Black apricot, general characteristics and description of varieties. Black apricot "black prince": variety description, cultivation features and reviews
A fruit tree called apricot salmon or black apricot belongs to the Rosaceae family.
This interesting plant, which is an intergeneric hybrid between apricot and cherry plum, exists only in cultivation and is not found anywhere in the wild.
1:992 1:1001This culture is most widespread in Central Asia and Transcaucasia, as well as in southern countries Western Europe and in the USA. In Russia, it is grown mainly in Crimea(this is where most domestic varieties are bred), and in Krasnodar Territory.
Or rather, it would be more correct to say, "grown", because in recent decades breeding work over this crop were directed towards increasing its winter hardiness, so it is possible that over time apricot salmon will appear in many regions of the Russian Federation “atypical” for it.
Biological features of black apricot:
2:608Being an intergeneric hybrid, the apricot plum combined the features of both parental cultures and occupies, as it were, an intermediate position between them, although in the appearance of the tree, it still takes more from the common apricot. It is no coincidence that this culture is known as the "black apricot".
2:1176True, in many varieties the trees are shorter than those of the common apricot, among them there are also real dwarfs. At the same time, the fruits of apricot plum in many varieties taste more in common with cherry plum (although tastier than it), and in appearance they are something in between: they have pubescent skin, most often dark purple in color (for different varieties it can be different, up to to yellow), the pulp is almost cherry plum in consistency, but it smells like an apricot, the stone is poorly separated from the pulp. The average weight of the fetus is 20-30 g.
From the cherry plum, the apricot-salmon inherited many positive traits . This crop is more winter-hardy than the common apricot (including much better tolerance of destructive spring frosts), bears fruit more regularly and much less often the apricot is affected by moniliosis (one of the varieties of rot), clasterosporium and other diseases dangerous for the common apricot, which in itself makes this culture very promising.
Pollination in black apricot is cross-pollinated. All varieties pollinate each other well.
Another interesting feature of apricot cherry plum is its ability to interbreed both with common apricot and cherry plum, as well as with representatives of other species and genera - blackthorn, plum, cherry plums and other fruit crops, which can also act as pollinators.
The value of apricot salmon culture:
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The fruits of apricot plum are used in the same way as the fruits of common apricot and cherry plum. IN fresh they are a little less flavorful the best varieties apricot, but surpass the less successful ones, and in the processed one they are not inferior at all.
2:508 2:517ABOUT black apricot jam I. V. Michurin spoke very well, believing that it was “immeasurably higher quality” than from ordinary apricots. It goes without saying that black apricot fruits are also suitable for other types of processing, for example it can be dried, added to pies, rolled compotes.
Apricot plum seedlings grown from seeds can be used as a rootstock for common apricot, peach and plum.
Since apricot salmon is not included in the State Register and is not grown anywhere in industrial scale, there are practically no clear rules of agricultural technology for it. However, in general, caring for a tree is closest to caring for an ordinary apricot.
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Selecting a landing site
Apricot salmon is quite photophilous, it is desirable to allocate well-lit places for it on the site, if possible protected from the north and east winds. It is not too demanding on soils, as long as they are fertile enough; the least desirable of the soils in terms of mechanical structure are heavy clay, chemical composition- very sour. Apricot salmon does not tolerate stagnant water caused by high occurrence ground water, in this case, seedlings are best placed on mounds.
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Apricot salmon breeding methods
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Apricot plum is propagated mainly by grafting onto seedlings of common apricot, cherry plum or rootstocks from other varieties of apricot plum. In addition, it can be propagated by cuttings (green and lignified cuttings). At seed propagation black apricot almost does not retain varietal characteristics. The soil for planting is prepared in the same way as for all other fruit trees.
Landing pattern, size of the landing pit.
On average, one tree needs an area of 4 x 5 m.
Caring for an adult apricot tree
For an adult apricot tree, care is minimal (even less than for an ordinary apricot, since it is less threatened by diseases): periodically the tree trunk is whitened, all other agrotechnical measures are carried out as necessary.
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Pruning, crown formation of apricot plum
There are no clear plans. Apricot salmon can be formed both as an ordinary apricot and as a cherry plum, while its trees are quite often given a low-stemmed bushy or semi-bushlike shape. General principles crown formations of this type are the same as for dwarf apple trees.
