Strawberry variety Flavia: sweet early beauty

Description of the gooseberry variety Ural thornless

The gooseberry bush of the Ural thornless variety is vigorous, characterized by slight spreading and density. It can be grown in almost all climatic zones of Russia, including the regions of Siberia. The branches are directed vertically, but the side shoots can grow with a slight slope. The bark is yellow-gray in color. Annual branches are powerful, green, not pubescent. The buds are colored light brown. Thorns are absent or present, but in small quantities.

The leaves of the Ural thornless variety are three-lobed, the middle lobe is strongly pronounced. They have a glossy surface and dark green color. The leaf blade is concave, wrinkled in structure, with light veins. The petiole is about 2 cm in size, slightly pubescent.

The Ural thornless variety blooms in the second half of April or early May. The buds are painted bright crimson. The flowers are pink, but fade over time.

The Ural thornless gooseberry is a large-fruited variety - the berries weigh 8–9 g. They are oval in shape, bright green in color with a matte surface without pubescence. The fruits come off the branches easily. The skin is thick with a sour taste, the flesh inside is sweet and juicy. The veins are lighter than the color of the berry and are therefore clearly visible. The peduncle is green.

The best varieties for the Moscow region and central Russia

"Grushenka"

Medium sized plant with drooping branches. The bushes have practically no thorns. The fruits are pear-shaped, small in size, weighing about 4.9 grams per unit, the color of the skin varies depending on the degree of ripeness. Initially, the berries are pale reddish in color, but when ripe they are purple. The variety is recommended to be planted in the regions of central Russia, since “Grushenka” tolerates frost and hot, dry summers well. The variety does not suffer from diseases and viruses.

"Russian Yellow"

The plant is of yellow varieties and has medium spreading branches.
The bushes are covered with a large number of thorns. The berries are pear-shaped, yellowish in color, weight per unit is 6 grams. The fruits are covered with a layer of waxy coating. “Russian Yellow” is resistant to frost and does not suffer from drought, and is immune to viruses and diseases.

"Amber"

The height of the plant bushes is about 1.55 m. The branches are spreading, densely located and covered with thorns.
The berries are oblong, yellowish-orange in color, pleasant to the taste, the weight of one unit is from 5 to 6 grams.

“Amber” has an early ripening period and produces a consistently good harvest. The variety is resistant to frost and drought.

"Kolobok"

The lower part of the branches of the bush is covered with thorns. The plant is compact and medium in size. The berries are large, one weighs approximately 6.9 grams. The shape of the fruit is elongated, the skin color is light red. The pulp tastes sweet and sour. “Kolobok” tolerates frost and low temperatures. Has immunity against the following diseases: anthracnose and powdery mildew.

Characteristics of the variety

The description of the Ural thornless gooseberry variety contains mainly positive characteristics. It is endowed with properties that help withstand harsh climatic conditions and various diseases. There is no inconvenience during harvesting.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

According to the description of the variety, the Ural thornless gooseberry has high frost resistance and tolerates drought well. Withstands temperatures down to -30 °C.

Productivity and fruiting

The Ural thornless variety shows good yield. Young plants produce 5 kg, and bushes over 5 years old - 7–9 kg. Gooseberries have the highest performance when they are 6–7 years old.

Thanks to the sweet taste of the berries, Ural thornless is classified as a dessert variety. It is characterized by an average ripening period, but the berries are harvested a little earlier because they are prone to shedding.

Area of ​​application of fruits

The dessert taste of the Ural thornless fruit allows them to be used both fresh and for various preparations. Most often, jam is made from gooseberries. Since the berries are picked a little earlier, they tolerate transportation well and can be stored.

Ural thornless gooseberry is shown in the photo:

Resistance to diseases and pests

The Ural thornless gooseberry variety is resistant to septoria and powdery mildew. But the bush can be attacked by harmful insects.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Advantages of the Ural thornless gooseberry variety:

• a large amount of useful substances in berries;
• dessert taste;
• absence of thorns;
• large fruits;
• disease resistance;
• frost resistance;
• high productivity;
• drought resistance.

The main disadvantage of the Ural Thornless variety is the significant shedding of the berries, which requires starting the harvest before they are fully ripe.

Features of the thornless Ural

In addition to the main feature - the absence of thorns, the variety is distinguished by a sweet dessert taste.

The bush is practically devoid of thorns, and the berries have a dessert taste.

But the rich chemical composition of gooseberries should also be mentioned. He contains:

• P-active substances;
• ascorbic acid;
• microelements (chrome, iodine, copper, zinc, iron, fluorine, manganese);
• macroelements (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium);
• sucrose;
• malic, tartaric and citric acid;
• tannin;
• nitrogen compounds.

Pectin substances and anthocyanins remove harmful substances and heavy metal salts from the body.

Rules for planting gooseberries

When planting gooseberries, it is recommended to follow certain rules. This will allow the young plant to take root better and subsequently produce larger yields. Failure to follow these rules can cause harm to the gooseberry bush.

