Review of the gooseberry variety “Northern Captain”, its pros and cons

The Northern Captain gooseberry stands out among the wide variety of varieties for its unpretentiousness and productivity. It is rare to find a garden crop so immune to typical diseases and pests. Bright, aromatic Captain berries have not only culinary value, their beneficial properties are used for healing and restoring the body.

What kind of gooseberry is this?

Northern Captain is a thornless mid-late gooseberry variety with high frost resistance and tasty fruits.

Brief history of origin and distribution

The variety was developed by Russian VSTIPS breeders under the leadership of Irina Popova through an experiment of crossing the variety Rozovy-2 and form No. 310-24. In 2007, the resulting hybrid, called Northern Captain, was included in the state register with the indicated zoning - the North-Western region with cloudy, damp summers.

Features of planting and growing

The rules for planting Senator gooseberries are quite simple, and even a beginner can easily cope with this task. In general, the crop is considered unpretentious, but if you do not take into account a number of agricultural technology features, you are unlikely to be able to enjoy a rich harvest and the unsurpassed taste of healthy berries.

Selecting a location

For gooseberries, you should choose a well-lit place that will be protected from strong gusts of wind. Let it be protected by low buildings or other plants. The main thing is that the sun's rays fall unhindered on the bush.

Gooseberries love sunny places without wind

Avoid areas where moisture stagnates, otherwise the root system will rot. The optimal level of groundwater is 2 m. The senator takes root well in fertile medium-loamy soil. Optimal soil acidity is up to 5.5 pH. The ground should also be breathable.

It is not recommended to plant the crop in places where currants or raspberries previously grew. They leave behind very depleted, infertile soil in which gooseberries will not be able to fully develop.

Selection of seedlings

Seedlings must have a developed root system

Choosing a suitable gooseberry seedling is a simple matter. Before purchasing, carefully examine the root system, since the success of the further development of the bush will depend on its development. A large number of fibrous roots that absorb moisture is your guarantee that the seedling will take root well and grow vigorously in the first years after planting. Also, the system must have at least 3–5 lignified shoots, at least 10 cm long.

If you purchase an annual seedling, then it is possible to have one shoot. But a two-year-old bush should have 2-3 developed branches, at least 30 cm long.

Step-by-step planting instructions

Senator gooseberries are planted in the fall (late September - early October). The root system of the crop is quite powerful. In this case, the largest number of shoots is located near the central part of the bush (at a distance of 20–25 cm). In a young gooseberry, 80% of all roots are in a soil layer of up to 25 cm, and in a fruiting gooseberry - up to 45–65 cm. The size of the planting hole that needs to be made will depend on this.

Planting is done in light loam with good aeration.

The process of planting a bush is carried out in the following sequence of actions:

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1. First of all, dig a hole 60–70 cm wide and 45–50 cm deep. A distance of 1.5 m from each other should be maintained between the bushes.
2. Then you need to fertilize. 8–10 kg of rotted manure, 2 kg of peat, wood ash (300 g) and limestone (350 g) are placed in each pit. It is peat that will contribute to better soil aeration.
3. Leave the pit with fertilizer overnight so that all components come into effect. At this time, you need to soak the gooseberry seedling in a special solution. It is prepared from potassium humate (5 tbsp) and water (5 l). The substances are mixed in a deep container, where the roots of the planting material are then placed for 1 day. This technique promotes better survival of the plant.
4. After the specified time, you can begin planting the bush. The seedling is placed vertically in the hole. The root collar should be buried 6–8 cm.
5. Sprinkle the top with soil and compact it.
6. Finally, each bush should be watered with five liters of water.

Characteristics and description of bushes

Northern captain is a perennial tall shrub with a dense crown. Under the weight of ripe fruits, young green shoots bend like an arch, and adult stems become lignified and acquire a gray tint.

The variety has short, 5-7 mm, thorns, which are rarely found on adult branches and are completely absent on young ones. The spines are straight and thin, formed exclusively at the base of the shoots. The foliage is a rich green hue, large in size, with a glossy surface and three-lobed shape.

The variety is characterized by greenish flowers with a red streak along the edge, collected in small brushes (2-3 flowers each).

Temperature resistance

In winter in northwestern Russia, temperatures often drop to -30°C. The northern captain is able to tolerate such frosts provided they are hilled and mulched . It is not afraid of strong winds, and does not need shelter for the above-ground part.

