Apricot is one of the most common crops, which is among the centenarians. With proper and regular care, the tree will quickly grow and develop, giving a rich harvest. To do this, it is necessary to plant a seedling in the spring in a permanent place, taking into account the needs and characteristics of the culture.
Advantages and disadvantages of spring planting apricot
Novice gardeners do not know what period to choose for planting an apricot. To make the right decision, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the pros and cons of spring planting of seedlings.
The main advantages of planting apricot in the spring are:
- Early planting allows the tree to build up a powerful root system and strengthen, it is much easier to move the winter.
- There is the possibility of timely control of pests and drought, the immunity of the tree with the help of fertilizers is increased.
- Before the start of winter, the landing pit will have time to settle, which prevents the deepening of the root neck of the seedling.
The only disadvantage of planting apricot in spring is considered to be the early vegetation of the plant, because it is not always possible to carry out the procedure before the start of frosts.
Optimal landing times
The most ideal time for planting apricot trees is spring, before the sap flow begins and the buds open. The optimal period is the second half-end of April. It is advisable to choose a time when spring rains begin. In this case, the survival rate of the seedling is 100%.
It is not recommended to plant a tree if the leaves have time to bloom. In this case, the seedling will either die quickly, or will be sick for a long time and will require a long recovery period.
Planting Material Requirements
For apricot, light, sandy, or loamy soil is ideally suited, in which there is a sufficient amount of minerals and chernozem. Slightly acidic or neutral soil acidity. In sandy, peat or clay soil, growth retardation begins. When choosing clay soil, fertilizers should be additionally used (0.10-0.12 kg per 1 sq. M).
The most suitable place to land
Apricot has a large crown, the plant also loves light, so you should opt for a sunny and open area. It is important that there are no drafts, otherwise the growth of the seedling slows down.
If there is groundwater, the optimum allowable depth is 0.5-3 m. In this case, the probability of the root system drying out is excluded, and the soil will not erode either.
It is impossible to suppose even the slightest shading of the apricot, since the fruits will be small in size and with a minimum sugar content.
Unwanted places and proximity to other cultures
Do not plant cherry, walnut, cherry, currant, pear, apple and raspberry near the apricot tree. If you neglect this advice, there is a risk of developing the apricot root system in different directions, which will not affect its condition in the best way.
At what distance do you plant trees?
The optimal distance between the seedling and other crops is 3-4 m. It is worth sticking to this interval when planting several apricots in the same row. You can not reduce the distance, because during growth, a spreading crown develops in the trees, which can get confused and interfere with another culture.
The composition and condition of the soil
The main feature of the soil for planting apricot seedlings is that it must have low or neutral acidity. Black earth is ideal, but clay should not be present.
To improve the development and growth of the fruit tree, add sand and peat to the ground. Thanks to this, the root system is much better strengthened and quickly reaches the main soil layer.
Landing pit preparation
First of all, you need to properly prepare the pit for planting a seedling. Thoroughly clean the ground of weeds and roots, dig well and level the soil. Prepare the soil a few weeks before planting trees or in the fall.
The depth of the landing pit should be at least 75 cm, width - 60 cm. Without fail, place drainage at the bottom to prevent root decay. To strengthen the seedling and help it easier to take root in a new place, drive a wooden stake near the pit, about 60 cm long, which will become an additional support.
Do not forget about top dressing the soil - with a fertile layer mix 2 buckets of rotted manure. You can also add mineral fertilizers. If the pit is being prepared in the fall, use phosphorus and potassium; during spring planting, inject nitrogen. Sour soil must be neutralized with dolomite flour (1 bucket per 1 sq. M) or lime.
Step-by-step landing technology
First of all, it is necessary to properly prepare the seedling before planting, because how well it will take root in a new place depends on this. You need to choose an apricot tree very carefully, stopping the selection on the specimen without visible damage to the bark and root system.
The rules for planting an apricot seedling are very simple, it is enough to adhere to the following actions:
- Pre-soak the roots in plain water, as they should be well saturated with moisture. Perform this procedure better the day before the planned landing.
- Lubricate the root system with a special mixture, which is easy to do on your own - combine manure, water and clay. Then leave the seedling for a while until the roots dry.
- Prepare a landing hole, be sure to pour a layer of drainage on the bottom and pour a little water. If drainage is not used, there is a risk that the roots of the tree will rot.
- Place the prepared seedling exactly in the center of the planting pit. Follow all steps carefully so as not to accidentally damage the root system.
- Sprinkle the pit with earth and slightly compact the soil. It is better to take an assistant who will hold the tree so that it stands level and does not lean.
- Hammer a support peg next to it, but not too close to the seedling so as not to damage the roots. Tie a tree to a peg.
- After planting, seedlings must be watered.
- Fertilize the soil around the apricot tree with humus or peat.
Strict adherence to each stage allows accelerating the process of rooting a seedling and getting used to a new place of growth.
