Information about the origin of apricot is lost in ancient times. Most researchers believe that his homeland is Southeast Asia with the main center in North China. It was later taken to Greece and spread to other parts of Europe. In terms of prevalence in the world, apricot occupies only the fifth position, after apple, plum, peach and cherry. The reasons for this are more uncertain yields, as well as short-term maturation of varieties, compared to many other types of fruits. The inconsistent yield is mainly due to frostbite of fruit buds, flowers and ovary. Unlike peach, where the main varieties ripen from late June to mid-September, apricot varieties ripen in the Russian Federation and nearby countries within a month: from late June to late July.

Ripening time and conditions for apricots

When apricots ripen, it depends primarily on the region of planting and varieties. In general, this culture loves areas with warm climates. In Russia, it is common in the southern regions: Rostov, Volgograd, Astrakhan regions, Krasnodar Territory, apricots grow in the Crimea, in the Caucasus. Uzbek, Abkhazian apricots, as well as Armenian and Azerbaijani are known from the neighboring regions in the Russian Federation.

The time it takes for the fruit to reach maturity is 40 days. This is the average time. And if in the Mediterranean countries the early varieties begin to ripen in the spring, then the ripening time of apricots in Russia begins from the last decade of June.

Where do apricots come from in Russia in May? Most likely, they are brought from countries with a warmer climate.

Harvest apricot

Fruit varieties can be grouped according to the time when apricots ripen:

  1. Early. The collection of fruits begins in the period from the 20th of June and ends on 4-6 July. The early varieties are for immediate fresh consumption or table varieties;
  2. Medium early. Also includes table varieties and partially for canning. Ripen from the first week of July to the middle of the month;
  3. Medium term. They ripen from mid-July to the 20th;
  4. Late. They ripen at the end of July.

This time frame determines when the apricot will ripen in Crimea. They can be extended to the southern regions of Russia, where climatic conditions are not significantly different. In Central Asian countries, fruits become ripe about a month earlier.

Important! In the Caucasian and Central Asian mountainous territories, the timing of fruit collection depends on the height of the apricot trees. First, fruits ripen in the orchards at the foot of the mountains, and after a month - in the regions above.

The timing of when apricots of different varieties will exactly ripen are determined:

  • method of fertilization;
  • type of soil;
  • weather conditions;
  • geographic location;
  • irrigation system.

They also depend on the individual characteristics of the tree:

  • age;
  • the presence of diseases;
  • growth forces;
  • yield.

Important! Frosts during the flowering period have a particular effect on the yield of the apricot tree.

Terms of ripening of apricots on the territory of the Russian Federation

The apricot season in Russia starts at the end of June, continues throughout July, and some varieties are harvested even in August.After the breeding of frost-resistant varieties, they began to be grown also in the more northern regions located in the middle zone of the Russian Federation.

In Moscow

Apricots on the tree

When the peaches ripen

It became possible to get harvests of apricots in Moscow from about the 60s of the last century. Breeders have developed varieties that can withstand spring frosts. But they are planted mainly in the southern regions of the Moscow region. This southern fruit becomes ripe here a little later. Early fruits are received in the last decade of July, and late ones ripen only by the end of August. The main difficulty in the cultivation of fruits in this region is the often returning spring frosts. After all, the apricot begins to bloom very early, even before the leaves appear on the tree, in the south - already in March.

Important! Thaws are especially dangerous when the biochemical processes of a woody organism are triggered, and subsequent drops in temperature damage the fruit buds.

Where do the early apricots come from to Moscow? First of all, from Uzbekistan and Transcaucasia, then comes the turn of the southern Russian regions.

In Volgograd

The Volgograd region belongs to favorable areas for growing sweet fruit, but weather conditions are the reason that the yield can vary greatly from year to year. When the early apricots ripen in Volgograd, it can be determined in accordance with the general timing of fruit ripening in southern Russia. The same applies to other varieties. The average fruiting period is from late June to late July.

In the Krasnodar Territory

Krasnodar Territory is one of the most "apricot" places in Russia. The climate there is exceptionally suitable for these fruits. They are grown on an industrial scale, and it is difficult to find an owner of a backyard or dacha who does not grow an apricot tree. There are also many wild trees that grow and bear fruit in forest plantations and on the streets of small towns and villages. The fruits growing on them do not differ in high taste, but they are quite edible.

