Description of a self-fruited variety of apricots "Alyosha"

One of the popular frost-resistant apricots is the Alyosha variety, which is grown in the Moscow Region and the regions of central Russia.The first data on this species was presented by L. A. Kramarenko and A. K. Skvortsov in the late 1980s.

The dense crown of Apricot Alesha trees is distinguished by its sprawling and rounded shape, and their height reaches four meters. Branched stems are characteristic for annual shoots. At the beginning of flowering the tree is decorated with flowers with streaks of pink, their diameter is four centimeters. As autumn comes, the foliage turns yellow, crimson or red.

The fruits ripen quite early, the final ripening period falls on the second half of July or the first decade of August. The weight of each fruit does not exceed twenty grams. Apricots have a round shape and tight sides, with a small yellowish down on top covering them. The fruit is characterized by light orange sugar pulp with a barely perceptible sour taste.

Inside the fruit are large bones, which can be easily separated from ripe pulp. Ripe apricots can be used fresh, as well as use them for jam, compotes and other preparations for the winter. If the crop was harvested on time, it will have excellent performance for long-term storage. The Alyosha variety is resistant to the winter season, and the first yield is possible at the end of three to four years after planting and grafting.

The future apricot growing area should be fairly well lit, otherwise the fruit will be sour and hard, and the yield will be reduced to a minimum. Standard yields are up to fifty kilograms per tree. If trees are planted near buildings, they will be better tolerated by cold and will be resistant to cold winds. Young shoots must be mulched before the onset of winter.

For this procedure, horse humus is often used, which sprinkle the areas around the trunks. Then the root neck of the tree is wrapped with nylon pantyhose or special material for protection. Planting of shoots is made only in sandy or loamy soil, as sandy and clayey soil can slow down the development of trees. However, with the help of the landing pit, you can eliminate the problem.

The level of soil acidity should not exceed the threshold of 7.0 pH. Increasing this level can provoke bone fracture, and the trunk will begin to secrete a thick, brown and sticky liquid. Only with the help of biological agents or dolomite mineral flour can these problems be eliminated.

An important element is planting and caring for apricot trees. The further productivity and life expectancy of seedlings depends on this. When planting is recommended to follow a few simple rules.

• Do not forget to feed the trees. The area for one seedling must be at least 12 square meters.
• In the middle lane, if the seedlings are purchased in the spring season, it is desirable to cut the branches more than half. Touching the rhizomes is strictly forbidden, only with their help the tree will quickly begin to grow, and pollinators will enhance the process.
• Saplings with a root system of bare type are planted in the period from March to May, and trees from greenhouses - from early spring to late autumn. Strong penetration into the soil is not recommended, the roots should pass into the trunk at a distance of seven centimeters above ground level.
• After a certain period of time, the seedlings need to be fed three times: before the flowering begins, after it and in the case of the mass dropping of the fruit set. Nitrogen fertilizers act as a drainage.With the onset of September, it is necessary to mix potassium salt in the amount of one hundred grams with superphosphates (approximately 150 grams). When spring comes, only organic fertilizers are used.
• When planting apricot in the planting hole, you need to pour a layer of humus or horse humus. Potassium chloride or superphosphates can be added to it.
• After the first year after planting, most of the flowers should be cut off, and the next year - about half.
• Trees are watered at least five times a month, water consumption per tree is several buckets early in the morning and evening. The watering process stops in July, but if there is a heat, then you can continue to water the seedlings.
• In the case of the formation of basal shoots experienced gardeners recommend cutting it near the ground, and as a protection against pests, use pantyhose from caprone or a special net.

Observance of the elementary rules of planting and care can lead to good yields of the Alesha variety. But at the slightest signs of a tree disease, it is better to seek advice from specialists and read reviews of gardeners.

Periodically pruned fruit trees must be. The self-fertile variety Alyosha is not an exception, and pruning is necessary in spring and autumn for the following reasons:

• if damaged trees are pruned, this procedure heals them and nourishes them with useful elements for obtaining abundant yields;
• pruning creates an optimal tree crown, lit and moisturized;
• the pruning process contributes to the growth of branches on the sides, the number of fetal ovaries increases, and this all from the good side affects the overall yield;
• be sure to get rid of dry, sick and weakened branches;
• If the inspection of trees has led to the identification of diseases or parasites, then it is necessary to conduct a mandatory sanitary pruning of the crown.

The excellent resistance of the Alesha apricot to frost and winter, as well as abundant crop yields and the earlier entry into the productive age phase contribute to the appreciation of this variety. Dry tearing of fruits, preservation of shape and quality during long shipments and excellent storage rates make the variety popular among gardeners, both beginners and experienced.

How to feed an apricot, see in the video below.