Peach Zolotaya Moskva

Персик Золотая Москва (Рrunus persica Zolotaya Moskva) – a high-yielding and early-fruiting late-ripening peach variety. Obtained at the Nikitsky Botanical Garden by crossing the varieties «Elberta» and «Salvey». Begins bearing in the 2nd year after planting.

Represents a medium-vigour tree with a rounded crown. The variety is self-fertile. Flowering is late; the flowers are of the horned type. Yield is high (50-55 kg per tree), regular.

Fruits are large, weighing 150-180 g, very decorative, round or broadly ovoid in shape. Skin has medium velvety pubescence, medium thickness and firmness, peels easily from the fruit, bright yellow with a carmine diffuse blush covering up to 50-75% of the fruit surface. Flesh is golden-yellow, with a raspberry tint around the stone, juicy, fibrous yet firm in texture with a pleasant aroma, harmonious and rich flavor (taste rating - 4.6 points). The stone separates well from the flesh. Ripens in early August.

Hardiness zone: 5-8 (-23°С)

Location: requires sunny and wind-protected sites. Moderate watering is recommended during fruit set. Prefers loamy or sandy-loam soils. Drought tolerance is low; heat tolerance is below average.

Planting and care: planting is recommended in spring, but can also be done in autumn (in which case mulching of the tree circle and heaping up to a height of 20-30 cm is necessary). The planting pit should be at least 0.7x0.7 m, with a spacing of 4x4 m. Mix 10 kg of well-rotted manure and 150 g of superphosphate with soil and backfill the seedling with the roots spread out. The tree circle must be compacted to the edges, watered well (4-5 buckets) and mulched with a layer of compost 8-10 cm high.

Pruning: requires moderate watering and formative pruning. For improved yield, the improved bowl-shaped pruning method is used. After planting the seedling, remove all lateral branches. Leave 3-4 scaffold branches spaced 10-20 cm apart. The leader should be cut at the base of the upper lateral branch. In the second year, shorten first-order branches if they are longer than 50 cm or if they change their growth direction. In the following years, pruning should be aimed at fruiting. Rejuvenation pruning is carried out from bud swelling to the start of flowering. If frost damage occurs, pruning is done after the appearance of suckers on trunks and branches. The variety requires yield regulation.

Diseases and pests: susceptible to leaf curl, but resistant to powdery mildew.

Uses: the variety is suitable for both private and commercial cultivation. Resistant to frost and cold.