Recommended timing

Gooseberries of the Ural thornless variety are planted in the fall, which allows you to get a harvest next year. Recommended dates are the end of September and the entire first half of October. It is also worth focusing on the onset of frost in a particular region so that the gooseberries have time to take root and survive the winter normally. Some gardeners also practice spring planting, but then you need to do it before the buds open.

Choosing a suitable location

For planting, choose a flat, sunny area. Gooseberries can tolerate slight shade. It is necessary to ensure that groundwater does not pass near the surface of the earth in this place.

Gooseberries are undemanding when it comes to soil, but they cannot be planted next to paths because the roots cannot tolerate compaction. In Siberia, it is recommended to plant bushes where more snow cover forms.

Selection and preparation of planting material

It is better to purchase gooseberry seedlings that are 1–2 years old and have 3–4 shoots at least 20 cm long. The root system of the bush should be well developed.

It is recommended to plant gooseberries immediately after purchase. If this cannot be done, then it is better to carry out a number of preparatory measures:

• the roots are wrapped in a damp cloth and placed in a bag;
• if transportation is needed, the seedling is given a strictly vertical position;
• to avoid drying out the roots, they should be dipped in a clay mixture or sprinkled with wet sawdust;
• immediately before planting in the ground, it is necessary to remove leaves, damaged and dry parts of the roots, and also shorten the shoots to 20 cm.

Landing algorithm

The area for planting is prepared in advance - 2 months. If the soil is loamy, add sand. The landing algorithm looks like this:

• Dig a hole measuring 50x70 cm, while laying the top layer of fertile soil and the lower layers in different directions. If planting is done on black soil, then the dimensions can be reduced to 40x40. Manure, humus, and potassium salt still need to be added to the less fertile land.
• Wood chips are placed at the bottom of the pit, which will serve as drainage, and water is poured in the amount of one bucket.
• If there are several bushes, then maintain a distance of at least 1 m between them, because the feeding area of ​​the gooseberry root system is 2 square meters. m.
• A circle is formed around the bush for watering. And after a day, the soil is mulched with peat or sawdust.

Additional care measures

Despite the fact that Vikat strawberries are considered an unpretentious berry, they will require additional attention from the gardener. Only in this case will you get a truly large and tasty harvest.

Weeding of strawberry beds should begin immediately after the last snow melts and minimize the risk of return of frost. Dead leaves and non-surviving shrubs are removed, as well as stale debris along with mulch.

It is also important not to go too far with watering. The optimal frequency for average humidity is 1-2 times a week. However, in the first days after planting strawberries, daily watering is recommended. Especially if the summer turns out to be dry. In the future, Vikat strawberries will respond well to watering using the irrigation method several times a week. If you have the financial means, it is recommended to install an automatic watering method and save yourself time and effort, while giving your strawberries the opportunity to always receive a supply of water at the required temperature.

Follow-up care for gooseberries

In the first year after planting, no fertilizer will be required. In the second year, fertilizing with organic matter is necessary. In the third year, wood ash and superphosphate are used. Next, you need to feed the gooseberries once every 2-3 years.

The plant requires the following care measures:

• watering;
• weed removal;
• loosening;
• feeding;
• treatment against pests and diseases;
• pruning;
• mulching.

When watering under a bush, it is enough to pour a bucket of water as the soil dries out, even if the plant has recently been planted.

Advice! Watering gooseberries during fruiting should not be abundant, otherwise it will affect the taste of the berries - they will become more sour.

The next year after planting the bush, pruning is carried out. In this way, the productivity of the plant can be increased. First, zero shoots are removed, leaving the 5–6 strongest ones. The bush should have branches of different ages, with the exception of those that are more than 7 years old. Old and diseased parts of the plant must be removed. Anti-aging pruning is carried out when the crop reaches 10 years of age.

In Siberia, gooseberries must be covered for the winter by bending the branches to the ground. In warmer climates it will survive cold weather without problems.

Nuances of growing and care

To successfully cultivate thornless gooseberries and obtain a bountiful harvest, it is necessary to choose the right place, prepare it for planting and follow the agricultural practices of planting and growing.

Selecting a location:

1. Sunny or with some shade during the day.
2. No drafts.
3. Eastern, southern side of the site.

Seat:

1. Soil: black soil, sandy loam, loamy. Wetlands and areas with high acidity are not suitable.
2. pH level 5.2-6.7.
3. In the new place, all weeds are removed, the soil is dug deep and loosened so that the soil is softer, lighter, and more breathable. Sand and peat can be added to clay soils.

It is better to select a seedling in a nursery:

1. The seedling can be one, two, or three years old.
2. Healthy, without obvious signs of disease, damage by rodents or other pests, rot, or breakage.
3. Leaves are rich green.
4. The root when cut is white, flexible, elastic.

