Blackberry varieties: varieties, cultivation features
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Blackberry is a berry shrub that, when grown in the wild, is called a berry weed. And our ancestors practically did not think about growing this berry on their plots. It was believed that the garden was simply littered. A delicious delicacy was enjoyed while harvesting in the forest, wonderful jam, jelly, jams and liqueurs were always present in the cellars.
At the moment, the cultivation of this culture is taking place, the cultivation has become large-scale: both in gardens and personal plots, and in an industrial direction. Tasty and unpretentious blackberry begins to slowly displace the plantings of the popular raspberry, the well-known gooseberry and even currant.
But in the homeland of blackberries, that is, the American open spaces, the shrub is much more important than in Russia and European countries. It is America that ranks first in the industrial cultivation of berry bushes. Breeders of the New World quite successfully succeed in breeding more and more original varieties of blackberries, choosing varieties for cultivation with the most indicative results.
The bred species have a number of features that simplify berry care, breeding methods, harvesting and meet many other parameters. To the great joy of a gardener of any country, the fruits have grown in size, the fruiting interval has increased, and unpretentiousness has increased. A large number of varieties without uncomfortable thorns.
Kumanika (dew) - blackberry, one of the varieties of shrub
Since ancient times, blackberries have been considered a relative of raspberries: in taste, growing methods, care requirements, fruit's usefulness and many other parameters. From a biological point of view, both belong to the family of Rosaceae crops. Even in the wild, blackberries and raspberries choose places to grow near the minimum body of water, but in hilly terrain. The territory of Russia is famous for large thickets of two types of blackberries, which are especially prominent: bushy and gray-gray species.
The North Caucasus and Armenia are famous for the growth of the Giant Blackberry in their open spaces. The cultivation of shrubs has become widespread long before the cultivation of raspberries and other berries. However, at that time, thornless varieties were not mastered, thornless varieties were studied, so every gardener growing this berry constantly faced a problem when caring for bushes and harvesting, since that blackberry was very prickly. Gradually, during the period of breeding new varieties, prickly varieties became a thing of the past. New species without thorns have gained even more popularity for this berry.
The territory of Eurasia is distinguished by the cultivation of blackberries by amateur gardeners. So they planted bushes in their plots just for the pleasure of their beloved. Despite all the disadvantages of not yet mastered varieties. Whereas, at the same time, America gave more and more areas for the cultivation of blackberries on an industrial scale, exports to different countries, and in their own country, private cultivation occupied a small percentage of the total, which allowed the state to make a good income from the sale of its residents.
Mexico was considered the fastest growing and turning with blackberries. From there, most of the crop was exported.
Blackberry: a description of the plant from the point of view of biology
Distributed by shrubs or semi-shrubs.The plant is perennial, the shoots and root system have been actively developing for two years, then the bush is renewed. The leaf plates of the shrub are picturesquely formed, of a complex structure, green in color on the upper side, the bottom of the leaf is whitish.
The shape of the crown of the berry is an evergreen direction. The active formation of inflorescences occurs in May-June, it all depends only on the varietal characteristics and the growing climate. Inflorescences form a brush, and are painted in pink-white shades. In place of the faded flowers, beads are formed, later they begin to fill with juice, gradually turn red, and only at the stage of full maturity do they acquire a bluish-black color.
On the berries of some varieties, you can see a slight glossy shine and a bluish bluish bloom. The taste of the berry is sweetness, turning into a slight sourness. A large amount of usefulness in fruits: various natural sugars, manganese, vitamins E, A, C, Potassium. Berries can be used in folk medicine, for example, as an antipyretic agent, for the sake of an anti-inflammatory effect, to stabilize the digestive system, as a sedative for nervousness, and most importantly, it perfectly increases immunity.
Each variety and species has a lot of external factors of similarity, but upon detailed examination, you can emphasize a number of features of each separately: external qualities, methods of growing and care, characteristics of fruits.
If we consider the form of growth, then all varieties are divided into:
- climbing;
- upright;
- bearingless;
- transitional features of forms.
Erect types of blackberries
Bushes of an upright direction grow similarly to raspberry plantings. Such varieties are sometimes called Kumanika. The majestic bushes can reach up to 2 meters. But upon reaching the peak of growth, the shoots begin to tilt down a little, forming arched shapes. Therefore, it is recommended to initially adapt the support, trellis. This form of bushes is covered with very large thorns, but they have a tendency to bend inward.
