Apricot - plum (Prunus cerasifera x Armeniaca vulgaris) MELITOPOLSKIJ CERNYJ

Apricot-plum 'Melitopolskiy Chernyy' (Prunus cerasifera x Armeniaca vulgaris) is a unique interspecific hybrid between Siberian plum and apricot, bred at the Research Institute of Irrigated Fruit Growing in Melitopol, Ukraine. This variety stands out for its high hardiness, disease resistance and ease of cultivation, making it ideal for organic gardens.

The tree reaches a medium height of 3-4 metres and has a compact spherical crown that is easy to shape. It flowers in late spring, minimising the risk of late frost damage to the flowers. The variety is self-pollinating, which means that it does not require the presence of other varieties for pollination, although planting close to other trees may increase the yield.

The fruits of this variety are oval, large, weighing 40-50 grams. The skin is dark burgundy to black, with a velvety surface, while the flesh is reddish-yellow to red, juicy and honey-sweet with a mild acidity. The fruit ripens in mid-July and is suitable for direct consumption, but also for processing - for example, for jams, compotes or drying. The stone is partially separable from the flesh, which makes it easier to handle during processing.

Myrobalan rootstock (Prunus cerasifera) increases the tree's vigour, ensures its adaptability to different soil conditions and improves its hardiness. The tree prefers sunny sites and well-drained, moderately heavy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. In dry periods, irrigation should be provided in order to achieve optimum fruit quality.

Melitopolskiy Chernyy' is an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a reliable and tasty variety due to its high hardiness, quality fruit and wide range of uses. This variety is easy to grow and suitable for areas with colder climates.