Rejuvenating and health pruning are carried out regularly, as with all other stone fruit crops.
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Watering apricot salmon
During strong growth of shoots (spring and first half of summer) in case prolonged absence It is advisable to water the black apricot at least once a month when it rains, but in the second half of the summer, watering should be stopped.
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Top dressing apricot salmon
There are no clear rules, but apricot salmon is responsive to feeding, and therefore, starting from the second year after planting, it is advisable to feed it at least in spring and autumn.
Weeding is carried out as needed. You can harvest when most of the fruits have acquired the main color.
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Diseases and pests of apricot salmon
Almost all varieties of apricot plum are resistant to major stone fruit diseases, but can be affected by typical pests.
3:1322 3:1331black apricot varieties
There are no zoned varieties of apricot salmon - it has not yet been officially recognized as a separate crop, but its individual varieties are often considered among the varieties of the common apricot. Of the old varieties, the most common varieties Shlor Tsiran, Manaresi and American Black. IN last years they were significantly supplanted by new varieties with the best taste and different big size fruits.
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Kuban black
The tree is medium. Self-fertile. The fruits are medium and larger (weight 30-40 g), oval, dark red. The pulp is dense, yellow, but closer to the skin is pink, sweet and sour, fragrant. The bone separates easily. The variety is characterized by increased winter hardiness, very resistant to diseases.
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Melitopol black
The tree is tall. The fruits are medium (weight 30 g), oval with a faint seam, maroon with pubescence; ripen in mid-July. The pulp is red, juicy, sweet and sour. The stone is semi-separable, large. The fruits are frost-resistant, in comparison with other varieties of black apricot, less resistant to moniliosis.
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little mouse
Dwarf variety (can be grown in tub culture). Differs in high winter hardiness for culture.
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Black velvet
The fruits are medium (average weight 30 g), round-elliptical with a "nose" at the top, dark red with pubescence. The pulp is yellow, dense, medium juicy, sweet and sour, the aroma is weak. The bone separates well.
4:639 4:648Shlor Tsiran (Persian Black)
The literal translation of this title from Armenian language it sounds like “black apricot”. Fruits are medium and smaller than average (weight 20-30 g), spherical or slightly elongated, black-purple with velvety pubescence. Flesh greenish-red to dark red, medium density and juiciness, sweet and sour with a spicy aftertaste. The bone separates badly.
Varieties are also grown as rootstocks. Alab-1, Alab-2, Druzhba, Kuban-86 and Eureka, which are considered "clonal.
4:1586 4:8The sweet fruit of the yellow apricot is known to all. This amazing fruit is very healthy and has a pleasant taste. Various varieties allow all year round enjoy jam, jam and just ripe juicy fruits.
But few people know about black varieties of apricot. In this article we will talk about known varieties, the nuances of breeding and care.
Characteristics
Apricot "Black Velvet"
Black apricot is a rare species. It is a hybrid between common apricot and cherry plum. Has more small fruits and dark coloration. Sometimes another name appears - apricot-plum.
It blooms late, but bears fruit regularly. At the same time, the hybrid is well protected from early frosts. The tree is low, is a sprawling bush. The fruits are green at first, but closer to the time of fruiting they become brown or slightly blue.
The hybrid inherited from the cherry plum small size and sour taste, and from apricot - a pleasant sweet aroma. Fruits can be eaten both fresh and consumed boiled and canned.
Interesting fact: Mouse - new dwarf variety. It is grown even in tubs.
Main varieties
Apricot variety "Black Prince"
1. Black prince. The variety is afraid of frost and is especially resistant to warmth. In central Russia, it is not easy to grow this variety, since it is necessary to cover the plants well on winter time, and harvest the fruits unripe.
IN Lately scientists have come up with new hybrid varieties Black Prince, which are resistant to cold and frost. In appearance, the fruit is very beautiful, it is small in size, which simplifies the care and harvesting. Known for its tart taste. Great for jam.
It's important to know: fruiting begins in mid-July. Pleasant juicy flesh of bright red color. The variety is very cold hardy. The hybrid can sometimes be affected by moniliosis. Therefore, it is recommended to constantly monitor the plant and take action at early signs of the disease.
