- Tree height, m: 3
- Fruit weight, g: 10-15
- Fruit shape: rounded, flattened at the top and bottom
- Skin : hardly felt, has a velvety texture, slightly bitter
- Fruit color: golden, light blush on the sunny side
- Pulp (consistency): very dense
- Fruit taste: sweet
- Bone size: small
- Separability of the bone from the pulp: good
- Appointment: universal
Best Michurinsky - one of the oldest varieties of apricot cultivated in Russia. It is considered universal, suitable both for fresh consumption and for canning and processing. The fruits tolerate transportation well and are often grown commercially and for sale.
Breeding history
IV Michurin personally engaged in the selection of this variety, selecting the best of the seedlings of Siberian apricot species obtained in the fall of 1925 from Blagoveshchensk. The first seedlings from the seed appeared in the spring. The fruits from the new variety were harvested in 1931. The variety managed to consolidate such desirable qualities as excellent taste properties of fruits, combined with adaptability to cultivation in the culture of the middle lane and the north.
Description of the variety
The trees are medium-sized, up to 3 m in height. They intensively gain height during the first 6 years. The crown is strong, not too thick. The variety lays fruit buds on all branches, including in summer growth. It is very attractive for hybridization and crosses well with other apricots.
Fruit characteristics
Apricots of this variety are small, with an average weight of each about 10-15 g. Their shape is rounded, slightly flattened at the poles. The color is golden, with a slight blush on the sunny side. The skin is practically not felt when biting, has a slight bitterness, and is covered with a light down. The abdominal suture on the surface of the fetus is strongly pronounced. The stone is small, well separated from the dense flesh of a beautiful golden color.
Taste qualities
Apricots of the Best Michurinsky variety are very sweet, with a spicy bitterness from the skin. When bitten, the juicy pulp crumbles slightly.
Ripening and fruiting
The variety is classified as early-medium in terms of ripening, ripe fruits are harvested in mid-July. The first harvest can be expected 5 years after planting.
Yield
Consistently high rates of fruiting is one of the main advantages of this apricot.
Growing regions
The variety is best adapted to cultivation in the middle zone of the Russian Federation.
Self-fertility and the need for pollinators
The variety is self-fertile. He needs a number of pollinators. The Best Michurinsky blooms in April-May. It is worth placing varieties with a similar budding period nearby. Apricot Comrade is considered the best option.
Growing and care
Trees of this variety do not need difficult maintenance. In the early years, they need crown formation. Watering and fertilizing are carried out according to the standard schedule. In the future, adult plants are subjected only to rejuvenating pruning.
Disease and pest resistance
High resistance to the influence of negative external factors in this variety is accompanied by good immune protection. Trees are not afraid of fungal diseases, major infections. Among pests, aphids and leafworms can be dangerous.
Winter hardiness and the need for shelter
Apricot trees of this variety are highly winter-hardy. They are quite capable of withstanding frost down to -40 degrees.
Location and soil requirements
Apricot planting The best Michurinsky is carried out in the sun. It is sensitive to the amount of natural light, with a lack of it, you can face poor ripening of the fruit. The soil should be sufficiently loose, fertile, moderately moist.
Review overview
Despite the fact that in its history the Best Michurinsky has more than one decade, it still has no equal among the varieties grown in the climate of the Moscow region and the regions closest to it. The apricot tree grows rather quickly, does not need intensive, complex care. Summer residents note that even on rather poor soil, the plants give bountiful harvests. The taste of the fruit is especially noted, it is considered by many owners to be unforgettable.
This apricot variety also has certain disadvantages. It is not necessary to expect large fruits from him. In addition, young plants in very frosty winters are quite capable of dying. It is definitely not worth neglecting the shelter for them. And also among the negative aspects, one can single out a low ability to bear fruit without pollinators, in this case the yield will be extremely modest.