Blackberry in the Urals. Planting and leaving.

Wild blackberries are endowed with rather elongated shoots, which are covered with very rare thorns, covered with a bluish purine bloom. Already in the first year of life, buds begin to form for the development of fetuses. And during the second season, lateral shoots develop, where inflorescences develop. At the stage of two years of age, after active fruiting, the fruiting shoots dry out. Blackberry leaves are excellently used to make delicious tea. To do this, they are simply dried. Fully ripe shrub fruits are rich in organic acids, pectin and vitamins. Cultivation of blackberries in the Urals can bring excellent results if all the rules of agricultural technology and the recommendations of cultivation specialists are observed during cultivation. So, how blackberries grow in the Urals - let's find out in detail.

Blackberries in the Urals: how the first varieties appeared

photo: blackberry in the Urals

After the cultivation of wild perennial blackberries that grew in the wild, there were erect varieties adapted for growing in gardens. Blackberry is a tribe of raspberries, but this culture is not able to withstand frosts, as raspberries do it. Almost all varieties will not survive even the lightest cold. For example, the Rubus variety. You can, of course, grow a wonderful, healthy, tasty plant in Siberia, but the choice of a variety must be approached with all seriousness. Siberian frosts can increase to -40 degrees, and there is an insignificant part of blackberry species that can grow in such conditions. The varieties are bred specifically for such extreme conditions. They are perfectly adapted to the harshness of the climate. Although you still have to create the necessary, additional shelters. But all the effort is worth it.

Specifically for the Ural climate, special and only erect varieties of berry bushes have also been bred. They calmly endure all strong gusts of wind. Which makes the growing process easier.

Blackberries in the Urals: types and their features

Blackberries in the Urals: photos

In North America, it is carried out on an industrial level, with the main use being the blackberry of the Robus variety. The use of this species in Russia occurs by gardeners of the Leningrad Region and the Moscow Region. Also the territory of the Far East, Crimea.
Siberian summer residents use the following berry varieties for their plantings: Taylor, Lawton, agave, Thornfrey.
These varieties acquired the greatest value due to their large fruits and attractive decorative appearance. Excellent frost resistance, although you still have to build additional shelter, since Siberian frosts are distinguished by increased severity and strong gusts of wind.

Early blackberry in the Urals.

On the territory of Siberia, it is recommended to plant blackberry bushes of those varieties, the fruiting and ripening of which occurs in the first summer month, in contrast to their relatives, which bear fruit in the fall, exactly in September. The most adapted variety of Eldorado blackberry, bred for harsh climates. An erect form of cultivation, rather long shoots, which are completely covered with large thorns.Fruits of the Gigant variety begin to bear fruit in the first days of June, almost at the same time the berries are mechanically ripened. The fruits are not large in weight, only up to 7 g, but the abundance of the harvest compensates for the insignificant weight. The variety is popular and valued for its frost resistance.
Here you can also distinguish a very early hybrid of blackberries, Black Butte, which differs in larger berries, almost 25 grams.
Berries of the Agavam variety have an oval shape, the berries are picked in several stages. The height of the bush is average, but thickened, solid shoots, which form a slight fall to the bottom, over the entire area the shoots are covered with brown thorns. The bush is able to boldly withstand frost down to -30 degrees.

Blackberry varieties in the Urals with an average fruiting period.

In areas with a predominance of a temperate climate, the Tupi berry variety perfectly takes root. An erect shrub, covering the thorns are small in size. The peculiarity of the variety is good immunity to various diseases, if, of course, all growing conditions are observed. With proper cover, it can even withstand severe frost. The mass of the berries does not exceed 10 grams, but the abundance of fruiting easily makes up for this small weight.

The Loughton variety differs from other brethren in a very amicable, large-scale ripening of berries. Even with the small size and weight of the berries, during the harvest seasons, you can collect up to one bucket of fruits and only from 1 bush. The branches of the plant are elongated, little susceptible to damage by pests and diseases. Able to endure frosts down to -20 degrees, but with the creation of a certain shelter.