Apricot varieties "Melitopol black"
2. Black velvet known high yield and resistance to cold. Trees and fruits are small. At the top of the fruit there is a small spout. The pulp is firm and yellow. The fruits taste sweet and sour, the aroma is barely perceptible, the stone is well separated.
3. Melitopol black. Differs in the big size of trees. The fruits are oval, small, have a rich dark color with pubescence.
4. Lugansk black. Differs in reliable resistance to diseases and frosts. Fruits towards the end of July. The fruits are large, black-red in color and have a pleasant taste. They are good both fresh and as a jam.
Growing technique
Agrotechnics hybrid and common variety very similar. It is only necessary to follow the recommendations when landing:
- seedlings are best placed in places well lit by the sun;
- you should choose a place protected from wind and drafts;
- groundwater should not pass close to the surface, otherwise the roots will rot.
In spring, the snow cover should not be very large, otherwise the trunk below may rot. If groundwater passes very close, and there is no other place, gardeners advise using special barrels without a bottom.
First, a hole is prepared, drainage is poured onto the bottom. After that, prepare the soil for the barrel. Sand, humus, compost, peat should be added to it. The barrel should rise 50 cm above the ground.
Using a barrel will help protect seedlings from groundwater, as well as from a large number snow. Apricot needs good watering. After mid-summer, watering the plant is not necessary, as this contributes to the growth of shoots, and by winter they may not ripen.
If the shoots nevertheless began to grow, they can be pinched in the fall. However, this provokes the growth of new shoots, which must also be pinched.
Good leaf fall prepares the plant for winter. You can also speed up leaf fall yourself: pollination is carried out using wood ash. In autumn, summer and spring, apricots can get sunburned. To avoid them, it is recommended to whitewash the trees with a special solution with the addition of blue vitriol. Need to do it in early spring And late autumn.
Note: gardeners advise not to wait until the fruits are fully ripe, but to pluck them slightly unripe. After that, the fruits are left to lie for a few more days. Thus, it will be possible to obtain sweet and fragrant fruits.
Varieties of black apricot are not yet so popular in our country. However, they are the ones that are suitable for beginner gardeners: caring for such a plant is simple, and the fruits will please for a long time with delicious pulp, similar to cherry plum with an apricot flavor.
Below, we suggest you watch a video about black apricot varieties:
This article will discuss such a rare and interesting fruit as black apricot. In the article you will find a description of the hybrid, tips for caring for it, as well as the characteristics of the most popular varieties of this hybrid in the southern regions.
Apricot breeding does not stand still. Researchers are constantly looking for ways to improve the species and experiment by crossing them with other stone fruits. As a result, interesting hybrids appear, such as black apricot, which was bred by crossing normal view and cherry plum. It also has another name - apricot salmon.
This species has inherited late flowering periods from cherry plum, as well as slow spring development. But this is more a plus than a disadvantage: such vegetation contributes to more regular fruiting and crop stability, since the plant, due to the later appearance of flowers and ovaries, is protected from spring frosts.
Because of this feature, attempts to grow the species in central Russia, in the Moscow region, are popular. Indeed, through reproduction with a bone, seedlings can be obtained that are more adapted to the harsh conditions of the “Russian winter”.
A tree of medium height, rather reminiscent of big bush. In the process of growth and development, its fruits are green, but closer to the time of ripening they become dark brown. Thanks to cherry plum, the fruits are small and slightly sour, but they have an apricot flavor, which often misleads non-specialists.
Apricot salmon can be consumed both fresh and rolled up, getting compotes and jams.
Another feature is that it is self-pollinating. Most apricot varieties require cross-pollination, that is, in the garden or in the summer cottage, you need to plant several apricot trees so that they pollinate each other, otherwise you can not wait for the harvest from a lonely growing tree. However, many gardeners do not have the opportunity to grow several seedlings of the same species at once. But apricot salmon perfectly pollinates itself and does not need other apricots for this, but besides this, it is well pollinated by cherry plums, plums and ordinary apricots, which is also a plus.
It is worth noting that this rare species is less susceptible to such fungal diseases as cytosporosis, clasterosporiasis and moniliosis, which have been regularly and mercilessly affecting apricot orchards of traditional varieties recently.
Growing Features
This exotic variety is propagated by grafting on rootstocks of apricot, plum, cherry plum, as well as cuttings. You can try with a bone, but then there is a chance to get new hybrid, which will differ in characteristics from the parent.
