Growing a raspberry tree, methods of breeding standard raspberries in the country
Content:
Raspberry is perhaps one of the most popular and beloved berries in our country. It has excellent taste and contains many useful substances. Many people dream of growing raspberries in their garden, but sometimes there is simply not enough space for this. However, here you can find a way out of the situation by planting standard raspberries on your site. This crimson tree does not take up much space, reaches a height of two meters and has a beautiful decorative look that will decorate your garden.
The raspberry tree is a perennial plant that appeared in our country in the last years of the 20th century. Its fruits, weighing 20 grams, look the same as ordinary raspberries and grow on the processes of the lateral shoots.
Raspberry tree or standard raspberry - what is it
Standard raspberry differs from the usual one in its strength and flexibility of shoots. Actually for these qualities it is called a tree.
Its berries do not differ from ordinary raspberries, neither in taste, nor in the content of nutrients, nor in appearance. The only differences are their weight and growing method.
The fact is that this species allows us to independently stimulate the growth of fruits. To do this, after harvesting, pinch the tops of the shoots that bear fruit. Which stimulates dormant lateral buds to grow new shoots.
Pros in growing a raspberry tree
Despite the fact that standard raspberries appeared in Russia not so long ago, they have already gained popularity among gardeners. This variety allows you to decorate your garden and get a good harvest without much effort.
Unlike a bush, it does not require special props, since it has a strong trunk and bears a greater number of fruits, which are much larger than on bushes.
The raspberry tree can be harvested until late autumn due to its resistance to cold weather. Harvesting is very easy because it has straight stems and all the berries in sight.
Description of the raspberry tree
The crimson tree has a sturdy trunk that does not need support. This plant can be tied up only in the first year of life, so as not to allow it to break in strong winds.
Its branches have shortened internodes, which prevents them from bending to the ground under the weight of the berries.
As for care, it is no different from caring for an ordinary shrub, with the exception of pinching the upper fruiting shoots.
What are the types and varieties of raspberry tree
Standard raspberries should not be considered a separate variety. It appeared thanks to the work of breeders.
Today in our country such varieties are used as:
Tarusa
The raspberry tarusa tree is the result of the work of Russian breeders and is perhaps the most popular in our country. It gives good yields and its fruits are excellent in taste.
Each berry weighs about 15 grams. It is a hardy plant that is highly resistant to various diseases.
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A fairy tale raspberry tree can be distinguished from others for the taste of its fruits.The yield of this plant is at least 10 kilograms and, as in the case of Tarusa, it is resistant to many diseases.
Penguin
This is the youngest variety created by breeders. The advantages of this plant are that its fruits can withstand long-term storage.
The bush itself is small and can reach a maximum height of up to 1.5 meters. The stems of this plant must be cut to the very root before the beginning of winter.
Gold
This variety cannot be confused with others. Its berries are yellow in color and have excellent aroma and taste.
Eurasia
Raspberry bushes of this variety reach 1.2 meters in height. Its fruits are deep dark red in color. The weight of the berries is at least 5 grams.
Since the plant can give a good harvest only from young branches, the bush is cut off before the beginning of winter, leaving only the root.
Buying a raspberry tree sapling
Since the raspberry tree propagates by cuttings, the best option for obtaining it would be to acquire it from good neighbors, good friends or acquaintances.
The second option is to buy from nurseries or specialized stores. If you decide to purchase cuttings in the markets, do not forget to ask for documents.
When you buy from undocumented people, you can buy anything but raspberry bushes.
Raspberry tree: planting and care
Despite the fact that the standard raspberry is not a demanding plant, it needs care to get a good harvest.
It is important to know that the plant prefers open sunny areas, so the place should be chosen for it.
The land loves well-drained, so if you have clay soil, then you need to add river sand there. Fertilizers must be applied before planting the plant. They are applied one month before planting. The best option as top dressing are humus, wood ash and azophoska, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.
You can plant trees in the garden both in autumn and spring. In the southern regions of our country, this can be done even during the winter months.
Plants are planted at a distance of about 0.5 meters from other plants and at a distance of two meters between rows, since the crowns of these trees are large and need space. If they are given good space, they will provide us with a good harvest.
After the seedlings are planted in the holes, you need to do the first top dressing. Top dressing is done immediately after watering. This allows nutrients to penetrate the soil faster and better.
For feeding, take 1 teaspoon of azofosk and put on each well. When planting plants in the ground, the air temperature should not be lower than 15 degrees.
Watering is also essential for a good harvest. Therefore, during the period of fruit formation, it is necessary to ensure that the earth does not dry out and water it regularly.
For each tree of standard varieties, one bucket of water is needed per week. If the plant does not get enough moisture, berry formation may stop completely.