Intense heat with a lack of watering can partially destroy the bush. Therefore, it is not recommended to grow this variety in hot summer conditions; after +30°C, the harvest may suffer.

Moisture and drought resistance

Gooseberry roots are shallow, so prolonged drought negatively affects the health of the plant, and part of the bush may die. If there is not enough natural rainfall, the roots may dry out. This should not be allowed, especially during the period of laying or filling fruits. But it is also important to avoid stagnation of water. Groundwater should be located no higher than 1.2 m.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Strong immunity is a distinctive feature of the Northern Captain. The shrub does not suffer from powdery mildew, and cases of septoria and anthracnose are extremely rare. Gardeners claim that the main enemies of gooseberries - the sawfly and moth - bypass the variety.

Follow-up care for gooseberries

Gooseberry Northern captain loves moisture, but can respond to swampiness with soreness. The variety does not require constant watering - in zoned areas, natural precipitation may be sufficient for it.

In spring, gooseberries wake up early and manage to use melt water for accelerated growth. At this time, the variety can be helped by applying nitrogen fertilizers.

Before flowering, it is permissible to water the Northern Captain bushes with a solution of chicken droppings or well-rotted manure. Further nitrogenous feeding of gooseberries is excluded. Twice a season, potassium and phosphorus mineral compositions are applied to each bush.

In a rainy summer, caring for the Northern Captain can be reduced to periodic loosening and weeding. Fertilizers can be scattered in granules around the bush; they will gradually be soaked by rain and penetrate into the soil.

Pruning is a mandatory procedure for caring for the Northern Captain variety. Shoots grow not only on the outside, but also inside. A thickened bush can get fungal infection, despite varietal resistance. Overgrowth of the crown is especially dangerous during the rainy season.

The principles of pruning young gooseberries Northern Captain are shown in the photo, where:

• pruning after planting;
• formation at the end of the first season.

Features of the formation of an adult fruit-bearing bush of the Northern Captain:

1. In autumn, all young shoots are cut down to the ground, leaving 4–5 of the strongest stems. The tops of annual shoots are removed.
2. Damaged and old branches are cut off and the remaining ones are shortened.
3. An adult gooseberry bush should consist of 20–25 strong stems of different ages. All branches older than 6 years are removed into a ring near the soil surface.

By following these principles, you can maintain the fruiting of the Northern Captain bush for more than 20 years.

Characteristics and description of fruits

The berries of the Northern Captain are small, ranging from 3.5-4 g. They have a rich dark red or burgundy color, sometimes turning into a black tint. The peel is thick, with light veins, and covered with a thin waxy coating. The pulp is juicy and sweet and sour, with small seeds.

The variety is self-fertile and does not require pollinating varieties. The Northern Captain shows its qualities best in the regions for which it was bred. The berries ripen evenly, at the end of July, so the variety is classified as mid-late. Ripe fruits are easy to harvest, but do not fall off on their own. Up to 3.5-4 kg of berries are harvested from an adult bush.

With proper care and regular pruning, the bushes consistently bear fruit for up to 20 years.

Reference. The northern captain consistently forms ovaries and brings up to 2 kg of harvest even in the absence of quality care.

Areas of their application

The northern captain is considered universal. Its berries have a distinct sweet and sour taste, so many people consume them exclusively fresh. In addition, jam, jam, compotes, wines and juices are made from them, and a natural dye is obtained.

Harvesting and transportation

It is better to harvest in dry, sunny weather, when most of the berries are ripe: they will be dark, filled with juice and with very expressive veins. Thanks to their thick skin, gooseberries can be easily stored and transported.

It is better to pick the berries with the roots so as not to damage them. You can store them fresh for up to 10 days in the refrigerator, 2 months sprinkled with sugar, six months in the freezer and a year in dried form. It is with these storage options that the largest amount of vitamins is preserved. Gooseberries can be transported over short distances using plastic containers.

Very tasty preserves, jams, and compotes are also made from gooseberries.