Such blackberries give preference to the more moist quality of the soil. If irrigation is disturbed, especially during problematic times of the season, the crop becomes shallow and loses abundance. Formation of berries is more cylindrical, black, a little blue, the skin is a little shiny. Most shrubs of this shape have excellent immunity to cold weather, but when grown in colder regions, special insulation is needed.
Reproduction of a similar form of shrub occurs through rooting of offspring and cuttings of the main root. This species is the basis for the development of a large number of new varieties, mainly American and Polish breeding. For example: Apache, Ruben, Ouachita, Gazda.
Climbing (creeping) bushes
Climbing shaping, in the people of "dew", grows mainly by shoots to the ground. This is the simplest representative of the wild fauna, the main area of thickets in the forest belt of Eurasia, western Siberia. The shoots curl quite strongly, they can stretch up to 5 meters in length. Since the direction of the growth form is to creep along the ground, the shrub does not need additional support at all, but gardeners still partially adapt the shoots to the trellis.
Each shoot is covered with numerous thorns. The shape of the berries is partially rounded, but in some varieties - cylindrically-elongated, painted in a bluish-black color, the skin is casted with a bloom of blue. Rosyanika differs significantly from kumanika in the abundance of the harvest, in the first it is quite larger.
But in relation to the cold weather, the dewdrop is not adapted to tolerate low temperatures, the threshold of -15 degrees. If you do not create additional insulation, the berry bush will die during wintering.Very patient attitude towards the dry season, there are practically no requirements for the care and quality of the soil.
Blackberries are capable of growing and bearing fruit perfectly even in shaded areas. Possible methods of reproduction are seed, by cuttings of the tops. The most popular varieties for growing in gardens: Lucretia, Izobilnaya, Texas, Columbia Star, Oregon Thornless.
Transitional form of varieties
This shaping of shoots is something in between, passing from creeping to erect, each shoot stretches up to a certain level of growth, after which it begins to lean to the ground and stretch along. Reproduction of this species is possible when using root layering, rooting the top of the shoot. Partial frost tolerance, so it is advisable to insulate for the winter. Varieties related to this type of blackberry: Loch Ness, Waldo, Chachanska Bestrna, Natchez.
Spineless species
This kind is only the merit of a person, his brainchild. It is impossible to find this type of blackberry on the prairies of the wilderness of any continent on Earth. Crossing the Cut BlackBerry with all varieties made it possible to achieve this result. At the moment, there are a significant number of varieties of upright, creeping and semi-creeping form growth, completely without thorns.
Blackberries: varieties, description
According to experts, today you can count 200 with a tail of various varieties of blackberry bush. There are other calculations where the amount is half less, but there is no exact figure.
For 150 years now, breeders from different countries and continents have continued to master and develop more and more new varieties. Each has minor, but distinctive varietal characteristics, thanks to which every gardener can choose the necessary variety for his garden. And there is something to experiment with. There is plenty of planting material for everyone. The very first hybrid varieties were bred in America.
A considerable contribution to the development of this direction was made by the scientist of the Soviet era, a lot of efforts were made by the biologist I.V. Michurin.
Initially, the direction of selection was predominantly for obtaining fruits of a sufficiently large size and the development of excellent frost resistance. But in the 20th century, the goal of almost every breeder was to breed thornless varieties. Experiments are continuing in relation to the timing of the duration of fruiting, mechanical maturity.
To date, the number of varieties that meet any requirement and whim of the gardener, as well as the peculiarities of the climatic conditions of residence, has increased by an order of magnitude, you can choose a variety that can bear fruit 2 times per vegetative year, of course, subject to the growing conditions.
If we talk about the classification of varieties, we can say that all these are very conditional values. One variety, variety, can be attributed to several groups. For example, Avagam. It can be attributed to any group: early, frost-resistant, shade tolerance at altitude.
Next, we will consider the main characteristics of the most popular varieties among gardeners.
Early blackberry
The ripening of the fruits of this blackberry occurs at the beginning of summer, but, depending on the region, these dates can shift slightly. For example, in the south - this is the last decade of June, and in the northern regions the berry ripens only in mid-July. The acquired blackness of the berries is not a simultaneous phenomenon, everything happens gradually, therefore, the harvest has a long period, almost a month and a half.
