Gooseberry Xenia

Introduction

Gooseberry Xenia is a relatively new variety that was brought to our country from Europe quite recently. Thanks to its positive characteristics and properties, the variety has already managed to fall in love with many gardeners and gardeners, and this love has spread both among experienced gardeners and among those who have just started their journey in gardening. Therefore, do not be surprised that the reviews about the gooseberry variety Ksenia are overwhelmingly positive.

The Ksenia gooseberry variety was developed by Swiss breeders who sought to obtain a variety that would meet the needs and wishes of most gardeners:

• early ripe variety
• few or no spines
• large berries and bountiful harvest in any conditions

Before planting the Xenia gooseberry variety, or even choosing this variety, of course, it is necessary to study the description of the variety, its most basic characteristics, correlate them with his own desires and understand whether the gardener himself can pull this plant out in order to enjoy an excellent harvest from an excellent shrub ...

Gooseberry Xenia: variety description and main characteristics

Photo of a gooseberry variety Ksenia

The height of the Xenia gooseberry shrub usually reaches one meter, and the root system is about thirty centimeters. The branches are straight, always upright, strong enough. In the process of harvest ripening, large clusters, strewn with berries, appear on the branches. The mass of one Xenia gooseberry berry can reach an average of 14 grams, this is undoubtedly a very high figure, and gooseberry berries really differ in their large size. They have a bright, pink hue and can be shiny. The foliage is typical of a green gooseberry, the leaves are medium in size. The level of studs is minimal, so taking care of the plant and harvesting, pruning it is a safe and not traumatic process. We also note that the culture should not be pollinated on its own, since this process occurs naturally.

Gooseberry Xenia is quite drought tolerant, but still the crop should be watered abundantly once every two weeks if the gardener plans to get a sufficient and plentiful harvest. It is also worth focusing on the weather conditions in this matter, since there is no point in adding moisture in case of heavy precipitation. Also the variety is frost-resistant. Experience has shown that shrubs, without additional protection and without the grower covering them, can withstand temperatures below 35 degrees Celsius. Thus, winter preparation will also not include additional plant protection.

As we have already indicated, the gooseberry belongs to the early ripe varieties; in the first half of June, the very first harvest can be harvested. The fruits are quite large, they can grow in whole clusters, they are quite convenient to collect. They firmly hold on to the branches, so no shedding of fruits occurs in the wind. If the gooseberry Ksenia receives sufficient care and attention from the gardener, then during the season up to 12 kilograms of high-quality fruits can be harvested from one shrub, which will have excellent taste properties and, most importantly, will also contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals.

Ksenia gooseberry fruits have a very rich sweet taste, very aromatic.They can be consumed both fresh and cooked. They are great for making desserts, preserves, jams, and some drinks. If the gardener has a desire, he can transport fruits over long distances, this will not in any way affect the quality of the fruits and their condition. The Xenia gooseberry is a versatile variety as the berries can be processed for a wide variety of purposes.

Of course, any gardeners, before choosing any crop or variety, are guided by their strengths and weaknesses. Among the advantages are the following aspects, which are most often paid attention to by gardeners and gardeners, both experienced and beginners:

• gooseberry variety Ksenia calmly tolerates low temperatures and severe frosts, and is generally loyal to temperature extremes
• high immunity to most diseases, including powdery mildew and other diseases that are provoked by fungi
• if necessary, the fruits are easily transported without losing their qualities
• taste properties at a height, will appeal to any lover of fruits and berry crops
• the fruits are very large, they are easy to remove from the branches
• there are practically no thorns on the shrub, which also simplifies the harvesting process
• berries are universal, they can be prepared depending on your own taste and preferences.

The disadvantage of the gooseberry variety Ksenia is only in the fact that with a high level of yield and the lack of a sufficient amount of minerals and components, the fruits will be small, although there will be a lot of them. Therefore, special attention should be paid to feeding, and only the most suitable preparations should be chosen for this.