Before the onset of winter, the branches on the bushes must be cut off and only the strongest shoots should be left, but no more than six. In varieties such as Eurasia and Penguin, the branches must be cut off completely, leaving only the root.
As you can see, these plants do not need much care and do not take a lot of time. However, the care for each plant may be slightly different. Therefore, it is important to read the information about the plant in the description.
This information can be obtained directly from the supplier's website or from specialists working in nurseries.
In the first year, you should not expect a large harvest from the raspberry tree. It takes time to adapt to your garden.
After the plant gets used to the soil, it will be covered with branches and start delighting you with a large harvest of delicious, aromatic and incredibly healthy berries.
What you need to know when watering and the best place to plant a raspberry tree
When watering a raspberry tree, consider the frequency of rainfall.In addition to the fact that it is necessary not to allow the earth to dry out, it is also necessary to prevent water from stagnating in the soil. Due to stagnant water, rot can form, which can kill our plant.
When planting, pay attention to the presence of groundwater in the area. If their distance is higher than 1.5 meters from the surface, then the ground must be raised.
As for the location, here you need to choose a well-lit area or partial shade, but with a lot of hours in the sun.
The place must be level and protected from drafts. Fences, walls of houses or buildings must be at least 1 meter away from trees.
It is not recommended to plant standard raspberries next to strawberries and vegetables of the Solanaceae family. These plants have common diseases and therefore should be planted away from each other.
It is possible to plant raspberries in the same place only three years later, after the previous bush has been removed.
Raspberry tree care
Caring for a raspberry tree does not require much effort and time, but nevertheless, some effort must be made.
Weeding
After the tree is planted, it must be weeded out. Removing weeds allows oxygen to penetrate the soil better. That not only has a positive effect on growth, but also helps protect the plant from rot.
Hilling
Hilling is also of great importance. Thanks to it, the crust is removed from the ground and nutrients are better and faster entering the roots.
Mulching
Mulching is beneficial for all types of crops. This method allows you to maintain soil moisture, prevents weeds from developing. After the mulch is crumbling, a large amount of nutrients enter the soil. Mulching can be done with sawdust or peat mixture.
If you live in regions with severe winter frosts, then the shoots left on the trees after cutting should be slightly bent and covered with breathable woven material.
When and how to pinch a raspberry tree
Pinching mature trees is an important part of caring for them. This method promotes the active growth of new shoots, on which fruits are formed in the future. If you do this in the fall, after the berries have ripened, you can harvest the crop twice a year.
If you do this procedure twice, in spring and autumn, then the crop can be removed once.
In the spring it is necessary to cut off dry shoots.
After you have done the pruning, the plants must be treated with iodine (3% solution).
How to form the correct crown on a raspberry tree
The formation of the crown has a good effect on the harvest.
To do this, the plants are pruned twice throughout their life. It is recommended to do this procedure for the first time in May. During this period, you can significantly enhance growth and form a crown by shortening the branches by no more than 10 centimeters.
The tree can be trimmed when it reaches 60 centimeters. The second time the trees are cut by 15 centimeters a year later. After a few months, shoots will form on these branches and in the fall, you can harvest a good harvest of juicy berries.
How to feed a raspberry tree in autumn
To achieve the best results in growing a raspberry tree and get a consistently large harvest every year, you need to feed the plant in the fall.
Organic fertilizers are perfect as a top dressing. In order to fertilize our trees, we need 5 kilograms of cow dung per 1 square meter of land and cover the top with sawdust mixed with one glass of urea.
Please note that nitrogen fertilizers can only be used in the first stage of growth. Nitrogen stimulates the growth of greenery and branches, while inhibiting the development of fruits.
Reproduction of the raspberry tree
Reproduction of raspberry trees occurs in two ways, through cuttings and root shoots. It is possible to breed them at home.
Before you start planting, you need to prepare the soil. For this, sand and peat must be mixed in equal proportions and placed in a container.
After that, plant the cuttings or root processes in the holes and remove them in a warm and bright place. When the first true leaves appear, they can be transplanted. After a year, the raspberry tree will be ready to be transplanted into the garden.
Raspberry tree: diseases and pests
Raspberries are a plant that is susceptible to disease. However, standard raspberries are more resistant to them than other species.
Raspberry beetle - affects flowers and buds, causing great harm to the crop. Laying their eggs inside the berry, they completely destroy them.
The best way to deal with this pest is prevention. To do this, use insecticidal solutions purchased from a specialized store every year.
The second problem can be freezing bushes. Despite the fact that the raspberry tree is a frost-resistant plant, in regions with harsh winters, it must be covered.
As you can see, Standard raspberry is a plant that does not need special care and much attention. By following small rules, you can harvest large harvests every year. And the beauty of these trees during flowering can decorate any garden.