Apricots are very productive

The ripening time for apricots in the Krasnodar Territory is also standard for the south of the Russian Federation. Already at the end of June, you can enjoy the early sweet fruits, and at the end of July it is the turn of the late ones.

In the Rostov region

The Rostov region, along with Krasnodar, is the main region for the cultivation of apricots. But, despite the warm climate, spring frosts still sometimes occur, which affects the amount of fruits obtained. Rostov apricot will ripen at the same time as Krasnodar.

In other regions

Apricots ripen well in Astrakhan and Stavropol Territory, as well as in the North Caucasian republics neighboring Rostov and Krasnodar. The period of reaching ripeness is identical.

These fruits are also grown a little to the north: in the region of Saratov, Voronezh and the Belgorod region. But a harsher climate contributes to a shift in the maturation period to later ones. Here, the cultivation of these fruits is associated with risks, and varieties are used specially adapted to the local climate. The most common varieties in the middle lane ripen closer to mid-July, the late ones - in mid-August.

Interesting. The distribution of apricots in the Russian Federation is not limited to these regions. It is grown in Primorye, Khakassia, Orenburg region. In some years, with favorable weather and proper care, they also get good harvests. The varieties developed can be promoted to other parts of the country located north of normal fruit cultivation.

When apricots ripen abroad

When strawberries ripen

The countries from which the fragrant fruits are supplied are mainly the post-Soviet states of Central Asia and the Caucasus.

In Abkhazia

The subtropical climate of Abkhazia is very suitable for apricots, as well as for many other southern fruits, including citrus fruits. Apricots can reach ripeness here a little earlier than in the Krasnodar Territory, but only slightly.July is considered the "apricot" month for Abkhazia, and they begin to ripen from mid-June.

Apricot tree

In Armenia

This country of Transcaucasia is sometimes called the homeland of apricot. Some researchers consider it, and not China, as the territory of origin of fruits. The guests of the republic are immediately told what the word “apricot” is in Armenian. It sounds like "tsiran". And in Latin, the fruit is called the Armenian plum. The yellow color on the flag of Armenia is dedicated to apricot, and holidays are held in its honor. Together with the European ones, Central Asian and special Armenian varieties are grown here, which are distinguished by excellent taste.

Interesting. The national musical instrument of Armenia, called the duduk, is made from the apricot tree. It is from this wood that Armenian pipes with a unique sound are obtained.

The apricot season begins in Armenia in mid-June and lasts almost until the end of July.

In Azerbaijan

Almost identical varieties of fruits are cultivated in Azerbaijan, neighboring Armenia, the climatic conditions of the two countries are very similar. From this we can conclude when Azerbaijani apricots ripen, in the same period as Armenian ones. Compared to southern Russian regions, fruits ripen here about 2 weeks earlier.

Features of storing apricots

When to prune irises

Apricot is an extremely delicate fruit with delicate flesh. It is very difficult to preserve ripe fruit for a long time due to the rapid loss of moisture and a tendency to disease. The delicate structure makes it difficult to transport. However, if certain conditions are met, it is possible to extend the freshness of its shelf life.

Apricot jam

  1. If it is necessary to transport the fruits and keep them intact for an extended period, then hard, slightly unripe fruits with a whole surface, without spots and traces of damage are selected;
  2. In order for the fruits to ripen, they must be stored outside the refrigerator, at a temperature of about 15 ° C, in a room with good light and air circulation, but protection from direct sunlight is required;

Important! Green fruits should not be removed from the branches; only three to five days should remain until the fruit reaches full ripeness.

  1. Ripe fruits are kept in wooden boxes. They should not fit snugly against each other. It is good to use boxes with separate cells. If they are not there, then each fruit is wrapped in parchment paper;
  2. It is not allowed to use plastic bags for storage in the refrigerator. The best capacity is plastic containers, fruit trays;
  3. The ideal taste of fresh fruit lasts about 3 weeks. Late varieties have longer;
  4. When storing apricots, it is necessary to ensure the temperature does not exceed + 5 ° С, the air humidity is from 90 to 95%. The microclimate of the cellars has such conditions. The period for which the fruits can be stored there is about 1 month;
  5. Fruits that have reached ripeness are processed for longer storage. They can be dried, frozen and canned.

Apricots are not only delicious but also extremely healthy. It is better to enjoy their taste during the period of natural ripening, the boundaries of which shift somewhat in different climatic zones. You can save and transport the crop if you properly preserve the fruit, and for a long-term bookmark it is necessary to use freezing, drying or conservation.