Boarding time:

• Autumn, end of September - first half of October in the middle zone, in the south, southwest, southeast, in the Moscow region.
• Spring, April - first ten days of May: northern regions, the Urals, Siberia.

Stages of planting gooseberries without thorns:

1. For a day, place the seedlings in a bucket of water or diluted growth and root formation stimulator.
2. Mark the planting pattern on the prepared area. The distance between rows is 1.5-2 m, between bushes 1.3-1.5 m.
3. The pit is 35-45 cm deep, diameter 35-50 cm.
4. If the soil is heavy and underground water is close, then dig a hole to a depth of 50 cm, lay a layer of expanded clay or broken brick drainage on the bottom, and sprinkle a layer of sand on top.
5. If the soil is black soil or loam, then water the hole with 4-6 liters of water before planting the seedling.
6. Then, up to 100 g of nitroammophoska is poured into the hole under the bush.
7. The seedling is buried no more than 4 cm from the root collar. If planted deeper, the root will grow higher, since gooseberries reproduce vegetatively.
8. Sprinkle it with a mixture of soil, ash, and rotted manure.
9. Leave a hole around the bush to retain water.
10. Water the hole with 5-6 liters of water.
11. Mulch the top with rotted manure and pine needles if planting took place in the fall.

Caring for the bushes is simple, watering 10-12 liters per bush once every 2-3 weeks. During the period of berry ripening, irrigation is stopped.

Feeding after planting with fertilizers is carried out after 1.5-2 years. In spring, you can use fertilizers with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. During the flowering period, urea or infusion of weeds. In the fall, mulch the soil around the gooseberries with peat, manure, and ash. In summer and autumn, the soil around is mulched in the form of fertilizer with mowed green manure, which has a positive effect on the growth and fruiting of bushes.

Pruning is carried out in the fall to form new shoots during the growth period in the spring. Cut the skeletal branches into 1-2 buds facing the inside of the bush if the branches droop inside the bush. If the branches are erect, then cut off 1 outer bud.

In the spring, formative pruning is carried out before the active growing season begins; growths and branches that thicken the bush are trimmed with pruning shears. Every 8-10 years you need to carry out anti-aging pruning, cutting off all old shoots.

Thornless gooseberry varieties are almost not attacked by insects and rodent pests and various diseases, but in spring and autumn they require preventive spraying with fungicides and insecticides.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

The Ural thornless gooseberry variety has strong immunity to most diseases, but can be attacked by pests. Preventive measures are carried out twice per season - in spring and autumn.

There are many pest control products on the market, but experienced gardeners also recommend using traditional methods. It will be effective to quickly pour water on the bush at the beginning of April, heated to a temperature of +80 ° C. After this procedure, all debris from under the bush should be collected and burned.

At the beginning of budding, gooseberries should be sprayed with Rovikurt. This will protect the bush from aphids, gall midges and sawflies. A solution of colloidal sulfur will be effective against pests that damage buds.

Advice! It is better to use modern biological products against diseases and pests - they are effective and safe.

In autumn, sanitary treatment of gooseberry bushes is mandatory. Sick and damaged leaves and shoots are removed. The plant itself and the ground around it must be treated with nitrophen, then watered abundantly and mulched with a thick layer of peat.

Strawberry variety Anniversary Driscoll

The USA can also boast of its achievements, because they have developed such a wonderful strawberry variety as Jubilee Driscoll. It is medium late and remontant, and its yield exceeds all our expectations.

Medium-sized bushes are quite decomposed, and their semi-straight peduncles grow in height no higher than green foliage.

The berries of this variety are medium in size, their average weight ranges from 25 to 40 grams. The shape of the fruits is a little like a heart, and even with a bright red color. Their pulp is quite dense, which makes it possible to transport them without major losses and can be stored for a long period. It is also very juicy and sweet, in addition, it leaves a very pleasant and delicate aftertaste.

While listing the large number of positive qualities of this type, we must not forget about some negative ones. For example, the Jubilee Driscoll strawberry is very sensitive to salty soils, and it can also be affected by powdery mildew. Knowing this, you can easily prevent diseases by using special means or taking a number of necessary actions. But despite this, the variety is resistant to spider mites, verticillium and gray rot.

Perfect for fresh use, strawberries can also be added to ice cream, thereby infusing it with a wonderful strawberry flavor.

Reproduction

Reproduction of Vikoda is somewhat difficult, but possible. All flower stalks are removed from mother bushes intended for obtaining planting material.

Young rosettes take root very quickly. At the end of August they can be separated from the mother bush.

Stimulates the formation of whiskers by shortening the roots of strawberry seedlings when planting them. Leave a root lobe 5-6 cm long.

When mass transplanting bushes to a new location, dividing the bush is practiced. Each division should contain a horn with a powerful root system. If the division procedure is carried out carefully and correctly, young seedlings will quickly adapt.

The Vikoda strawberry plantation is renewed every 4-5 years.