The gooseberry variety Northern Captain is one of the most popular garden shrubs, due to its ease of care and resistance to diseases and pests. It is also very tasty, although it is considered technical. This plant is sure to decorate any garden and provide a stable harvest with minimal care.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The northern captain has many advantages:

• ability to withstand frosts down to -30°C without loss;
• strong immunity to major diseases and pests;
• Thanks to the thick peel, it tolerates storage and transportation well;
• the berries do not fall off and are easy to pick due to the absence of thorns;
• reproduces by all vegetative means;
• versatility of fruit use.

Among the disadvantages, gardeners note:

• strong thickening with young shoots;
• small berry size;
• the sourness characteristic of gooseberries, which is why the variety was classified as a technical variety rather than a dessert variety.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

Gooseberry Captain, according to the description of the variety, belongs to the resistant berry crops. It is not damaged by major infectious diseases.

Pests typical of gooseberries also do not threaten the bushes of the Northern Captain variety. To protect plantings, preventive measures are sufficient. Pollinating the soil under the bushes with wood ash simultaneously repels insects and feeds the gooseberries with potassium.

Important! All remnants of leaves and cuttings of branches in the fall should be removed from under the gooseberry bushes and burned outside the garden. This will prevent larvae or adult insects from overwintering and causing damage next year.

Growing technology

Agricultural technology for this variety is standard. In zoning areas, it does not require frequent watering, special preparation for winter and worries about diseases.

Optimal conditions

To plant the Northern Captain, select an area with good lighting and protection from drafts. It is important that when the snow melts, melt water does not accumulate on the beds. The soil should be nutritious and loose, with neutral acidity.

Landing dates and rules

It is best to plant young plants in the fall, adjusting to weather conditions so that the seedling has time to take root before persistent cold weather begins. It is better not to plant in spring - the sprouts may suffer from return frosts.

The seedling must be two years old, with woody roots and flexible, healthy shoots. Planting is done as follows:

1. The root system of the seedling is soaked for 2-3 hours in a stimulator (for example, “Kornevin”).
2. A hole of 50x50 cm is prepared for each bush. 1.5 m is maintained between bushes, 2-2.5 m between rows.
3. Some of the soil is mixed with humus and returned to the hole, being careful not to compact it too much.
4. The seedling is placed in a planting place, gradually covered with earth and compacting it.
5. The root collar should be immersed 6-8 cm in the soil, otherwise the seedling will die.
6. The bush is watered with 10 liters of water, after which the shoots are cut off, leaving 5-6 buds on each.

In addition to humus, a mixture of compost, potash and phosphate fertilizers is used when planting. Experienced gardeners recommend adding a little sand and wood ash to the soil (250 g for each bush).

How to plant gooseberries correctly Features of planting gooseberries in autumn and care

Further care

In order for a seedling to grow well and produce a stable harvest, it requires proper care. It includes the following agricultural practices:

1. Watering. In the north-west of Russia, in areas where the variety is zoned, Northern Captain does not experience a lack of moisture, receiving it from natural precipitation. In spring, the plant wakes up early and uses melt water to grow. In rainy summers, gooseberries are not watered, but if there is not enough rainfall, 10-15 liters of water are poured under each bush once a week, preventing the roots from drying out.
2. Feeding. For the first two years after planting, the gooseberry needs only the fertilizers that have already been added to the soil. In the future, the bushes must be fed in the spring, using a mixture of 10 kg of rotted manure, 80 g of superphosphate, 40 g of nitrate and 20 g of potassium chloride.
3. Loosening. In a rainy summer, caring for the Northern Captain can only come down to weeding and garbage collection. Remember that gooseberry roots are shallow, so only loosen the top layer of soil. They do this after every rain or watering, simultaneously removing stones, branches and other debris.
4. Trimming. Since young shoots thicken the crown every season, gooseberries need to be pruned regularly. From the second to the fourth year, formative pruning is done, shortening the adult branches by half. Crooked, dry or weak branches are removed completely. From the fifth year, crown thickening is eliminated, leaving 20-25 shoots aged from 3 to 6 years. Older branches practically do not bear fruit and only draw strength from the bush. Pruning is done in the fall, after the leaves have fallen.

Possible problems, diseases, pests

Northern captain is a resistant berry crop, so it is not afraid of diseases and pest invasions. It is enough to carry out preventive measures in a timely manner and there will be no problems with growing this gooseberry.

Important . After pruning the bushes, fallen leaves and eliminated shoots are burned outside the site. This will prevent pests and bacteria from successfully overwintering and causing damage to the planting next season.