The early varieties include blackberry species without thorns and a fairly thorny shrub, there are also varieties of both direct and creeping direction. But all these representatives have a common drawback - poor tolerance to low temperatures, frost.
Natchez - more than 10 years ago, gardeners were pleased with the appearance of this variety by American breeders of the state of Arkansas.A variety of large-fruited blackberries, each berry is up to 10 grams, the absolute absence of thorns, erect development of shoots, grows up to 3 meters. Mechanical ripening of fruits occurs in mid-June. Sweet, attractive berry taste, slightly viscous aftertaste.
Full ripening of the entire amount of the crop occurs in a month and a half, after formation. Medium-abundant harvest, from each adult bush you can harvest up to 18 kilograms of delicious blackberries. Very low frost resistance, will not survive below -15 degrees. Mandatory shelter for the winter.
Ouachita Is another pride of American breeders. Very generous fruiting. Powerful, upright bushes, up to 300 centimeters in height, no thorns at all. Medium-sized berries, no more than 7 grams, begin to ripen in late June and early July. The abundance of the crop exceeds many installations - almost 30 kilograms from each plant, the authors of the variety said. But there is a minus - it practically will not survive the frosty winter without a special shelter. Able to endure at least -17 degrees. The process of creating a shelter is complicated by the fact that the bushes are strong, grow vertically, and are practically unable to bend.
Giant - such a variety was bred mainly for industrial cultivation, the production scale makes it possible to cope with a very thorny dwarf shrub, the stems of which are actively weaving among themselves. The fruits are quite dense (which contributes to increased safety and transportation), mixed formation of berries, from medium to large, the most massive - up to 12 grams. Ripening begins in July, the berries acquire a great taste. Average frost resistance, can easily overwinter under a small shelter.
Columbia Star - almost the newest product, again, by American breeders. But due to its novelty, it has not yet gained popularity and demand among gardeners. This blackberry shrub belongs to the early varieties, mostly without thorns, the shoots can stretch up to 5 meters. But this fact is not able to particularly complicate plant care and harvesting.
The authors of the hybrid variety announced an increased yield and large-fruited, berries should grow up to almost 15 grams. A very patient blackberry, it will steadily survive the heat and prolonged drought. But! Very low immunity to frost. Above -15 degrees and the shrubbery may freeze out. Necessarily high-quality insulation. According to experts and gardeners who have had time to experiment with this variety, the fruits stand out with a special sophistication, sophistication in taste.
Chachanska Bestrna - this representative got its start in Poland, breeders promise a yield of 15 kilograms from each plant. The shrub is semi-creeping, which makes harvesting easier, absolutely free from thorns. Convenient variety on all sides. The fruits are very juicy, large in size, sweet, with a slight sourness, to the taste.
Any hybrid has disadvantages. This representative is no exception - the shelf life is very short. But this minus is made up for by practical unpretentiousness in care: any heat, prolonged drought or heavy rains, the main thing is good drainage during planting. Cold resistance at an altitude, almost -26 degrees will survive with ease. Immunity to diseases and pests is increased.
Osage - the variety is endowed with the most exquisite taste according to experts and ordinary amateur gardeners. But the yield of this variety is not surprising with its abundance. In total, up to 4 kilograms of berries can be harvested from one plant. Vertical bushes reach up to 2 meters in height, there are no thorns at all on the shoots. Medium-sized oval-round fruits. Weakened resistance to cold, not lower than -15 degrees. It is recommended to shelter for the winter even in the southern regions.
Karaka Black - a relatively new variety, climbing growth and early ripening.Bred in New Zealand by biologists-scientists. The average weight of berries is up to 10 grams, they have an original form of formation, they are endowed with sweet and sour taste, which is typical for blackberries. Long-term fruiting, lasts almost 60 days, up to 15 kilograms of berries can be harvested from the bush. There is a drawback - this is the presence of thorns, albeit small. Also reduced resistance to cold.
Average ripening times for blackberries
Representatives of this species have a number of features: shrubs bear fruit from mid-July to the end of summer, that is, rather long fruiting. But the quality of taste depends on the characteristics of the climatic conditions in the growing area. Weather conditions are able to regulate the sweetness and acidity of the berries.
For example, mostly rainy weather - and the taste is more sour. Due to the prolonged heat, the fruits dry out, respectively, the taste is lost.
