Gooseberry Captivator: variety description and characteristics, planting and care rules

For planting in home gardens, gardeners often choose thornless gooseberry varieties, which makes it easier to harvest. In addition, when choosing a variety of culture, attention is paid to the resistance of the plant to fungal diseases, in particular, powdery mildew. The description of the gooseberry variety Captivator states that the bush annually produces good yields of tasty berries and does not require complex agrotechnical care.

History of selection

Thornless gooseberry variety Captivator was bred by Canadian breeders in the city of Ottawa. Varieties of Clark and Spinfrey culture were taken as a basis.Thanks to the work of scientists, a hybrid was obtained that is resistant not only to powdery mildew pathogens, but also to extremely low temperatures. Registration of a new variety was recorded in 1984, and despite the emergence of newer varieties of gooseberries, Captivator is still popular with gardeners around the world.

Variety description

The Captivator variety is perfect for small household plots, where every meter is worth its weight in gold. The fact is that the bush grows in height, not in width, and it does not need large territories for full development. The absence of thorny thorns on the bush allows you to harvest without problems and not injure your hands.

At the very beginning of the vegetative season, juvenile thorns are formed on the shoots, but by the time the berries are ripe, they practically disappear. The gooseberry spends the first 3 years of its life on growing branches, and only after that it begins to fully bear fruit.The peak of productivity is observed in the 5th-6th year of development, and the number of fruits remains at the same level until the end of the life of the bush.

Due to the average crop yield from 2 bushes, there is enough to eat berries in the season, and to make preparations for the winter for the whole family.

Culture characteristic

General characteristics of the variety indicated by breeders:

1. Fruits of universal purpose - they are eaten fresh and prepared for twists for the winter.
2. The height of the bush reaches 1.6 meters, the shoots bend under the weight of the crop, so it is recommended to install props.
3. Hybrid variety has strong immunity to pathogens of powdery and downy mildew, as well as other fungal diseases.
4. From year to year, the bushes give a stable harvest, despite the vagaries of the weather.
5. The rind of the gooseberry is dark red, turning burgundy when fully ripe.
6. The berries taste sweet and sour, if you eat them fresh, you will have to sweeten a little.
7. The weight of tear-shaped fruit is 4 to 6 grams.
8. The variety is self-fertile, so you don't have to plant pollinators nearby.
9. Kaptivator Gooseberry tolerates harsh winters well, so it can be grown even in the northern regions.

Pros and cons

Homeowners who have grown this variety for years have identified several significant benefits of the Captivator. They attributed to the pluses of gooseberries:

• original taste and beautiful appearance of berries;
• lack of prickly thorns;
• high winter hardiness and immunity against powdery mildew;
• simple agrotechnical care of shrubs and their compact size;
• stable yield for several years;
• no need for pollinators.

As for the cons, before purchasing seedlings, you should pay attention to the following:

• poor growth and development on light soils;
• need for constant irrigation.

Planting and further care for the gooseberry Captivator

For planting gooseberry bushes, a place is selected that is well lit by the sun's rays throughout the day, it is also possible to plant a variety in partial shade.The culture does not take root well and bears fruit in places with drafts and close occurrence of groundwater. The soil is preferably well-drained, moist, slightly acidic, fertile.

Planting of seedlings is carried out, adhering to the following algorithm:

1. At least 1.5 meters between the holes, the distance between the rows is 2 meters.
2. The roots of the bushes are soaked in cool water for 2 hours, you can also add a root former to the water.
3. The planting hole is made twice the size of the gooseberry root system.
4. A nutrient cushion is laid out at the bottom, mixing the selected soil with humus.
5. The seedling is covered with the remaining soil and watered abundantly (1-2 buckets per copy).

Although gooseberries are planted both in spring and autumn, experienced gardeners recommend the second option. This is due to the fact that at low positive temperatures, the root system of the plant adapts better to a new place.

After that, it is necessary to provide the culture with full care, which includes watering, fertilizing, preventive treatments and preparation for winter.

Irrigate the bushes every 10 days using the drip method. The water temperature must be at least 10 degrees, so it is preheated in the sun. A day after moistening, the soil is loosened in the near-trunk circle and weeds are weeded along the way. If a layer of mulch is laid around the bushes, these procedures are not necessary.

The frequency of top dressing depends on the appearance of the plants, if the bush looks he althy and strong, it is not necessary to fertilize it. Otherwise, use multicomponent mineral compositions or organic matter (manure, compost).

Be sure to prune the bushes several times per season. In the spring, frozen and dry branches are removed, as well as all 3-year-old shoots. Before wintering, diseased and broken branches are cut out.

Special shelter for the winter is not required, since the variety is resistant to frost, before the first significant drop in temperature, the bush is treated with Bordeaux liquid and the branches are tied in the form of a dome.

Diseases and pests

Copper sulfate and Bordeaux liquid, as well as the drug "Bitoxibacillin" are used as preventive measures.

Reproduction

The Captivator variety is propagated by cuttings or layering.

Harvest and storage of crops

Gooseberries are harvested in mid-July, you can check the readiness of the berries by squeezing the fruit with your fingers, the flesh should be soft. In the refrigerator in plastic containers, gooseberries keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. It is also processed into jam or frozen for further use in baking.

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