General is a late-ripening apricot variety developed by the Artemivsk Experimental Nursery Station. It is a vigorous tree forming a broad-pyramidal crown that becomes nearly round with age, allowing effective space utilization in planting. The variety is highly cold-resistant, drought-tolerant (above average), and resistant to moniliosis, making it suitable for cultivation in Steppe and Forest-Steppe zones. Due to its moderate crown density, trees can be planted on vigorous rootstocks with a spacing of 2-2.5 meters.
The fruits of the General variety are large, weighing 45–61 grams, sometimes reaching 80 grams. They have an oval or elongated shape with an asymmetrical structure and a dark red, burgundy, or blue-black skin color when fully ripe. The flesh is dense, moderately juicy, orange in color, with a characteristic high-quality tart-sweet flavor (4.0–4.25 points). The stones do not separate from the fruit, and their solitary arrangement on the tree reduces the risk of rot and helps maintain fruit quality.
The General variety is characterized by early fruiting and stable high yields, reaching 25–30 tons per hectare or up to 20 kg per tree in young and productive ages. The fruits are of universal use, suitable for both commercial cultivation and home gardens. Due to their flavor quality, resistance to adverse conditions, and attractive appearance, the variety is popular among gardeners.