Loch Ness - the variety is distinguished by its unpretentious care and the quality of the soil composition, but at the same time, sufficiently high taste qualities remain. Semi-creeping shoots of berry bushes are completely thornless, quite compact bushes. At the end of July, the berries come to a mechanical ripeness, of excellent taste, endowed with a slight sourness.
Almost 30 kilograms of fruit can be harvested from each plant, which indicates excellent fruiting, consistently yielding a harvest. All quality varieties approved by the authors are valid only with appropriate care.
Loch Tei - a hybrid of blackberries, completely without thorns, distinguished by its enlarged berries of excellent sweet taste. The density of the pulp and skin allows the crop to be transported over a distance without damaging the berries. The yield is relatively average, no more than 12 kilograms per bush.
The flexibility of the shoots makes it easy to bend the shrub to create a shelter, since the plant can only tolerate up to -20 degrees of frost. But the shrub has a majestic growth, almost 5 meters, therefore, in this case, support is needed, already upon reaching 2-2.5 meters. For wintering, the shoots are removed from the support and bent to the soil.
Waldo - a time-hardened variety, all qualities tested by amateur gardeners, who endowed it with the best recommendations. A thornless berry shrub with a creeping shoot shape, attractively compact, convenient and easy to grow even in small garden plots.
Medium-sized berries, no more than 8 grams, which ripen in July. Fruiting is relatively average, up to 17 kilograms per bush. Average frost resistance. In harsher climates, shelter is necessary for the winter.
Kiova - large-fruited variety, each berry is almost 25 grams, high yield, up to 30 kilograms per plant with proper cultivation and excellent climatic conditions. Fruit ripening begins in mid-July and lasts until the second half of August. Frost resistance allows you to survive -25 degrees of frost. For cultivation in northern latitudes, shelter for the winter is necessary.
Late ripening
It speaks of the late period of mechanical ripeness of berries, the beginning of harvesting falls on the end of August-beginning of September. As stated by the breeders, the bred variety is rather unpretentious about the cultivation methods, the quality of the soil, the growing area, therefore, the gardener does not need to constantly be zealous in the garden to obtain the desired result.
This shrub pleases with its delicious fruits at a time when the relatives of the blackberry have already finished bearing fruit and the last collection of berries is long behind. However, such a variety is very little in demand for the northern region, since the cold there comes much earlier, and the winters are more severe and the fruits very often simply do not ripen by the time the first snow falls.
Texas - this variety is the brainchild of a Soviet-era scientist, I.V. Michurin.The original name of the shrub was "raspberry blackberry", since a great similarity of cultures is observed in the formation of leaves, as well as the ripeness of berries and the taste of fruits. A shrub of creeping shoots, which, in turn, are strong enough, but flexible, which allows you to easily press them to the ground when creating a shelter for the winter. The peculiarity of the variety is a thorny shrub, including the stalk.
The most convenient way to grow is to attach it to a trellis. Another feature is the distinctive, dark crimson color of the berries; there is a bloom of a bluish hue on the skin. Taste qualities, as mentioned above, are very similar to raspberries. Average yield does not exceed 13 kilograms from each bush. But it differs in the duration of the fruiting age, almost 15 years, which gives superiority over the relatives of this blackberry variety.
Low frost resistance reduces the popularity of the variety in some regions that are more severe for the winter.
Oregon Thornless - an American hybrid, a completely thornless bush, shoots spread, growing up to 4 meters. Attractively beautiful leaf shape. The main way of growing a crop is by tying it to a support. In some cases, the beauty of the bush is used by gardeners to create a decorated green fence.
The average weight of the fruit, up to 9 grams, the main ripening at the end of summer. Productivity also does not differ in abundance, does not exceed 10 kilograms per plant. Average frost resistance, up to -20 degrees. It is still advisable to cover the bushes for the winter before the onset of cold weather.
Navajo - bred by American breeders, low vertical growth shoots can do fine without additional support. Growth of 150 centimeters does not interfere with harvesting and caring for the shrub. Refers to the studless varieties. The taste of the berries is sweet, with a slight sourness, but a small mass, only up to 7 grams, makes up for a good abundance of the harvest, which ripens from August to September. Up to 15 kilograms of harvest are harvested from each bush. It does not require additional maintenance, but insulation is necessary for the winter period.