Gooseberry Xenia: reproduction, planting and care

Gooseberry Ksenia: video about the variety

One of the main methods of propagation of the Ksenia gooseberry variety is cuttings. But here, too, one should focus on the fact that it is sometimes quite difficult and problematic to cut shrubs by cuttings. The best option is to choose the youngest and strongest shoots, bend and fix them to the ground.

Ksenia gooseberries can be propagated by layering when he has reached his three years of age. To do this, you need to take the strongest branches that are located close to the ground. The branches are fixed with slingshots, which are made of wood or metal. They can be purchased in specialized stores, or you can make yourself. Watering for the cuttings should be regular, then they will give the root system much faster.

Ksenia gooseberry seedlings are planted as standard in two periods - either in spring or in autumn. It is best to plant in the second half of March, and the area chosen by the gardener must be well lit and protected from the wind. The planting algorithm should be as follows: they dig a hole 50x50x60 centimeters, about eight liters of organic fertilizers are placed on the bottom, after which the gooseberries are carefully planted. The plant should be watered very abundantly. At the end of the whole process, you should also mulch the soil around the shrub itself.

Of course, it is possible to achieve excellent results and high yield of Xenia gooseberries only if the gardener is able to provide the plant with quality care. In the process of cultivation, an irrigation system for shrubs should be created, fertilizers should be applied in accordance with the schedule, the crop should be covered for the winter (although it is quite frost-resistant, and many gardeners miss this moment), as well as, if necessary, prevention or full treatment of diseases and pests that can infect plants.

Gooseberry Xenia is drought-resistant, so you can water the plant about once every 10-14 days, not more often. If the summer is rainy, regular precipitation falls, then irrigation can be completely abandoned: there will be enough rainwater for the plants.Pruning is done for several reasons, including:

• bush formation
• gooseberry bush rejuvenation
• sanitary pruning if the branches were affected by any diseases.

In order for the process of fruit ripening to accelerate, fertilizers can be applied, since the culture treats them quite positively. Typically, a mullein-based tincture is used for fertilization. During the period when the very first ovaries appear on the branches, potassium salt can be added. Thanks to her, the taste of the berries will noticeably improve, while it will become more intense, and the fruits themselves will remain completely environmentally friendly and safe for gardeners and their families. The peculiarity of the variety is that the shrubs can withstand extreme frosts. It is not necessary to cover the bushes, but you should carry out sanitary pruning, water the plants abundantly, loosen the soil, mulch it just before winter with sawdust and peat. Work should be done very carefully so as not to harm the root system of shrubs.

Pests and dangerous diseases of the variety

Gooseberry Xenia: photo of the variety

Gooseberry Xenia can attract various pests. If a grower creates unfavorable conditions, or simply grows gooseberries incorrectly, then he may also be exposed to some dangerous diseases. It is best to take some preventive measures, since it is easier to prevent diseases and pests than to get rid of them later. For the purpose of prevention, plant treatments with Bordeaux liquid are used. It is best to process the Xenia gooseberry variety even before the buds on the bushes begin to bloom.

If the plant is exposed to fungal diseases, then you can use some effective remedies that are purchased in professional gardening stores. These are Topsin, Stroby, Topaz, Falcon. To get rid of aphids or a very intrusive spider mite, you should treat the shrubs with Karbofos. In general, these methods are completely safe for plants, and if safety measures are followed, they do not cause any harm to the person himself.

Gooseberry Ksenia: reviews of gardeners

• Ksenia Vasilievna, Rostov region: “My namesake - gooseberry Ksenia became an ideal option for me to grow. The berries of the Xenia variety are very tasty, they are always in sufficient quantity. From the berries of this gooseberry I make pies, preserves, and compotes "
• Maria Mikhailovna, Moscow region: “For me personally, the berries of the gooseberry variety Ksenia are too small. I grow berries on my site in order to make preparations for the winter, and the fact that these berries are insufficient in size makes the cooking process somewhat difficult "