A fruit such as apricot is popular not only in the southern regions, but in the east and north. Problematic regions for apricot are not an obstacle for gardeners who want to grow a fragrant and sweet crop on their site. The activities of many scientists are directly related to the development of unique varieties of apricot, which are suitable for cultivation in cold climatic zones.

They began to select this culture in the first half of the 30s, and the city of Chelyabinsk became the place of experiments. Scientific breeders and their tireless work have achieved results. This is how another winter-hardy representative of a culture beloved by many appeared - apricot Kichiginsky.

General information about culture

The place where the apricot Kichiginsky variety was created was the South Ural Scientific Research Institute, specializing in potato and vegetable growing. In 1978, scientists conducted an experiment in which they crossed the Siberian and Manchu apricots by free pollination. A successful test was the birth of a new variety Kichiginsky.

Thanks to the hard work of breeders K. K. Mullayanova and A. E. Pankratov, the culture was added to the State Register, which lists all the breeding achievements of the Russian Federation in the Ural region in the second half of the 90s.

Apricot Kichiginsky

Description of the variety apricot Kichiginsky

Apricot Manchurian

Apricot Kichiginsky belongs to the group of varieties with medium ripening periods. The ripe crop can be harvested already with the onset of August. The fruits are distinguished by their transportability and density. As for the height of the tree, it ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 meters. The branches do not tend to thicken, and the crown of the tree is easily formed thanks to the straight shoots.

Five years after the Kichiginsky apricot seedlings were planted in the ground, they are actively beginning to bear fruit. At the same time, the flowering of the tree begins in early May. This variety has a moderate yield, which allows you to collect about 15 kg of fruits from one tree. If all the rules of agricultural technology were followed during cultivation, there can be much more apricots.

Five years after the Kichiginsky apricot seedlings were planted in the ground, they are actively beginning to bear fruit.

Apricot fruits Kichiginsky differ in the following characteristics:

  • rounded and aligned shape;
  • rich yellow tint;
  • the average weight of one fruit is about 15 g;
  • a small bone separates well from the pulp (this is a big plus if the fruits will be processed in the future).

The glucose content is 6% and the organic acid content is 3%. Thanks to this, apricots have a sweet and sour taste. Expert assessment of taste on a five-point scale - 4.5 points.

The pulp has a juicy and soft texture, as well as a thin skin that is not bitter at all. The fruits are popular due to their versatile properties: they are used both for preparing dishes and preparations, and are used fresh. In the winter season, you can delight your household with delicious apricot jam.

Apricot variety Kichiginsky is self-fertile, which means that the absence of pollinating trees will lead to the fertilization of a minimum part of the buds (about 4%). Excellent pollinators for this variety: early species Pikantny and Chelyabinsk.

The main feature of this culture is the properties of the best pollinator, which are used in the selection process of the Ural self-fertile varieties. Kichiginsky apricot acts as a pollinator for such varieties:

  • Chelyabinsk early;
  • Delight;
  • Golden nectar;
  • Honey;
  • Gold bone;
  • Lights of Chelyabinsk and Royal.

If any of the above varieties have full or partial self-fertility, you can also plant them near Kichiginsky. This factor will maximize the yield of crops.

Among the advantages of this variety of apricots, high frost resistance stands out. Freezing of buds and wood during a harsh winter is extremely rare. Thanks to these characteristics, this variety can be grown with ease even in regions with an unsuitable climate.

Important! Climatic conditions in Siberia and the Ural region sometimes lead to the fact that the root collar of the tree is undercut. Melting snow in large quantities in spring entails the formation of water, which can periodically freeze and thaw. Because of this natural phenomenon, the cambial layer of the trunk dies.

Planting and leaving

Growing a fruit is not difficult, but it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with some of the features regarding the planting region. Siberian and Ural climatic conditions are low temperatures in winter, as well as spring frosts and thaws. In the southern regions, the Kichiginsky variety is not so common due to the fact that there are much more suitable varieties for growing in warm climates.

Apricot seedlings Kichiginsky

Apricot Academician

For planting crops, it is necessary to choose open sunny areas that are protected from wind currents. In order to reduce the risk of decay of the root collar, during the planting process, you need to ensure that snow does not accumulate in the preliminary planting site. It is advisable to plant the apricot on a mound, but even this technique will not be an obstacle for a very snowy winter. If the process of selecting a seat is difficult, then with the help of preventive measures, rotting can be prevented.

Attention! After the first snowfall, it is necessary to clear the bole from snow. This will allow the soil surrounding the root collar to freeze as much as possible.

With the end of winter (before the snow begins to melt), it is recommended to free the ground from the snow cover in the center of the trunk circle. In this case, it is imperative to maintain a distance of up to 1.5 meters from the trunk. After that, you need to dig a groove in order to drain the melt water.

Experienced gardeners are advised to follow the recommended planting scheme for the Kichiginsky variety. If the soil is very heavy, drainage should be placed in the planting hole at its bottom in order to regulate the humidity. Given the fact how difficult the climatic conditions are, during the first 4 years after planting, seedlings must be provided with maximum protection so that young trees do not freeze out.

For protective purposes, it will be appropriate to make a frame that is covered with spunbond or garden film. The most common and proven method is wrapping, which uses burlap or any other material that will allow oxygen to pass through the tree.

Planting a seedling in the soil

The Kichiginsky apricot is distinguished by its height, so its crown is formed by a sparse-tiered method. The foliage of the tree is quite sparse, so regulatory pruning can be omitted. In the fall, mandatory sanitary pruning is carried out to prevent diseases and pests.

Due to the fact that the tree will not have enough moisture, it will not die. This is because apricot is resistant to dry weather. But in order not to harm the crop, the tree is watered at least 4 times per season. The crop will need abundant watering after it stops blooming, and the fruits enter the phase of intensive growth.

If in the process of planting the planting pit was fertilized with organic matter, then the next time it will need to be applied only after 4 years, and complex mineral fertilizer must be resorted to every year.

Important! With the help of nitrogen fertilizers, the active growth of seedlings is achieved, and their ripening also slows down, which negatively affects the resistance to decay and winter hardiness.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Apricot Rattle

Apricot Kichiginsky has both positive and negative qualities in relation to other varieties.

The benefits of culture include:

  • frost resistance;
  • resistance to diseases such as moniliosis and clasterosporiosis;
  • early maturity of fruits;
  • high yield rates.

If we consider the disadvantages of this variety, then among them is a decrease in yield in the presence of spring floods. The crop yield directly depends on the climatic conditions in the growing region, and overripe fruits sometimes lead to the fact that they fall off the branches.

In general, apricot Kichiginsky can act as a wonderful addition to the collection of fruit trees in any garden. It will delight everyone with its aromatic and tasty fruits, and its high frost resistance will allow you to feast on fresh apricots even in an unfortunate season, in adverse weather.