Triple Crown - the authors of this variety are Americans, Oregon. Shoots half spread over the site, the branches are endowed with good flexibility, a rather small bush growth, only up to 3 meters. Complete absence of thorns. Medium-sized fruits, low yield, does not exceed 10 kilograms per plant. The unpretentiousness of the shrub makes it easy to survive a prolonged drought, sultry weather. However, it is minimally endowed with frost resistance, therefore, an obligatory shelter for the winter is necessary.
Chester - the shoots of this shrub are half-spread, a very compact plant with no thorns. Small berries do not exceed 8 grams in weight. However, this nuance makes up for the average abundance of fruiting, from each bush up to 20 kilograms of fruit. The variety belongs to the frost-resistant varieties of blackberries. Able to survive up to -25 degrees. But all the same, it is recommended to cover for the winter. This hybrid has a preference for the growing area, negatively tolerates shady areas and swampy soil.
Thornfree - belongs to the most productive types of late ripening blackberries, a thornless external indicator. Based on the gardener's reviews, it can be argued that it is possible to collect up to 35 kilograms of very tasty, aromatic berries from each plant. Ripening of the bulk of the crop begins closer to September. Sweet, with a slight sourness taste, elongated fruit formation, by weight up to 7 grams.
Semi-plaited shrub, endowed with very powerful shoots, reaching a length of 5 meters. Reduced frost resistance, requiring insulation, is compensated by excellent immunity to diseases and pests.
Black Satin Is a very popular variety with many experienced gardeners. Shoots of medium stiffness begin to droop to the ground when they reach full growth.Completely freed from thorns. Rounded fruits have a sweet taste, medium in size, only up to 8 grams. With sufficient care and excellent weather conditions, the yield per plant reaches 25 kilograms.
The variety has a longer ripening period, almost until mid-October. Temperatures below -20 degrees will survive only under cover. Negatively refers to stagnation of water, high-quality drainage is required when planting.
Doyle - the variety is not particularly known for amateur gardeners. A new hybrid of the studless direction. At the end of the fruiting season, it shows good results, up to almost 25 kilograms from each plant. Berries of medium size, 9 grams each. The shoot is formed in a semi-creeping form. Sufficiently elongated, therefore support is required. Good tolerance for heat and prolonged drought. But the plant needs protection from the winter cold.
Blackberries: varieties of excellent shade tolerance
The ancestor of cultivated blackberries is a wild berry, therefore, almost all varieties do not have special privileges in the choice of soil and place of growth. They are able to adapt to any climatic conditions. However, the peculiarities of the cultivation climate can drastically change the taste of any variety of blackberry.
The location of the landings has a place for choice. When the blackberries are planted in shaded areas, an acidic berry flavor is added. That is, the lack of light and a fairly long rainy season will negatively affect the taste of the fruit. There are, of course, a number of species bred with the peculiarity of perfectly bearing fruit and preserving the taste of the fruit even in such conditions. But at the same time, the size of the berries decreases.
Thornless Evergreen - a fairly old variety, relative to its young relatives. It is almost 100 years old, if you look superficially, then in many respects it is capable of giving way to more advanced varieties. The shoots are half-spread. The fruits are small enough, do not exceed 5 grams, but the excellent aroma of the berries attracts everyone's attention. The fruits form a cluster, which includes up to 70 miniature berries.
The low weight of the fruit is compensated by the abundance of the harvest. This variety is also almost the discoverer of thornless superiority. And the greenery and elasticity of the foliage is preserved until the first snowfall, so some period continues. This feature allows the shrub to maintain a beautiful shape for a fairly long time after the last harvest. In early spring, active growth of blackberry bushes of this variety begins. So the fact of the backwardness of this variety from its relatives remains in doubt.
Avagam - a variety of blackberries, recommended for growing in more shaded areas of the garden, personal plot. Excellent frost resistance, without a certain shelter, it is able to survive frosts down to -40 degrees. Straight shoots belong to varieties with thorns, they can grow up to 3 meters, but due to the strength of the shoots, the shrub can be grown without the construction of a support.
Fruits are small enough, do not exceed 5 grams, ripening occurs at the beginning of August. The yield is 8-10 kilograms per plant. A significant disadvantage of the variety - like all thorny varieties - there is a lot of root growth, which causes great inconvenience in care, constant weeding and loosening is necessary.