Late-ripening varieties.

When it comes to regions where the summer season is rather short, several varieties of blackberries with very early ripening periods can be distinguished. For example, in the southern part of Siberia, gardeners prefer the Texas variety (it was bred by the famous scientist Michurin). The bushes have a creeping shape, already in August, active ripening of fruits begins, which have a bright aroma and a slight sourness in taste, weigh up to 10 g, these berries can be used for freezing, canning, making jelly, compotes, used by confectioners for flavoring and decorating baked goods. The fruits are black in color. The black-fruited variety has to be covered without fail for the winter period. Mass harvesting begins in late summer to early September. Fruiting takes place on the hands, where up to 17 small berries can be tied.

Shade resistant blackberry.

Blackberry bushes have the ability to take root under any conditions, only when all comfortable conditions for growth are created. There is a small minus. If you choose the wrong variety for the region of your residence, then there may be a slight deviation in the shape and taste of the fruit. For example, when there is not enough sunlight for photophilous varieties. Or varieties with poor tolerance to high humidity, grown in an area with prolonged rains and constant dampness. With the right approach and familiarization with all the varietal characteristics, you can choose the desired type.

The following Agavam variety can be distinguished. Let's list its advantages:
- resistance to high temperatures and severe frosts is simply exceptional;
- a sufficiently abundant amount of the crop;
- excellent taste of fruits.

For darker areas, Thornless Evergreen is recommended. This shrub is distinguished by the absence of thorns, fruiting brushes are able to accommodate up to 60 small berries.

Frost-resistant crop variety.

Winter in Siberia is very cold and severe. But there are varieties specially adapted for this climate. For example, Darrow, an erect shrub, is completely covered with thorns, withstands frosts down to -35 degrees.
We emphasize a few more varieties of increased frost resistance: Eldorado, Agavam, Snyder.
Thornfrey hybrid, has American roots, is endowed with fruiting large berries. The plant is quite powerful, elongated shoots, there is practically no ability to be affected by various diseases and pests. It will calmly endure cold conditions down to -25 degrees, but with proper cover.

Repaired varieties.

To achieve increased fruiting, blackberries must be tied, while leaving no more than 5 of the most solid shoots. On the territory of Siberia, autumn comes very quickly and with significant cold. For this reason alone, the most surviving blackberry varieties, remontant ones, are grown there, which are covered with a huge number of berries. Let's highlight a few: Black Magic, Ruben. It is they who have increased frost resistance and large berries. Another highlight is the Prime Yang variety, excellent adaptation to an unfavorable climate.

The most popular blackberry varieties for the Urals.

Blackberries in the Urals: photos

Blackberries are also grown in the Urals, especially since the winter period is characterized by less severe winters, in contrast to regions with a small number of days of solar activity and higher temperatures. For growing blackberries in the Ural climate, erect varieties, semi-shrubs, are chosen, they are able to withstand gusty winds more firmly. For example: Kiova, Black Satin, Valdo.

Early Ural species.

The Eldorado variety is suitable for a harsh climate, the plant feels great, good immunity to cold weather, is distinguished by early ripening of fruits, early summer. Taste qualities of berries are above average, pleasant taste.

Snyder is a variety that has a very high resistance to attack by various fungal parasites. There is no special requirement for soil composition. Erect shrub, covered with large thorns, does not freeze at low temperatures. Small berries ripen at the end of June.

The Polar variety can easily withstand temperature changes in early spring, withstands winter frosts down to -30 degrees. Very sweet taste of berries, ripening and collection takes place in June. From each bush, you can collect about half a bucket of fruits.

Mid-ripening variety.

The Ural climatic feature makes it possible to grow Gazda varieties, whose homeland is Poland. Sufficiently majestic bushes have time to ripen, bear fruit abundantly, and perfectly endure stable cold temperatures. Most importantly, increased immunity to disease. Another feature is the small number of thorns, which makes it easier to care for the plant and harvest. Mechanical maturation occurs from early to mid-August. Harvesting continues until mid-September.