Preventative measures include the following:

1. In the spring, before the buds swell, the branches of the Northern Captain are watered with hot water from a watering can.
2. Twice a season, before flowering and after harvesting, each bush and the ground under them are treated with Fitosporin-M solution, according to the instructions on the package.
3. Remove branches, leaves and other debris in a timely manner.
4. You can plant mint, tomatoes or wormwood next to the gooseberries. These plants repel insects.
5. At the first signs of the disease, the affected branches are pruned and burned, and the bushes are treated with Bordeaux mixture (100 g per 10 l of water) or a solution of wood ash (200 g per 10 l).

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Wintering

The variety is frost-resistant, so it does not need additional shelter. It is enough to hill it up and then mulch it with rotted manure.

Video: Gooseberry Northern Captain

Selecting a location

In order for a shrub to bear fruit for at least 20 years in a row, you need to take into account its characteristics and choose a planting site with the following characteristics:

• good lighting;
• protection from the north wind;
• neutral soil acidity;
• absence of swamps and groundwater close to the surface;
• increased nutritional value and looseness of the soil;
• the distance from other bushes, trees and the fence is at least 1.5–2 m.

Planting and care, pollination

It is better to plant Northern Captain gooseberries in the fall. It is possible, of course, in the spring, but you need to do it before buds form, otherwise the bush will not take root. When planting in the fall, the main thing is to have time at least a month before frost, so that roots can form before winter.

Before planting, it is necessary to prepare the area: weed, dig. If the soil is too heavy, you can add sand, peat, or compost to it. If it is too acidic, you need to add lime or dolomite flour to it.

It is better to take seedlings for planting that are two years old, with woody roots. The shoots must be strong and healthy. If the roots dry out during transportation, you need to put them in water overnight.

To plant, dig a hole 50 cm deep and the same in diameter. Fill it halfway with a mixture of soil and compost or humus in equal proportions. Add superphosphate and potassium phosphate, as well as a glass of wood ash.

Important! When planting gooseberries, the root collar should extend 7-8 cm into the ground, no more.

Next, you need to carefully place the root in the hole and, adding the rest of the soil, trample it down, trying not to damage the root. Then water the hole in which the bush is placed very well. When the water is absorbed, you can mulch the area around the bush.

After planting, all shoots must be trimmed, leaving 5 buds on each.

After planting, all shoots must be trimmed, leaving 5 buds on each. The Northern Captain gooseberry is self-fertile, so it can produce a good harvest even when growing alone on the plot. But if you plant several varieties nearby, this, although not significantly, will improve the yield.

To maintain the bushes in good condition, you need to remember to weed them regularly, loosen the soil after rains and thin out the crown. This variety loves moist soil, but does not tolerate waterlogging, so it does not need additional watering in rainy summers.

Read more about how to fertilize gooseberries: in autumn, in spring.

For good yield, it is advisable to feed the bushes:

• apply nitrogen fertilizers in early spring
• before flowering - a solution of humus or chicken droppings;
• after harvesting the fruits - potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.

Disease and pest control

The gooseberry variety Northern Captain is resistant to bush diseases. And pests don’t pay attention to it. This may be due to the fact that the variety is quite young.

Important! In the fall, after leaf fall, it is imperative to remove fallen leaves, mulch, and branch cuttings from under the bushes so that larvae and garden pests do not overwinter in them.

At the beginning of the last century, gooseberry bushes suffered an epidemic of powdery mildew, and many varieties were destroyed irrevocably, so they tried to create the Northern Captain, like many other varieties, specifically resistant to this disease. But still, despite the resistance of this variety, preventive measures must be taken.

Timely weeding, pruning shoots and maintaining optimal humidity - these measures are quite enough to protect the plant from diseases.

Pruning and shaping the bush

The Northern Captain bush is cut off completely when planting, leaving only small bases of shoots. Then every autumn it is necessary to cut off all the young shoots, leaving 5-6 of the strongest ones. And at this time, old branches that are more than 6 years old are cut out. All remaining shoots need to be trimmed a little from above.

Do not forget to also remove all dried, damaged and inward growing branches. After all, even resistance to fungal diseases will not help the plant. If the bush is very overgrown, excess moisture may accumulate under it - ideal conditions for the appearance of fungus.

