Apricot Triumph north

One of the favorite fruits available for cultivation in our latitudes is apricot, and the Triumph northern variety is a bright representative of the pink family of the plum genus. It was he who gave the gardeners of colder regions the opportunity to grow a wonderful, beautiful and abundantly fruitful tree on their site.

The universal purpose allows you to use fruits for fresh consumption, to make preparations in the form of dried apricots, preserves, compotes, confitures, jams. They make excellent liqueurs, liqueurs and wines. Transportability is average, but it allows using the variety for growing on an industrial scale.

A. N. Venyaminov is the originator of the Northern Triumph. In his work, he used the Krasnoschekiy and Severny Early varieties as a starting material. Thanks to such a tandem, excellent results were obtained - frost resistance and excellent taste.

A medium-sized (up to 4 m) tree with a spreading crown has thick and strong shoots, diverging from the central conductor at an angle of 45 º or more. Large flowers are painted in a white-pink palette, ovaries are formed mainly on bouquet twigs. Shoots are covered with large bright green foliage with well-visible light streaks. The leaf plate on the seamy side has lighter colors, slightly wavy edges, an elongated pointed tip, a leathery texture and a smooth surface.

Round-oval large (55 g) fruits have a basic yellow-orange color and a dark cherry blush, partially covering the surface of the fruit. On the shady side, a slight green is usually observed.

Apricots are covered with pubescent skin of medium thickness. The stone separates well from the pulp, the kernel has a sweet taste with a subtle almond aftertaste. The fruits are not prone to shedding, cracking is possible only with a stable high humidity during the period of physiological ripeness. Unfortunately, the shelf life of ripe fruits is relatively short - 2–2.5 weeks. Slightly unripe apricots are removed for transportation.

Juicy orange pulp of tender, melting consistency has a sweet pleasant taste with a tasting score of 4–4.2 points.

The Northern Triumph begins to bear fruit regularly 4 years after planting, the variety belongs to the middle late ripening category. The approximate flowering dates are in the second half of May, more accurate numbers depend on the climatic characteristics of the growing region. Harvesting begins in late July - early August.

After the beginning of fruiting, the tree increases the number of fruits annually. An adult plant produces 64 kilograms or more.

The varieties are adapted for cultivation in the Central Black Earth Region, however, its characteristics allowed the gardeners of the middle lane and southern Siberia to settle this wonderful "southerner" in their gardens. Judging by the reviews, Triumph is grown in the Urals, Altai and even in the Minusinsk Basin.

The variety blooms with male and female flowers, its self-fertility allows the culture to do without pollinators.

The best time for planting is spring. In the southern regions, young plants can also be planted in the fall, since the long period of warmth will allow the seedling to take root, adapt and survive the warm and mild winters. In the more northern regions, apricots have to be planted in the spring, so that they have time to prepare for the winter period.

• The distance between the holes is 3 m, between the rows - 5 meters. The optimal size of the landing pit is 60x60x80 cm.
• For planting, plants of one or two years old with developed aboveground and underground parts are chosen. The trunk and side shoots should be intact, with smooth bark and buds. Before planting, the roots are kept in a root-forming solution for half a day.
• At the bottom, an obligatory drainage layer of 10-15 cm is required.
• At the same time, a support for the fragile stem is installed.
• The excavated soil is enriched with humus or compost, superphosphate and wood ash are added. ⅓ of the prepared mixture is poured into the hole.
• The plant is planted and sprinkled with the remaining soil. The soil is compacted and shed well with warm water. The root collar is not buried; it must remain above the surface.

Further care consists of traditional activities.

• Weeding prevents competition for nutrients.
• Watering is carried out regularly in the first year after planting. An adult plant is watered three times per season, except for prolonged drought. The first watering is carried out at the beginning of flowering, the second time during the period of fruit filling, in the fall, abundant irrigation will help the culture survive the winter season.
• Top dressing begins in the second or third year after planting:
  • in the spring, the plant will need nitrogen, while it is important not to exceed the norms specified in the instructions;
  • in the summer they are fed with nettle infusion, after harvesting the apricot is supported with potassium-phosphorus preparations;
  • in the fall, the trunks are covered with a thick layer of humus - along with autumn precipitation and melting snow, nutrients enter the soil.
• Sanitary pruning is done in early spring after the snow melts. At this time, remove excess, diseased, damaged, dry and growing vertically upward shoots.
• Formative pruning begins immediately after planting:
  • the central conductor is shortened to 60–70 cm;
  • lateral shoots are cut to ⅓ of their length;
  • in the future, the formation is continued every year, cutting off too long shoots growing inside the crown, limiting the growth of the central conductor as needed.

Whitewashing should not be neglected. This technique is very effective against many pests and rodents. For this, a mixture of copper sulfate and slaked lime is prepared. Before the beginning of winter, the lower part of the trunk must be protected from hares, if they are found in the area. To do this, use special nets, burlap, roofing material.

The variety is characterized as resistant to pests and fungal diseases. The indicators for resistance to moniliosis, clasterosporium, as well as to damage by moth and aphids are slightly lower. To cope with such manifestations will help preventive treatments with insecticides and fungicides.

The wood has a high winter hardiness (up to -40ºC), but flower buds tolerate changes in winter temperatures much worse - their winter hardiness is considered average. Long-term droughts Triumph does not tolerate well and needs additional watering during this period.

Planting is possible only in slightly alkaline or neutral pH soils. If a suitable site does not meet the required parameters, then the composition of the soil and the level of the surface artificially lead to the required standards. The site should be protected from northerly winds and constant drafts, warm and well-lit. Deaf fences, walls of buildings and tall trees are used as protection. The soil should be fertile, light, well-drained and breathable. Close proximity to groundwater and swampy lowlands is unacceptable.