The Thornless Evergreen and Loughton cultivars delight gardeners with increased yields. Ripening of berries occurs in the last days of summer.

Late ripening.

For the Ural climate, it is recommended to use berry hybrids, the fruits of which ripen on the days of July. The plant experiences low temperatures under cover. Such varieties as Texas and Oregon Thornless are able to please with abundant fruiting. With proper cultivation, you can collect up to 1 bucket of berries from each bush. Mechanical ripening of fruits begins by the end of August, harvesting continues until mid-September.

Resistant to winter cold.

Agavam is able to survive the coldest temperatures.
The Gigant variety does not lag behind in such characteristics.
Darow has an upright form, withstands frost down to -35 degrees.
Very frost-resistant and types of blackberry-Amara, Thornfree.

Shrub varieties.

The upright shaping allows the blackberry bushes to withstand strong, gusty winds. But in the northern latitudes, they require additional shelter.Shoots are almost completely covered with thorns, large thorns. Such bushes grow up to 2 meters. The varieties most accustomed to the Urals are Agavam, Gazda, Ruben.

Creeping varietal feature.

The creeping formation of blackberries can be observed when grown in Europe, in the taiga of Asia, and in the wild. In those regions, it is called dewdrop. The plant survives prolonged drought well and is not afraid of shady areas. For cultivation in the Ural region, the following varieties are used - Texas, Oregon Thornless. However, without a winter shelter, the bush will most likely simply freeze out.

Blackberries in the Urals: planting and growing

Blackberries in the Urals: photos

The harsh climate for sunny blackberries can do a lot of damage. The plant will develop poorly, bear little fruit. But to exclude such consequences, a number of agrotechnical requirements have been invented, subject to which it is possible to get a rich, tasty harvest, very rich in useful composition. It is enough just to carefully look after the shrub and strictly observe all the conditions for growing.

Timing.

Let's decide on the timing of planting blackberries in the Urals. For America and Europe, there is no set deadline for planting a plant. There she is cultivated on an industrial scale. Planting bushes in the spring or in the fall does not make any difference. Climatic conditions make it possible to do this at any time of the growing season. However, the severity of the climate in the Urals requires strict adherence to all norms and terms for planting and growing. The survival of the blackberry depends on it. Late frosts and cold winters can lead to the death of the plant if a special shelter is not built. To completely eliminate such consequences, planting in Siberia and the Urals begins to be carried out only in mid-May, when even a slight cold snap is already behind. You can also use the autumn planting, until September 15th. If you plant a blackberry later, the likelihood of the bush freezing in the winter increases, so the bush should acclimatize to new conditions. If the planting dates are met, the likelihood of complete rooting of the shrub increases, and not only that it will survive.

Choice plot.

How to choose the right place for permanent blackberry cultivation. The shrub prefers sunny areas, but can react very negatively to strong gusts of wind and constant drafts. It is from these preferences of blackberries that you need to build on when determining the landing site. A semi-shrub can be placed on the western or southern sides of the house, the distance between plantings and the fence or wall, you must leave at least 1 meter. With this layout, the berry feels most comfortable. For cultivated varieties, the soil must be sufficiently fertile, the complete absence of stones, salt marshes or swampy areas will adversely affect the planting of blackberries. The close location of groundwater leads to the death of the plant.

Carrying out work before planting.

The main work before planting, determining the landing site, consists in the following actions:
-the entire adjacent area is completely freed from any weeds;
- the remains of the stems of the previous plant must be removed;
- very carefully dig the soil to a sufficient depth. If nothing at all was grown on the site before, then it is advisable to repeat the digging after a period of time.

Prepare the site.

We begin to prepare the site for direct planting. As mentioned above, blackberry hybrids are demanding on the composition of the soil, therefore, the prepared soil must be enriched with minerals and organic matter. You can use both improvised means and fertilizer complexes purchased in the store.

An example of the required composition (used per 1 square meter): humus in the amount of one bucket + potassium sulfate, 2 tablespoons + superphosphate 10 grams.