Blackberry varieties that can withstand frost or vice versa will not survive even -15 degrees
This definition includes varieties of blackberries with shoots growing vertically and in a transitional form. Cold temperature tolerance is much higher than that of creeping species, among such varieties there are varieties with thorns and thornless species, subspecies of early and late ripening.
Blackberry variety Abundant - the Soviet breeder did a good job on this variety, a lot of work has been invested and the result is making itself felt.Compact, but strong bushes, no root suckers. The shoot of the bush is half-crushed, but there are thorns of a semi-curved shape. Oblong berries, small in size, up to 7 grams in weight, sweet and sour taste. The most frost-resistant variety of Russian and Soviet selection. In northwestern Russia, it is recommended to cover shrubs before wintering using snow embankments.
Blackberry Ufa, bred through the selection work of the Avagam variety - all the main signs passed to the Ufa beauty, however, frost resistance increased significantly, unlike its ancestor. It is successfully cultivated in the middle latitudes of Russia. Smallish fruits, not heavier than 3 grams, but very good taste. Excellent yield, almost 12 kilograms, is able to make up for the diminutiveness of the berries.
Polar - bred in Poland, breeders have endowed the plant with fairly strong, stocky shoots, completely without thorns. Early ripening of the crop, made up of large (up to 12 grams) berries. Up to -3- degrees Polar calmly overwinters without additional shelter. Low yield, only up to 6 kilograms. But from the experience of gardeners, the statement can be emphasized - by creating a shelter for the winter, you can get a more bountiful harvest in the next season.
Arapaho - a variety of American breeding, bred at the end of the 20th century, all experienced gardeners and novices in this business have been conquered by the superiority of the variety. Besshorny blackberries of early ripening. Juicy, sweet berries, by weight up to 8 g, wide cone-shaped fruit. Above average yield of Arapaho. Without shelter, it is able to survive up to -25 degrees, perfectly developed immunity to diseases.
Apaches - a variety, originally from the United States of America, bred in the late 90s, all the best varietal characteristics of various types of blackberries are collected in this variety. Erect, strong, thornless shoots. Cylindrical elongated berry, up to 10 grams in weight, sweet taste and excellent storage. The increased yield allows the variety to be grown for commercial purposes. Developed immunity to various diseases, it winters well in severe frosts.
Darrow - American representative, frost up to -35 will survive calmly, without harming his own health. Thorny shoots grow up to 250 centimeters. The fruits are small, not heavier than 4 grams. At the beginning of ripening, the taste is more sour, which is corrected upon reaching full mechanical ripeness. More sweetness is observed in overripe fruits. Average yield, no more than 10 kilograms from an adult bush.
Blackberry remontant varieties
What does the term remontability mean is the ability of berry bushes to bear fruit twice a season. The first harvest is attended by shoots that have survived the winter, it falls on the beginning of July. Young shoots give a harvest in the last days of summer.
It is unprofitable to grow remontant varieties in more northern regions, where cold weather sets in earlier. Late frosts in spring will harm earlier crops. The last crop is capable of perishing or simply unripe when the early cold weather sets in.
Prime Arc Freedom - quite the newest representative of this trend, vertical shoots without thorns. High sugar content in fruits, large size and weight, up to 20 grams. The authors of the variety declare a bountiful harvest. The disadvantage of the variety is a very low cold resistance. It is not recommended to grow without special shelter.
Black Magic (popularly black magic) - a low shrub, up to 150 centimeters, ripening occurs in waves, in two stages. This is the end of June, again - mid-August. Berries of double size, slightly larger and smaller, increased fruit sweetness. But the yield is very low, does not exceed 5 kilograms from each plant.The disadvantages include the presence of thorns on the shoots, low winter hardiness, insulation is required for wintering.
Ruben - an upright hybrid, thorny, strong enough shrub, growth allows growing without additional support. The first time for harvesting occurs in mid-July. You can start harvesting again towards the end of October. Large-fruited shrub, almost 16 grams each berry. Increased productivity of the variety. It will negatively survive -16 degrees, but even in extreme heat, up to +30 degrees, the plant weakens, that is, there is an intolerance to high temperatures.
How blackberries are grown, depending on the region
A distinctive feature of each variety in any region is the growing season. For almost two months, the process of plant activation takes place, when the bush wakes up after wintering and the flowering period begins. The duration of fruiting varies up to one and a half months. In some conditions, this is even an excellent quality: return frosts in spring do not injure delicate, unformed buds, and berries are picked at that period of the season when most of the berry crops have already borne fruit and the plants are resting, gaining strength before wintering.
