Apricot Viking

Apricot Viking is a high-yielding, unpretentious variety that was specially bred for cultivation in the Central Federal District. The self-pollinated variety annually pleases with a stable and high-quality harvest, which has a universal purpose. Sweet, juicy and large fruits are successfully used both for fresh consumption and for preservation and preparation of aromatic pastries. Even the bones have found their way into cooking.

Apricot Viking (Viking) is the result of painstaking work of breeders-practitioners from the Michurin All-Russian Institute of Genetics and Breeding. A special long-term contribution to the breeding of this variety was made by agricultural breeders Kruzhkov. Experienced workers of the institute put the maximum amount of work to obtain a unique variety with a strong immune system and a high level of resistance to low temperatures. Also an indisputable advantage is the high yield of the variety.

This culture belongs to tall plants, the crown of which resembles a ball. The maximum height of an adult plant can reach 5 meters. The green deciduous mass is large, oval in shape and elongated ends. The diameter of one leaf can be up to 6 cm. The tree cover of the crown is colored brown and has vertical breaks. Young shoots are colored reddish and covered with small knots.

The flowering period is in early April, before the first leaf blades appear. Inflorescences of this variety are growing separately, white-pink hue. The diameter of one flower can be up to 2.5 cm.

Advantages:

• resistance to high temperature conditions;
• undemanding to watering;
• resistance to frost and temperature fluctuations;
• high productivity;
• large-fruited;
• self-pollination;
• high taste indicators;
• resistance to diseases and pests.

Disadvantages:

• shedding of fruits;
• the need for constant formation of the crown;
• exactingness to lighting.

The large-fruited variety is a unique plant that, even under risky farming conditions, is able to form fruits weighing more than 30 grams. The spherical shape of the apricot has a smooth surface. The color of the fruit at the stage of technical ripeness is bright yellow. The sepal is small.

The leathery cover of the fruit is dense, smooth, with a slight hairiness. The pulp is fleshy and juicy. The fruits differ not only in taste, but also in a unique mineral composition, which consists of the following elements:

• soluble solids - 13.3%;
• sugar - 7.5%,
• ascorbic acid - 14.5 mg per 100 grams.

Thanks to the simple separation of the seed from the pulp, the product retains its attractiveness even when "disassembled". However, you should pay attention to the fact that overripe fruits do not linger on the branches.

Viking apricot is a unique variety that is not only distinguished by its unpretentiousness, but also forms large, juicy and fragrant fruits of a bright sunny color. The balanced apricot flavor has subtle sour notes, but for the most part it is sweet. The excellent taste of the fruit and the fleshy flesh will please even fastidious gourmets.

The fruiting period of a given variety depends on its growing region, as well as on the flowering time of the culture. If we take into account the average time for the formation of buds, which falls on April - early May, then the technical ripeness of the fruits will come already in early August.

The first harvest after planting young seedlings takes place already in the 4th year of the growing season.

A high-yielding variety annually pleases its owners with a large number of fruits. However, the crop must be harvested on time and without delay. Overripe fruits and unfavorable climatic conditions are the main factors in apricot shedding and spoilage of their presentation. In favorable climatic conditions, a 1 hectare plot is capable of forming up to 14 tons of fruit.

The Viking apricot variety belongs to self-pollinated crops that do not need to be adjacent to pollinators. However, to increase the volume of the harvest, practicing breeders recommend planting several pollinators nearby.

When planting a young plant, special attention should be paid to the choice of the site and soil. The plant has a negative attitude towards acidic soils and prefers soddy, podzolic, loamy and chernozem soils. The chosen place must be well lit and not have shaded areas, as well as strong wind currents. Groundwater should run at a depth of more than 2 meters.

A dense crown needs regular sanitary and corrective pruning. During prolonged droughts, the tree must be watered and mulched in the root zone. Do not forget about feeding. They are brought in according to the regime, as for other varieties of apricots.

The unpretentious variety is characterized by increased immunity to most diseases and pests. To minimize the percentage of crop morbidity, it is imperative to carry out regular preventive treatments, as well as follow the rules for planting and caring for the plant.