Apricot Lel

Seedling of 2-3 generations from self-pollination. Selected in 1986 by A.K. Skvortsov and L.A. Kramarenko. Originating institution — Main Botanical Garden. Included in the State Register in 2004 for the Central Region.

Medium-sized tree up to 3 m tall, with a compact crown. One-year-old shoots are weakly branched. Characterized by moderate, restrained growth. In autumn, leaves turn various shades of red. Flowers are medium-sized, 3 cm in diameter.

Fruits weighing about 20 g, round, slightly flattened on the sides, orange-colored skin without blush, almost hairless, fruits are beautiful and very shiny. Flesh is firm, tender, orange. The fruits of the Lel variety are the most delicious, with a harmonious balance of acidity and sugar, receiving a tasting score of 5 points. Chemical composition: dry matter 16.8%, sugars 8.6%, titratable acids 2.8%. Potassium content 417 mg/100g. Stone separates easily. The stone, like in Aleshi, is quite large (on average 10-12%), which is the only drawback of this variety.

Fruit ripening is early, but slightly later than Aleshi and Iceberg. Yield is mostly medium, occasionally high, but never excessive. Reliability, stability, and moderation are characteristic of this variety.

Fruits of this variety are suitable for fresh consumption, and jams and compotes made from them are of high quality. Storage quality of the variety is good.

Winter hardiness and frost resistance are good. Fruit production on all types of shoots. Grafted plants enter fruiting on the 3-4th year after grafting.