Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) KRASNOŠČOKIJ

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Krasnoščokij'

A proven Ukrainian classic with high productivity and a traditional taste.

'Krasnoshchekiy' (which translates to "Red-Cheeked") is an old, very widespread, and time-tested Ukrainian variety, prized for its high and regular productivity, good frost hardiness, and adaptability to various conditions. The fruits are medium to large, golden-orange with a beautiful red blush. The flesh is light orange, sweet-tart, with a typical and unmistakable apricot aroma. The variety is self-fertile, which guarantees a harvest even without other apricot trees nearby. Its characteristics make it an ideal variety for home processing.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High and regular productivity: Delivers an abundant harvest every year.
• Self-fertile: Reliably produces fruit even when planted alone.
• Good frost hardiness and drought resistance.
• Typical apricot taste and aroma: A classic flavor, ideal for jams and compotes.
• Freestone with a sweet kernel.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Ukraine, Crimea
• Institution: Nikitsky Botanical Garden
• Year of registration: 1947

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is strong, reaching a height of up to 4 meters, with a round, spreading, and sparse crown. It comes into bearing in the 3rd–4th year after planting. It is self-fertile, but the presence of a pollinator can further increase the yield.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Medium to large, with an average weight of 40–60 grams.
• Shape: Round-oblate, ovate.
• Skin: Velvety, thin but firm, golden-orange in color with a beautiful red blush.
• Flesh: Light orange, medium-firm.
• Taste: Sweet-tart, with a characteristic apricot aroma.
• Stone: Large, separates well from the flesh. The kernel inside is sweet.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: Good, withstands frosts down to -30 °C.
• Disease resistance: Low to medium. It is susceptible to moniliosis (brown rot), especially in high humidity, and requires regular protection.
• Drought resistance: Good.

Growing Recommendations

• Use: Universal – for fresh consumption, for making compotes, dried fruit, jams, and juices.
• Note: With insufficient care and in dry conditions, the fruits may be smaller.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early, in the middle of July.
• Harvest characteristics: The fruits drop heavily after ripening and require timely harvesting.
• Storability and transportability: Poor; storability is approximately 6–8 days.