Wintering

The Northern Captain endures winter steadfastly; there is no need to cover it. You can simply cover it lightly with soil. The root system of this plant is able to withstand temperature drops to –30°C without loss. The tops of the shoots are slightly frostbitten, but come to life with the arrival of spring.

Find out also how to properly tie gooseberries.

Reproduction

The northern captain reproduces by all vegetative methods, but the following three are the most effective:

• dividing the bush;
• using cuttings cut in early summer;
• propagation by layering.

The easiest way is propagation by layering. In the spring, a small groove is made under the bush into which the shoot is placed. It is sprinkled with earth, leaving only the top on the surface. The soil around the stem is kept moist. Over the summer, roots will appear on the branch, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to a permanent place.

Dividing the bush is suitable when transplanting an adult plant to another area. The planting rules for this method of propagation do not differ from planting a young seedling.

When propagating by cuttings at the beginning of summer, it is necessary to cut a shoot up to 15 cm long from the bush, which is planted in the ground or container with fertile soil. Throughout the season, it is cared for as usual, regularly watering and loosening the soil, and after roots appear, in early autumn, it is transplanted into a prepared hole.

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Rules for planting gooseberries

Having only one gooseberry bush, the Northern Captain variety, it can be easily propagated by any of the vegetative methods. Layers and cuttings take root well. Bush division and grafting are applicable. To obtain all varietal characteristics and stable yields for decades to come, the greenery of the plant should be planted correctly.

Recommended timing

Young plants are planted in the fall, calculating the timing so that there is at least a month left before persistent cold weather. Gooseberry roots adapt to frost and begin the growing season earlier. In spring, it is difficult to choose the right time so that the young shoots of the Northern Captain do not fall under recurrent frosts.

Choosing a suitable location

For varietal gooseberries, choose sunny areas in the garden. From the north, plantings will be well protected from cold winds by tall buildings, fences, and dense plantings.

The Northern Captain gooseberry is unpretentious to the soil. It should not be too heavy, exhausted and sour. It is not desirable for gooseberries to have close groundwater or stagnation of moisture when snow melts.

Selection and preparation of planting material

A healthy varietal seedling of Captain meets the following criteria:

• age – 2 years;
• woody roots;
• shoots are healthy and flexible.

If the roots dry out during transportation, you should soak the gooseberry seedlings overnight in water. Increases survival rate by adding growth stimulants to the solution.

Landing algorithm

Preparing the site for the Northern Captain begins with weeding, digging, and adding the necessary substances to the soil. Acidic soils are limed or dolomite flour is added for treatment. On heavy soils, permeability is increased by adding sand, peat, and compost.

Sequence of planting gooseberries Northern Captain:

1. Prepare a pit 50x50 cm.
2. Half is covered with fertile soil mixture.
3. Lower the seedling onto the planting site and straighten the roots, gradually adding soil.
4. The soil is lightly compressed, tamping as the hole is filled.
5. Water the seedling abundantly and wait until the soil settles completely.
6. Check the height of the root collar: for the Captain gooseberry, it should be sunk 6–8 cm into the soil. If necessary, correct the planting depth.

Advice! The fertile mixture for gooseberries includes compost, humus, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers. Mix well a little sand and 250 g of wood ash per bush into the soil.

After planting is completed, the soil around the gooseberries is mulched and the first pruning is performed. All shoots are shortened to 5–6 living buds.

Reviews from summer residents

Due to the large number of positive qualities, the Northern Captain gooseberry variety is popular among summer residents, despite the young age of the crop.

Elena, Karelia: “Winters in our region are harsh, with strong winds. The northern captain tolerates frost well and is able to recover even if the shoots are damaged by the cold. The sourness of the fruit makes this variety an ideal ingredient for jams and preserves. If you are not lazy and carry out regular pruning, the gooseberry will delight you with a rich harvest and will not get sick.”

Oleg, Novgorod region: “ This is not the first gooseberry variety on my site. The previous two suffered greatly from powdery mildew, which avoids the Northern Captain. From each bush I collect 4 kg of berries, make jelly and liqueur from them. I don’t cover it for the winter; the variety doesn’t need it, restoring itself in the spring. Definitely an ideal crop for harsh climates.”