Seedling care rare species not much different from the agrotechnical methods in the cultivation of conventional apricot trees.
When choosing permanent place for planting a seedling, give preference to the south side of the garden or plot, protected from the north winds and well lit throughout the day. The ideal place would be landing on the south side of the fence or house.
Apricots are traditionally unpretentious to soils, although they grow worse, develop and bear fruit on heavy clay or strongly acidic soils.
It is also advisable not to plant seedlings in lowlands and in places with a low level of groundwater. Lowlands are dangerous for plants because, firstly, there is often an excess of moisture, and secondly, cold air descends into such places and the temperature there is lower than in adjacent areas, and the cold is not a friend to these plants.
If your site is located where The groundwater come close to the surface, do not despair - there are ways to plant apricot seedlings in such, to put it mildly, unfavorable conditions. One of them is landing "in a barrel". Planting technology is simple: they dig a hole, put drainage on its bottom, which is covered with a mixture of sand, humus, peat or compost. And already an ordinary barrel is placed on this layer, having previously knocked out the bottom and lid. The height of the barrel above ground level must be at least half a meter. This approach will protect root system tree from groundwater, and also protect the trunk and lower branches in case of heavy snowfalls.
Seedlings need regular watering in the process active growth: every two weeks, pour a bucket of water under the plant. At the end of July, watering must be stopped, as saturated with moisture, the seedling begins to actively develop branches, giving many young shoots. And if watering is not stopped in time, thereby limiting growth, then young sprouts will not have time to mature before the onset of frost, which is fraught with crop loss and a general weakening of the tree.
It is also recommended to regularly feed apricot salmon. Traditionally, these events are held in spring and autumn. In addition, it is advisable to regularly carry out preventive pruning to prevent thickening of the crown and to give the plant a bushy shape.
It should be noted that apricot salmon, like most apricots, often suffers from sunburn, therefore, it needs annual whitewashing of trunks and main branches, which is carried out in late autumn and early spring. At the same time, a small amount of copper sulfate should be added to the lime.
Video "Apricot Grafting"
This video will tell you how to properly graft apricot seedlings.
Varieties
This species is bred artificially, therefore, in wild nature it does not occur, and the first specimens were obtained by American breeders and did not distinguish themselves by the outstanding characteristics of both the tree itself and the fruit. However, time does not stand still and breeders have bred a lot of new varieties, among which there are winter-hardy, high-yielding, and disease-resistant. Consider interesting varieties which are common in our regions.
Black velvet
This clone was created by Crimean specialists by crossing American black and cherry plum. The tree is medium-sized, begins to bear fruit regularly for 3-4 years. It blooms late, so it is protected from spring frosts. Harvest can be harvested in early August. The fruits are small - up to 30 g, but very juicy and sweet with a slight sourness.
Black apricot black velvet differs from relatives in increased winter hardiness. Also, the advantages of this clone include self-fertility, resistance to various fungal diseases, regularity of fruiting. Has sweet fruits.
Apricot black velvet has one drawback: the small size of the fruit.
Melitopol black
The black apricot of the Melitopol variety was created by specialists from the Research Institute of Irrigated Horticulture (Melitopol). The tree is tall, fast-growing. Thanks to late flowering, the buds are not damaged by late frosts, which has a positive effect on the regularity of fruiting and the abundance of the crop.
Melitopol black apricot is different early term ripening - already in the third decade of July, you can harvest fairly large fruits weighing up to 50 g. The fruits have a honey flavor and a pleasant delicate aroma.
Like most of its counterparts, the black apricot of the Melitopol variety has good frost resistance and protection against many diseases. However, there is one drawback - the hybrid can be affected by moniliosis. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive checks and, at the first signs of the disease, treat the affected areas with fungicides.
Black Prince
Apricot black prince was brought out by breeders from the city of Artemovsk. Early-growing medium-sized tree. It has all the features of related hybrids - self-fertility, late flowering, resistance to most diseases.
Black apricot black prince has the most large fruits among relatives - the average fruit weight reaches 65-70 g. But it was not without drawbacks - this clone is the least frost-resistant among its own kind.