The gardener provided a video with a step-by-step planting of an apricot seedling:
Landing rules in different regions
Depending on the region in which the apricot will grow, there are some differences in planting technology. When planting in the suburbs and the middle lane, it is better to opt for apricot varieties that easily tolerate thaws and minor frosts.
You can plant trees only in spring, until the buds have blossomed. An ideal choice would be a well-lit and windproof area. At the bottom of the landing pit, small gravel or broken brick is laid out, which acts as a drainage. During growth, the root system will diverge to the sides and is protected from getting wet in groundwater.
In the North, southern apricot varieties do not take root. But breeders have developed unique varieties that can withstand even severe frosts. For this, heat-loving varieties and northern wild plants were crossed. New species do not have the same taste as the southern ones, but they are completely inferior in nutritional values.
Depending on the region, apricot planting dates will also be determined, which will help to avoid various negative consequences:
- In the Volga region, plant seedlings in late March or early April. Better choose northern apricot varieties (read about apricot varieties here).
- In the Moscow region and the conditions of the Middle Strip, transplant an apricot tree to a permanent place not earlier than the end of April. Be sure to consider the weather conditions.
- In the Urals and Siberia, it is better to plant northern varieties, but not earlier than at the end of April. If frost returns, cover the tree with non-woven fabric.
Further care after planting
After planting an apricot tree, in order to accelerate its growth and facilitate getting used to a new place, proper and regular care is required. Do not forget about watering and additional top dressing, which will strengthen the root system. Timely pruning and processing from pests will help to get a crop in 2-3 years after planting a seedling.
Watering
During the first year after planting, the apricot tree needs regular watering. In moist soil, the formation of seedling roots begins. If the spring turned out to be arid, water the tree before flowering and a month after its completion. Regular watering is also necessary 10-14 days before the formation of the fruits, so that they become more juicy, fragrant and have a large size.
Apricot does not like sudden changes in growing conditions. Therefore, if the tree was not watered in the spring, after the seeds have hardened, the fruit should not be watered. Otherwise, the apricot may just throw off the ovary.
For 1 square. m of food requires about 50 liters of water. In the case of dry summers, water the seedlings much more. The seedling needs abundant watering after the foliage turns yellow. In autumn, water consumption increases to 90 liters per 1 sq. Km. m of food.
Abundant and proper watering will help the apricot tree to easily tolerate even severe frosts.
Top dressing
For an apricot tree, peat and mineral mixtures, which must be introduced in the spring, are an ideal option for top dressing. After the tree reaches the age of five, you can apply organic fertilizers.
It is better to adhere to the following fertilizer application:
- every year, top-dress in spring and autumn with a special complex of mineral fertilizers;
- 2 years after planting a tree, for feeding, add 50 g of ammonium nitrate, 110 g of superphosphate and 40 g of potassium chloride.
4 years after planting a tree, the volume of fertilizers increases - 60 g of potassium chloride, 200 g of superphosphate, 110 g of ammonium nitrate. An excellent option for feeding will be organic types of fertilizers.
Pruning
Every spring it is necessary to engage in the formation of the crown of a fruit tree, for this, remove all unnecessary branches. This procedure allows the crown to warm up much better, get enough sunlight, and the amount of yield increases. Remove weakened and infected branches, as well as shoots that grow up.
The annual apricot shoots are fruiting, with the most fruits appearing on the shoots of the continuation. That is why in the spring these branches need to be cut only half the length. New buds will appear on the remainder of the branch.
Carry out summer pruning after harvest. This allows you to rejuvenate the crown. Mature trees do not require much pruning, as they tolerate this procedure quite poorly. How and when to prune apricots can be found in this article.
Features of landing bone
On their own at home, you can grow apricot seedlings from the seed. It is better to use separate containers for each seed, since the apricot has a core root system. The pot should be deep enough - for example, a 0.5 liter plastic cup will do.
You need to germinate the seeds in advance - place the seeds on a damp cloth or gauze and wrap them. As soon as the first root appears, the landing can begin.
The technology for growing apricot from the seed is as follows:
- At the bottom of the glass, make several holes through which excess water will be removed.
- Better use a universal peat-based primer designed for seedlings.
- Pour a layer of drainage onto the bottom of the glasses or pots.
- Pour out the soil mixture, not reaching the edge of the cup 1-2 cm, slightly compact the soil.
- Place previously sprouted apricot kernels on the surface of the earth - 1 seed is taken per glass.
- Place the bones with the spine down, but do not deepen them, otherwise this will lead to decay of the root neck. You can sprinkle the root lightly on top of the ground.
- Pour a little water and cover the glass with a film so that moisture does not evaporate.
- Be sure to place the pot in a warm place.
- Inspect plantings periodically, remove film and ventilate.
- After the emergence of sprouts, place the cups on a warm and sunny windowsill.
- The ideal temperature for apricot growth is + 25 ° C.
- As the soil dries, water it.
Read more about growing apricot pits here.
Spring planting (adult tree)
Plant an adult tree in the spring, before the buds open - in April or early May. Apricot reacts negatively to transplants, therefore it is better to carry out this procedure until the kidneys wake up.
