiginsky is adapted for the Ural District, which automatically means the possibility of cultivation in Altai, in the middle lane and other areas with similar climatic conditions.

The variety is self-fertile, which is why gardeners are forced to plant pollinating varieties at the same time. These include the Chelyabinsk Early and Piquant.

When choosing planting material, preference should be given to two-year-old, already strong seedlings with well-developed shoots, buds, and root system. The planting hole is prepared in advance - for spring planting in the fall and in the spring for planting in the fall.In cold regions, it is most advisable to plant in the spring to give the plant time to acclimatize to new conditions and build up the root system.

The dimensions of the landing pit are 60x60x80 cm. A drainage layer of 10-15 cm is arranged at the bottom and a support is installed at the same time. The infertile part of the excavated land is removed from the site, the remaining soil is enriched with organic matter (humus, compost, bird droppings), dolomite flour, if the soil is acidic, as well as wood ash, superphosphate, potassium salt. Heavy clay soil requires the addition of river sand. After that, part of the soil is poured into the hole, a seedling is placed on top, gently spreading the roots, and covered with the remaining earth. The soil is compacted, the trunk circle is watered with 2-3 buckets of warm water, the next day it is loosened to prevent the formation of a crust.

Further care:

• regular watering;

• weeding and loosening;

• top dressing, sanitary and formative cuttings;

• preventive treatments and preparation for the winter period.

The tendency of the root collar to damp-off requires a well-thought-out organization of wintering. It is important to ensure deep freezing of the soil in the trunk circle. More than 40 cm of snow should not accumulate at the landing site. Moreover, experienced gardeners trample the snow cover in the trunks after heavy snowfalls. Another way to protect the plant from damping off is to organize "dry wintering". To do this, several pegs are driven in around the trunk at a distance of 5-10 cm, they are wrapped in polypropylene sacking, and its upper part is attached to the trunk. This must be done before the onset of real frosts: at the end of October, at the beginning of November. This method protects the trunks from dampness and damping.

The variety has a fairly strong immunity and is not prone to damage by diseases and pests, however, in a rainy summer, the danger increases. Due to the constant cold and high humidity, symptoms of moniliosis, clasterosporium and cytosporosis may appear. In this case, it is necessary to use fungicides or a 5% solution of Bordeaux liquid.

Kichiginsky is characterized as winter-hardy and frost-hardy.

Apricot Kichiginsky needs good illumination and fertile, breathable soil with a neutral acidity level. In no case should the plant be planted in places where groundwater comes too close to the surface, or in swampy lowlands. If the most suitable place has exactly such characteristics, then you can make an artificial hill, raised above the horizon of the site to a height of 70-100 cm. The ideal option for apricot would be a southern exposure if the site has a slope.High blank fences, walls of buildings, and tall trees serve as protection from northern winds and drafts.