The other side of this feature is that regions with severe climatic winters have a very negative effect on fruiting and yield quality for blackberry varieties with a later ripening date. In this case, the berries do not ripen and remain half-ripe with the first snow, which does not suit gardeners at all.
Important! Be sure to select varieties for growing, taking into account all varietal characteristics of each. The ratio of the plant to the growing climate, growing area, soil composition and similar parameters for selection. It is necessary to clarify the adaptability of varieties of blackberries to frost, prolonged drought, the timing of fruiting, the tolerance of a constant shade, the waterlogged state of the soil.
Features of varieties for central Russia, Moscow region
The blackberries that you have selected for growing in this area must meet the main characteristics: frost resistance at altitude, optimal ripening times. If the first criterion is high, then the second parameter increases the indicators and the bushes feel great.
In some cases, it is possible to use a simple snow drift, additionally created by you. Sawdust, fallen leaves are also used. It is these actions that will contribute to an easier overwintering. Warming even a frost-resistant plant will help increase the yield of the next season.
For these territories, varieties are selected with earlier ripening periods, the cultivation of mid-season varieties of blackberry shrubs is allowed. Choosing late-ripening varieties will bring a number of inconveniences. Nature works wonders in these territories, so it is not known when to expect the first cold weather and even snow. And the fruits at this time do not have time to ripen, which means only one thing - you just wasted your energy and time in vain.
The most recommended blackberry varieties for growing in these regions: Chester, Darrow, Izobilnaya, Thornless Evergreen, Ufimskaya, Agavam, Loch Ness.
Ural, Siberia. Species for the local climate
The varieties are relatively new in relation to their relatives. Endowed with ultra-resistance to cold, severe frosts of Siberia and the Ural territory. The harsh climate allows the following varieties to bear fruit: Darrow, Apache, Arapakho, Izobilnaya, Ufimskaya, Agavam.
Middle latitudes perfectly allow blackberry varieties to grow without shelter. However, Siberia and the Urals can cruelly deal with the plant without shelter, the consequences are irreversible, the plant dies. Planting a heat-loving shrub in a sunnier area allows the plant to develop well and bear fruit on time.
Blackberries for Leningrad and the region, the vastness of Belarus
The climate of St. Petersburg and Belarus is quite similar, the winters are warm for a long time, and the summer is characterized by light coolness. For such a climate, it is recommended to select the most winter-hardy varieties of blackberries. Necessarily mid-season varieties.
The following varieties can be recommended: Arapaho, Agavam, Doyle, Triple Crown. Only those varieties that you liked will have to be intensively insulated, but they do not have strong resistance to cold. Repaired blackberry varieties and varieties with negative humidity requirements will not survive.
Ukraine. South of Russia
In these territories, varieties of any direction perfectly take root, even remontance will not interfere with the growth process and the excellent activity of the blackberry bush. Attention is paid only to such varietal characteristics as resistance to drought and prolonged heat. For example, the Ruben variety is not able to set fruits at a temperature of +30 degrees.
The cultivation of varieties with later ripening dates is welcomed not only by gardeners, but in a commercial direction. Almost all berry crops leave the market and then a wonderful blackberry appears.
Varieties with reduced cold resistance must be insulated even in regions where the climate is milder, but an increased degree of frost resistance, when grown in these regions, allows gardeners to relax a little during the winter period.
A very large number of blackberry varieties can withstand moderate frosts and relatively warm winters. In this case, the following varieties are recommended: Natchez, Loch Tay, Thornfree, Black Satin, Waldo, Doyle.
Shaded areas will not harm the following varieties: Agave and Thornless Evergreen. Blackberry varieties Prime-Arc Freedom, Black Magic of remontant origin, therefore give excellent-quality harvest twice a season.
A wonderful, tasty, healthy berry, blackberry continues to rapidly displace more traditional berries from the commercial market, a number of crops that have become less popular with modern gardeners.
The mass of decent varietal qualities allows you to choose varieties for growing on your plots in all parameters, a completely versatile direction in development and survival in any area. It is enough to correctly, deliberately approach the choice of the variety you need, adherence to proper care, caring for the plants. Then the blackberry will fully replenish all your efforts with its delicious and wholesome gifts.