Valentina, Kamchatka: The climate on our peninsula is very unpredictable. Often, return frosts kill hope for harvest from many crops. In the fifth year of growing Northern Captain, unexpected frosts struck during the flowering period. She covered the bushes with film with small holes for air, and wrapped them in burlap on top. At the end of summer I harvested a decent harvest, so I’m happy with the variety, its frost resistance is excellent.

Reviews

Northern Captain is my favorite variety for harvesting. Sourness in jams and preserves is welcome. The variety is unpretentious to agricultural technology, which I especially like - resistance to powdery mildew. For gooseberries, this disease is probably the most serious, and given that I live in St. Petersburg, with our rainy climate, it is extremely difficult to grow gooseberries. I would also like to note the small number of thorns; harvesting and caring for the plant becomes much easier when you are not afraid of scratching all your hands.

Sour gooseberries are not exactly a minus, but rather a plus. I have read a lot of literature about the positive effects of various plants on the body. The sour taste is associated with a high content of ascorbic acid, dark berries are rich in vitamin P. Although the Northern Captain is a technical variety, it is much healthier than most dessert varieties.

This is only the second year since the Northern Admiral gooseberry was planted. I haven’t seen any berries yet, but the bush has grown quickly and I’m expecting fruit next year. I attribute the rapid growth of branches to the application of urea in the spring and two feedings of bird droppings diluted in a ratio of 1:20. I add nitrogen only until mid-summer; I read that if you add it later, the plant’s winter hardiness is lost and the shoots do not have time to get stronger before winter.

Characteristics of the variety

The self-fertile variety Captain can be cultivated in single plantings. The presence of other types of gooseberries in the garden increases its yield slightly. Cross-pollination with other varieties is not necessary for Captain.

The crop is distinguished by its increased ability to restore dead shoots, the roots are frost-resistant, the yield is stable, and with appropriate care it is consistently high.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

As a rule, Northern Captain bushes easily tolerate the cold season with extreme temperatures down to -30 °C. Winters in the north-west of Russia are frosty, windy, and in recent years the snow cover has been unstable. Therefore, gooseberries need hilling and mulching. Additional cover of the above-ground part is not required.

The crop tolerates slight drying out of the soil. But gooseberry roots lie shallow, so prolonged drought can lead to the death of part of the bush. During periods when natural precipitation is insufficient, Northern Captain requires moisture once a week. The roots should not be allowed to dry out during fruit laying or filling. Without watering at this time, the berries become smaller.

Productivity and fruiting

The gooseberry variety Northern Captain in the regions where it is zoned shows the best varietal qualities. The berries begin to ripen at the end of July. The variety belongs to the mid-late variety. Ripe berries are easily removed when harvesting, but do not tend to fall off on their own.

The Captain gooseberry bush is capable of not losing yield for up to 20 years. Proper care and pruning significantly prolongs active fruiting. According to gardeners, an adult Northern Captain gooseberry bush produces an average of about 3 kg of berries per season. There is evidence of yields of up to 4 kg per adult plant.

Comment! Even if the bush is left without care, the viable variety Captain is capable of stably forming ovaries and producing up to 2 kg of fruit.

Area of ​​application of fruits

In food production, Captain gooseberries are used in the production of wines, juices with pulp, and a natural dye is extracted from it. At home, the berries are processed into jams, jellies, marmalades, compotes, and tinctures. Gooseberry desserts are preserved for the winter.

Thick skin and a high content of natural preservatives provide Northern Captain berries with a long shelf life and excellent transportability.

Gooseberry Northern Captain, according to the description of the variety, belongs to industrial crops. It is not considered a dessert, although reviews from amateur gardeners indicate its popularity as an independent delicacy.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The Captain variety has increased resistance to most diseases. Plants do not suffer from powdery mildew; cases of septoria and anthracnose are rare. Dangerous gooseberry pests (sawfly, moth) avoid the bushes of the Northern Captain.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The main advantage of Northern Captain over other varieties is its vitality and durability in adverse conditions. Other advantages include:

• frost resistance;
• immunity to infections, pests;
• high nutritional value of berries, their keeping quality;
• ability to reproduce by all vegetative means.

Among the disadvantages is the high acid content in the fruits. Gardeners also note the tendency of the variety to form many shoots. Young stems greatly thicken the middle of the bush in one season.