This variety is still exotic and is difficult to meet on summer cottages. However, the hybrid is interesting for its ability to withstand spring frosts and increased resistance to bacterial infections, due to which it can regularly produce high yields good quality and trade dress.
Growing an apricot in your area is the dream of many gardeners, especially in the area temperate climate. And in recent years, black apricot has become popular. This unusual plant it is a spontaneous hybrid between apricot and cherry plum, while it exists only in cultivation, it is not found anywhere in the wild.
- Appearance: Medium to small tree with a dense crown.
- Leaves: Small, oval or ovate, with finely serrated edges, on a short thin petiole
- Flowers: Pale pink or white.
- Fruits: White, pink or dark red in color, pubescent, tastes more like cherry plum, and in appearance - a cross between apricot and cherry plum. A young black apricot tree begins to bear fruit from the 3rd year after planting. The average weight of the fetus is 20-30 g.
The black apricot has advantages over the ordinary one. Firstly, it is more winter-hardy (including much better tolerates destructive spring frosts). Secondly, black apricot bears fruit more regularly and is much less often affected by moniliosis, clastero-sporiosis and others. dangerous diseases. Pollination in black apricot is cross-pollinated. All varieties pollinate each other well, but there are no self-fertile ones. Yet interesting feature black apricot - it can be crossed both with common apricot and cherry plum, as well as with representatives of other species - blackthorn, plum, which can also act as pollinators.
Black apricot is photophilous. Therefore, on the site for him it is desirable to allocate a sunny place, if possible, protected from the north and east winds. The plant is not too demanding on the soil. The least desirable in terms of mechanical composition are heavy clay soils.
Fact
Apricot, more than other fruit crops, suffers from sunburn on the bark and its decay. Therefore, the trunks cannot be covered with any material that impedes air exchange (polyethylene, roofing material, stockings). To protect against sunburn in late autumn and early spring, trees must be treated with garden whitewash with the addition of copper sulfate.
On average, one tree needs an area of 4-5 sq.m. Land in landing pits should be inhomogeneous. Clay is mixed with sand and peat in equal parts. When planting, do not abuse fertilizers.
And one more thing: black apricot does not tolerate stagnant water caused by high groundwater. In this case, seedlings are best placed on mounds.
Simple rules for growing black apricot
Apricot, like other fruit crops, needs to be watered - once a month. But in the second half of summer, watering is stopped, as it contributes to the protracted growth of shoots that do not have time to ripen in winter.
The plant is responsive to feeding: from the second year after planting, it is advisable to feed it in the spring nitrogen fertilizers(10-15 g ammonium nitrate per 1 sq.m trunk circle), and in the fall, apply the main fertilizer - phosphorus and potash (15 g of potassium chloride and 12 g of superphosphate per 1 sq.m of the trunk circle). To accelerate leaf fall, which will provide better training trees for winter experienced gardeners recommended in autumn green leaves, pollinate dry apricot wood ash.
Reproduction of black apricot
Black apricot is propagated by grafting on cherry plum, apricot, clonal rootstocks Ku-ban-86, Alab-1, Eureka and others, as well as green and woody cuttings. The black apricot itself is used as a clonal stock for plum, apricot and peach. During seed propagation, black apricot almost does not retain varietal characteristics.
For beauty
Black apricot is not only a fruit, but also a completely decorative culture. A group of apricot trees planted along the fence camouflages it perfectly, and the fence, in turn, protects the heat-loving crop from cold winds.
The black apricot looks great when in bloom and attracts bumblebees with its abundant pink and white flowers. There are also varieties with deep pink petals. They become the center of attention in spring garden and look very exotic. For amplification decorative effect apricot trees can be planted in tandem with felt cherries, which are best located on the south side of the trunk. Felt cherry grows in a bush and partially covers the stem of the "neighbor" from scorching rays sun in winter, from which burns can occur on the trunk of an apricot.
The benefits of black apricot
- Apricot fruits have a good effect on digestion, liquefy sputum with a dry cough, act as a gentle laxative, thirst quencher.
- These fruits are useful for stomach diseases and metabolic disorders.
- Apricots boost mental performance and improve memory due to the high content of phosphorus and magnesium.
- Fresh ripe fruits contain a lot of fiber and few calories, serve good source beta-carotene (an antioxidant that, according to contemporary research prevents the development of cancer and heart disease).