To transplant an adult tree, you need to adhere to the following sequence of actions:
- Dig a hole about 60 cm deep.
- Place drainage at the bottom of the pit so that the roots do not stagnate in the water.
- Add soil mixed with fertilizer - 2 kg of humus and wood ash, 1 kg of lime, 200 g of ammonium nitrate, 500 g of superphosphate.
- Be sure to mix fertilizers with the soil, so that the roots of the tree are protected from burns.
- Place the apricot in a pit and fill it with earth, slightly compact the soil from above.
- Be sure to water the plant after planting.
First wintering
The root system tolerates winter cold well enough, but the young plant in the first year after planting needs additional protection against sudden changes in temperature. For the first winter, build a small hut that protects against wind and severe frost.
You can make such a hut yourself:
- take plastic wrap and wooden pegs;
- insert three pegs into the ground, fasten;
- pull the film on top, which sprinkle with earth from the bottom;
- In spring, this structure is easy to disassemble.
If a tree transplant was performed, several years old, you can wrap the trunk in a burlap layer for the winter. During the winter, periodically snow up the hills.
Winter seedling storage
To save apricot seedlings until spring, you can use several wintering methods:
- In the cellar or garage, seedlings can be stored at temperatures from 0 to +10 ºC. Be sure to moisten the roots and place in a container pre-filled with wood sawdust, peat or sand. About once a week, carry out additional humidification of the container.
- Snow-making helps preserve seedlings until spring and prevent their death. First, keep the seedlings in water for about 5 hours and remove all leaves. In the garden, select the most snowy area, where the sun practically does not fall. Prepare a hole in which to pour some snow.
Place seedlings in a burlap (you can use agrofibre) and put in a hole. Pour a layer of snow about 20 cm thick on top, then place sawdust of the same thickness. In this way, seedlings can be stored until spring, until the time of planting. - Dig in the ground in the inclined position of the seedlings, the top of which should face south. In the direction from west to east, dig a not too deep ditch (there should be a vertical north wall).Remove all the leaves from the seedlings, then treat with liquid clay and sprinkle with earth.
Place apricot trees in a ditch a short distance from each other. Approximately 20 cm above the root neck, seedlings are covered with earth, and then lightly compact the soil with a shovel. You can place a second row of seedlings on top. With the first frosts, sprinkle the earth with sawdust or dry soil, forming a mound.
Unconventional methods of planting apricot
Depending on the climate, soil, and other factors, various planting methods can be selected:
- On the sand. That sand has excellent breathability, lightweight and well suited for growing apricot. When planting apricot with this method, place a clay layer about 10 cm high on the bottom of the pit.
Thanks to this technique, water will not quickly leave the soil and leach out beneficial substances. After placing the seedlings in the pit, pour the soil mixture (2 parts of compost, 2 parts of sod land and 1 part of sand). When apricot grows on sandy soils, the tree needs more frequent watering and regular fertilizer.
- By the method of Zhelezov. You need to plant the plant as early as possible, after the completion of frost, so that the apricot has time to grow before the start of winter. Before planting, place the seedling overnight in cold melt or rain water and leave it in a dark room.
In the garden, form a seat - a gentle mound with a height of 20-60 cm and a diameter of about 2 m. The mound allows you to quickly warm up the soil and protect the trunk and root neck from decay. Place the seedling in the center of the pit, spread the roots. No additional fertilizer required.
Trim the seedling almost half the crown. Cover the roots with earth, place fertilizers on top. Cover the seedling with a plastic bottle with a cut bottom and leave for 1 month. - Planting two seedlings in one pit. Apricot can be planted with nests of several plants in one pit. For two seedlings, form a planting pit with a diameter of at least 100 cm. When planting, there should be a distance of about 30 cm between the seedlings. Then plant the trees in the same way as in the usual method. It is recommended to carry out nesting on hills, which is necessary for good ventilation and to prevent the trunk from aging.
- Apricot inoculation. Vaccination can be done no earlier than the tree reaches 2 years of age. Cut the trunk of the seedling at a level of about 8 cm from the ground and combine with the handle. For this purpose, use only young trees whose trunk thickness is at least 10 cm.
In the spring, you can vaccinate adult plants by implanting a cuttings branch in the sinus. This method allows you to simultaneously grow several varieties of apricots on the same tree, and the plant begins to bear fruit much earlier. The optimal time for vaccination is the period from April to May.
What mistakes do beginners make?
Neglecting the rules for planting an apricot tree can lead to its complete death. Most often, not experienced gardeners make the following mistakes:
- A sapling with diseased roots is planted, due to which its death soon occurs.
- The place for the apricot tree was not chosen correctly.
- There is no drainage layer in the landing pit, which negatively affects the development of the root system.
- Not enough water was used during planting.
- Frequent transplantation of a seedling from one place to another leads to the death of the plant.
Planting apricot in the spring is the best solution, because this is the most favorable time for this procedure. Following simple crop care rules allows you to enjoy delicious and juicy fruits from your own garden for many years.