Next, we prepare the landing pits. This starts 15 days before the main landing. We distribute in several rows, the depth is required up to 50 centimeters. The distance between the pits is not less than 150 centimeters. When the right moment comes, we begin planting the bush.

Prepare planting material correctly.

To obtain excellent results, it is important not only to properly prepare the soil, to make the necessary indentations. It is important here to choose and process the planting material correctly. Why carry out processing? For complete confidence that you have purchased non-contaminated planting material. Otherwise, at the initial stage of the growth of the bush, you will have to deal with activating diseases or pests.
It is recommended to acquire young bushes only in a reliable source, nurseries. At home, place the root system of the bush in a container where special disinfectants are diluted. It is necessary to withstand the recommended amount of time, on average it is 13-15 hours.

Technological landing characteristics.

So. The planting process itself. We place the seedling in the hole strictly vertically, deepen the root collar by no more than 3 centimeters. For the roots, we initially form a small mound, where we place the roots. Spread gently. Make a small groove around the bush, where we pour half a bucket of water. Mulch the soil around the young seedling with peat. The shoots themselves are pruned a little, leaving a height of up to five centimeters.

Blackberries in the Urals: care after planting.

If behind the landings blackberry with proper care, you can achieve first-class results even in harsh climates. The bush will reward you with a large harvest and excellent plant health. Regular, systematic loosening. Just be careful, as the root system is close enough to the soil level. Loosening contributes to the excellent enrichment of the root system with oxygen.

The need for irrigation.

The shrub really needs watering or just irrigation, this is especially recommended during the first two months after planting. Watering should be done frequently and in sufficient quantity. The bush is rooted, watering can be reduced, and the amount of water can be reduced. At the time of the beginning of mechanical maturation, it is necessary to establish a watering schedule, at least once a week in the amount of 2 buckets per plant.

Introduction of foliar and root dressings.

In the spring, blackberries in the Urals require a sufficient amount of nitrogen for good development and further fruiting. Urea has a high content of this substance. Top dressing must be applied every second growing season. It is recommended to use: humus, compost. Distribute on a bucket of the listed components for each adult bush. Bordeaux liquid, or rather its solution, can be applied by foliar dressing, direct spraying of leaves and shoots.

Using garter supports.

When erect varieties are chosen for planting, where the shoots are stretched, then the construction of a support is meant initially, when to install trellises? At the very first stage of planting, after the young shoots are pruned, fix the support at a certain distance. It is necessary to take into account that the bush will grow, and reinstalling the support can cause difficulties. Support installation methods: wave, fan, rope.
All growing shoots must be attached to the center wire. Shoots that will bear fruit in the future, direct to the side, weave 2 twigs together, and let them down for weaving. The creation of a tie to the supports makes it easier to prune the bushes and makes it easier to pick berries.

Correct formation of the bush.

The first year of the plant's life does not provide for fruiting, therefore, when inflorescences form, it is recommended to cut them off. They begin to use the general nutrition of the bush, which weakens the plant for subsequent fruiting. In the spring of the next season, we cut the twigs by 15 centimeters. During the summer period, shoots that can bear fruit are completely cut off, while removing all the shoots, leaving stronger branches.

How to shelter a blackberry in the Urals for the winter?

Blackberries in the Urals: how to shelter for the winter

Even the excellent winter hardiness of hybrid blackberry varieties growing in Siberia and the Urals sometimes does not save from death during severe winters. They just freeze out. Why is this happening? You must always adhere to generally accepted rules for the construction of insulation of bushes before winter. A small trench is dug along the blackberry plantations, where young bushes should be carefully laid, sprinkled with coniferous materials, sawdust can be used. But in the spring, before the first buds appear, the shelter is removed. That would not create diaper rash.

Outcome

Blackberries are beautiful, even to some extent an ornamental plant. For many growing regions, there are a number of difficulties. But it is in such cases that hybrid varieties of blackberries are used, adapted to certain climatic conditions. In any case, the plant must be given proper care, all the recommended rules must be followed. As a result of your labors, a wonderful, bountiful harvest.

Blackberries in the Urals: video