Natalya Rudnitskaya, researcher collaborator RUE "Institute of Fruit Growing"
Choosing a variety of black apricot
| Name | Fruit | Peculiarities |
| Kuban black | Medium and large (weighing 30-40 g), the flesh is dense, yellow, but closer to the skin is pink, sweet and sour, aromatic | The variety is self-infertile, resistant to diseases and winter-hardy, ripens at the end of July. |
| Black velvet | Medium (about 30 g), round-elliptical with a "nose" at the top, the flesh is dense, yellow, sweet and sour, with a slight aroma | The variety is partially self-fertile, ripens at the end of July, fruits are transportable |
| Black Prince | Weight 40-60 g, pulp from orange to dark red color, juicy, fragrant, dessert taste with piquant sourness | Variety late deadline maturation (mid-August), winter-hardy |
Current Diversity fruit crops can surprise even experienced gardeners. However, breeders continue to work on improving existing varieties and bringing out new ones. Modern selection works not only in the direction of crossing different varieties of the same species. She stepped far ahead, creating fundamentally new intergeneric hybrids. One of the surprising results of such experiments was a black apricot.
Culture features
Today, no one can be surprised by the variety of shades of apricot fruits: from almost white to rich orange. However, not everyone knows about the “black” representative of this species.
The plant is unique in its origin. It is obtained by crossing apricot with cherry plum (some varieties - apricot with plum). Accordingly, black apricot is not found in the wild.
Culture has preserved distinctive features both parent species. Outwardly, the tree itself is more like an apricot, but more undersized. There are also dwarf species.
Black apricot inherited important positive qualities from cherry plum:
- sufficiently high frost resistance;
- increased resistance to spring frosts;
- fruiting regularity;
- resistance to diseases dangerous for common apricot (moniliosis, clasterosporiosis, etc.);
- partial self-pollination;
- cross-pollination of all varieties with each other and with other types of pollinators (sloes, plums, cherry plums, etc.);
- the possibility of using seedlings as a rootstock for peach, plum, ordinary apricot.
The fruits are characterized by mixed characteristics of the original crops, for example, a pubescent skin of a dark purple color. The hue depends on the variety and may even be yellow. The pulp of the fruit is more similar in texture to cherry plum, but taste qualities much higher. At the same time, the fruit retains the aroma of apricot. The stone is small, most often poorly separated from the pulp.
Black apricot can have different shades
The taste of fresh chokeberry hybrids is somewhat inferior to ordinary apricots. However, jams and compotes from them are much tastier and have a more attractive appearance.
The high taste qualities of black apricot jam are noted by everyone who has tried it.
Many gardeners are hesitant to grow black apricot on their plots. After all, black hybrids are cultivated mainly in the Transcaucasus, in Central Asia in southern Europe and in America. In Russia, they were successfully grown only in the Krasnodar Territory. However, breeders have been successfully working for several decades to increase the winter hardiness of this crop.
If the old varieties of black apricots in a moderately cool climate have to be carefully covered for the winter, while removing an incompletely ripe crop, then the newly bred varieties ripen faster and calmly endure the winter cold.
To solve the problem of cultivating this species in central Russia, it is necessary to purchase seedlings on standard-forming plants. Their role is played by highly winter-hardy trees, on which apricots are grafted at a height of 1.2-1.5 m from the root system. This requirement is associated with frequent cases of underheating of the bark in the lower part of the bole, which leads to the formation of cracks. Observing this rule and choosing the most winter-hardy varieties, black apricot can also be grown in the Moscow region.
Most gardeners even cite increased disease resistance as a benefit of growing apricots in colder climates.
Features of black apricots - video
Description of the most popular varieties
Black Prince
This is the most famous of the black apricots. It is of Ukrainian origin: it was bred in the Donetsk region - at the Artyomovskaya experimental station. It is a hybrid of common apricot with late-ripening cherry plum.
The tree is medium. The trunk and branches are distinguished by a dark green hue of the bark. Small thorns form on five-year-old wood. The color of the fruit does not quite correspond to the name - the skin is characterized by a rich burgundy hue.
The fruits of the black prince do not always correspond to the name
Some varieties that ripen in hot climates or overripe fruits are darker.
The color of the black prince seems especially dark in a shaded place.
The color of the pulp depends on weather conditions and can range from reddish red to wine red. The fruits are very juicy, although not very dense in texture, they reach maturity in mid-August. It is recommended to collect apricots 2-3 days before full ripening, when the pulp is still quite dense. In this way, rapid mass shedding of fruits can be prevented and a quality crop can be maintained.
Like any variety, the Black Prince has both positive and negative traits.
Benefits and weak spots varieties - table
|
Advantages |
disadvantages |
| Self-fertility. The tree does not require the presence of other stone fruits in the garden, which is especially true for small plots. | Low winter hardiness. It is not easy to grow this variety in central Russia, because it is necessary to cover the plants well for the winter, and harvest the fruits unripe. Recently, scientists have developed new hybrid varieties of the Black Prince, which are resistant to cold and frost. |
| Resistance to spring freezing of fruit buds. This is facilitated by later flowering. Low winter hardiness does not affect this advantage. | |
| The largest of the black varietal group fruits. Their mass can reach 80 g. | |
| Record holder for taste. When fresh, it can compete with nectarine and apricots. Has a slight astringency. | |
| High yield. The Black Prince is the most productive among all chokeberry varieties. | |
|
High disease resistance. |
As you can see, the score is 9:1 in favor of positive characteristics. Thus, the lack of frost resistance of the Black Prince is more than compensated by the abundance of fruiting and the quality of the crop.
Black velvet
This variety is one of the three most popular black apricots. It was bred as a result of crossing cherry plum and American varieties of apricot. His homeland is the Crimean Experimental Breeding Station of the All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Industry. N. I. Vavilov.
The tree is different small size. It is characterized by moderate growth force: 15-20 cm per season. Forms a medium thickened crown of a rounded, slightly flattened shape.
Young apricot tree of the Black Velvet variety with ripening fruits
Ripe fruits have a rich purple color and slight pubescence on the skin. Their shape is distinguished by a pointed tip. The size of these apricots is quite modest: their weight ranges from 25 to 40 g.
Apricot fruits Black velvet correspond to the name
The pulp has a tender, moderately dense texture and a pleasant sunny color, which acquires pink shade closer to the skin. The ripening period lasts from late July to early August. Ripe fruits have a very juicy pulp, a pleasant aroma and a sweet and sour taste.
Benefits and weak sides- tableThe specificity of the taste characteristics of this variety lies in the presence of notes of apricots and plums.
| Advantages | disadvantages |
| High winter hardiness. From famous varieties European selection Black velvet - the most winter-hardy (at the level winter-hardy varieties cherry plums). | Fruit not large enough. Their size is inferior to ordinary apricots. |
| Partial self-fertility. From 10 to 20 percent of the flowers are able to self-pollinate. At the same time, pollen retains its qualities even in cold weather. | |
| Disease resistance. High immunity to moniliosis, bacteriosis, cytosporosis, clasterosporiasis. | |
| fruit transportability. | |
| Good keeping quality of fruits. In a cool ventilated room, they are stored for 3-4 months, especially when harvested at the stage of technical maturity: 2-3 days before full ripening, when the skin has already acquired the color inherent in a ripe fruit, but the flesh has a tight texture. | |
| Easily separated bone of small size. | |
| High quality fruits. They have high taste characteristics when fresh, good for canning. | |
| Productivity. The variety is characterized by stable fruiting. | |
| Adaptability. Having an average drought resistance and high winter hardiness, it adapts well to different climatic conditions. |
Important! Despite the unpretentiousness, like all apricots, Black Velvet does not tolerate soaking. Therefore, it is better to choose a place for landing sunny, on a hill, protected from the winds.
Melitopol black
This variety is named after the city of Melitopol, where it was selected by employees of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Irrigated Horticulture. However, the first fruits were collected at the experimental fruit growing station in the city of Krymsk.
A feature of the tree is its tallness. Moreover, the activity of its growth is surprising - up to 60–65 cm per season.
Important! To avoid thickening of the crown, it is necessary to carry out annual spring and autumn pruning.
Fruits, depending on the climate and growing conditions, can reach a mass of 30 to 50 g. They are characterized by an oval shape. The seam is almost invisible. The skin fully corresponds to the name, since it is painted in a deep burgundy color. The surface is slightly pubescent.
The fruits of the Melitopol black apricot have high palatability, but it is better to pick them slightly unripe to prevent instant shedding
Even the flesh of the Melitopol black apricot is red. It is very juicy and sweet, with a barely noticeable sourness. This variety maximally repeats the aroma and taste characteristics of ordinary apricot. The bone is large, separated with little effort.
The Melitopol variety is the earliest ripe of all black apricots. In warm climatic conditions, the fruits reach maturity in mid-July. In cooler weather (climate), their ripening moves closer to the end of July.
Pros and cons of apricot varieties - tableAttention! Overripe fruits quickly crumble and become damaged. If you miss the moment of their collection, you can lose the harvest.
| Advantages | disadvantages |
| High frost resistance. This advantage applies to both the tree and the fruit. | Weak resistance to the fungus that causes moniliosis. If you planted Melitopol black, do not forget about regular maintenance. The tree is treated with any fungicides before flowering, in early June and after harvesting. The most common option is a solution of Bordeaux liquid (50 ml per 10 liters of water). |
| Unpretentiousness. Compared to other varieties of black apricots, it is the least demanding on the composition of the soil, it adapts well to a temperate climate. | |
| High yield. This is a rare quality for black apricots. For plums, cherry plums and simple apricots, it is typical 1.5–2 times large quantity fruits. | |
| Sufficient fertility. Apricots are quite massive, which distinguishes this variety from other chokeberries. |
Thus, the Melitopol black variety is able to thank gardeners with a rich and tasty harvest in the middle of summer, who will take care of its pruning and processing against moniliosis in time. Therefore, he deservedly enters the top three among black apricots.
Korenevsky black
It is this variety that justifies its name more than others. Its deep purple color is as close to black as possible. The shape of the fruit is spherical. The average weight is 45–50 g. The pulp of ripe apricots has burgundy pigmentation.
Korenevsky black with the taste of cherry plum and the smell of apricot
The ripening period of this variety falls on the beginning of August. When forming the taste characteristics, the Korenevsky apricot paid tribute to both parental species. He mainly inherited the taste from cherry plum. Its inherent acid is palpable. The smell almost repeats the aroma of apricot.
Advantages and negative characteristics - table
This variety loses somewhat to the previous three, but it also has its fans among gardeners.
Mouse (Hummingbird)
One of the modern varieties. It is a product of the breeders of the horticulture experimental station in Krymsk.
Both names of the variety symbolize its miniature size, which is its main feature. The height of the tree does not exceed 3 m.
Miniature tree of the Mouse variety
The mouse can be grown even in a tub. This makes it very attractive for cultivation in greenhouses and conservatories. However, this hybrid grows without complications and under open sky in central Russia.
A small tree produces small (about 30 g) fruits. The color is purple with a reddish tint, the skin is smooth. Yellow-orange flesh closer to the surface acquires a pink tint.
The taste of the fruit varies depending on the climate. With a lack of heat and sun, they turn out to be more acidic. In a warm climate, the Mouse forms sweeter fruits with a slight sourness. However, the aroma of ordinary apricot remains in any version.
The advantages of the variety are:
- winter hardiness;
- the presence of a small, well-separated bone from the pulp.
It is noteworthy that, in addition to small fetuses, the Mouse has no flaws.
Lugansk black
The homeland of this apricot is not exactly established. It is often called the result of "popular selection". Some agronomists are of the opinion that the progenitor of this variety is the Armenian apricot Shlor Tsiran (Tlor Tsiran). It is believed that Lugansk black as a result natural selection"learned" to survive in conditions middle lane Russia.
Apricot variety Lugansky black at the ripening stage
The shape of the fruit is round, slightly elongated, their size is small (weight 25–30 g). The skin is black-purple, velvety, with considerable pubescence. The pulp is of a dense texture, rich red with a characteristic greenish tinge. Apricots have a pleasant sour taste and a slight aroma. Ripens at the end of July.
The advantages of the variety are frost resistance and disease resistance. However, it is not without its drawbacks, such as:
- small fruit;
- dryness of the pulp;
- exactingness to the quality of the soil - the soil should be light (sandy or sandy loam), neutral or slightly alkaline;
- poor drought resistance;
- low yield;
- large size of the bone, which is not separated from the pulp;
- low transportability;
- low keeping quality of fruits.