Blackberry Ebony: variety description and characteristics, planting and cultivation

Ebony blackberry is considered a common thornless crop. It is easy to care for and easy to pick berries. In addition, the plant has excellent yield parameters and excellent fruit taste. In order for the culture to develop normally and not undergo the development of pathologies, it needs to be properly looked after. At the same time, the bushes need to be watered, trimmed and fed on time.

Brief characteristics and description of the variety

This blackberry variety is characterized by powerful bushes with upright shoots that reach a height of 1.8-2 meters. The crown has a compact size. Therefore, it is permissible to plant bushes quite densely.

The plant has powerful shoots that do not bend under the weight of the fruit. The leaves are medium in size and painted in a rich green hue. Ripening of berries begins early.

The first harvest can be obtained at the end of June. Blackberry has black fruits of a rounded shape. In diameter, they reach 2 centimeters. The berries of this variety are characterized by a sweet taste with a slight sourness. The flesh is tender, juicy and aromatic.

Pros and Cons of Blackberry Ebony

Pros and conslack of thorns on the shoots;high yield;strong immunity;excellent taste of fruits;excellent transportability;decorative appearance of the bushes;compact crown.the need for mandatory shelter for the winter;sour taste of berries.

Growing and care rules

To grow a crop successfully, it needs to provide full and high-quality care. Proper landing operations are of no small importance.

Where and how to plant

Blackberries need a lighted place, protected from the north wind. When planted in the shade, the yield parameters will greatly decrease. In addition, the berries will be small and sour. Before planting, it is worth preparing pits or trenches. The average size of the recesses should be 50 centimeters. Each of them is recommended to be filled with compost or humus. It is also worth adding 2 handfuls of superphosphate and a glass of wood ash to the composition.

Fertilizers are recommended to be mixed with the soil, to install a seedling on top, deepening its root collar by 2-3 centimeters.After planting is completed, it is worth pouring 5-7 liters of water under the bush. Then it is recommended to cover the soil with a mulch layer. It may consist of peat, straw or leaves.

Water and fertilize

Blackberry is considered a moisture-loving crop. However, it does not tolerate stagnant moisture. The root system of the plant is on the surface. Therefore, it is important to avoid waterlogging of the soil. It is recommended to water the bushes during flowering and fruit formation. It also needs to be done in dry and hot weather.

The plant needs annual fertilization. In the spring it is recommended to make nitrogen preparations. This encourages green growth. For top dressing, an infusion of mullein or chicken manure is suitable. It is also permissible to use urea. During flowering, blackberries require complex fertilizers and ash. Potassium and phosphorus preparations should be applied at the end of summer or autumn.

Pruning and wintering

The plant pruning algorithm is no different from other blackberry varieties. It is important to bear in mind that this crop yields only on two-year-old shoots. Therefore, it is impossible to thoughtlessly delete branches. It is worth pruning only those shoots that have already bear fruit. The same is done with dry and damaged plant fragments.

Blackberries require shaping pruning every year. At the same time, it is recommended to shorten strong whips with a height of more than 2 meters. This makes harvesting easier. It is also worth removing weak shoots. For normal ripening, blackberries will need 8-9 branches.

Ebony variety is considered covering. Before the arrival of winter, direct shoots are recommended to be bent to the ground. This is done gradually so that the branches do not break. Usually the bushes are insulated with agrofiber, and in winter they are sprinkled with snow.

Treatment from diseases and pests

For the prevention of pathologies, it is important to practice a sparse landing.Timely pruning is important. All old branches must be burned. If parasites were noticed last season, with the advent of spring, the bushes are treated with Fitoverm. This should be done before bud break.

From the bear it is permissible to use crushed eggshells. It is recommended to add it to the recesses for planting. To scare away the May beetles, it is worth planting mustard between the rows. From the raspberry sawfly, the bushes are treated with Karbofos or Fufanon. This should be done in the spring.

Plant propagation methods

It is recommended to propagate blackberries by root shoots or cuttings. You can also root the tops of the stems. To do this, the escape should be put on the ground and secured. At a distance of 20 centimeters from the top, sprinkle with soil. Gradually, roots will appear in this area. At this stage, the shoot can be separated from the main bush and planted in a permanent place.

Collecting and storing the blackberry crop

Blackberries are recommended to be harvested as the fruit ripens. Full ripeness can be determined by dried sepals. The fruits should be plucked by hand and separated from the stalks. Harvest is recommended to be put in a small container. It is important that the berries are dry.

After harvesting, blackberries are recommended to be placed in a cool place. In the refrigerator, it can keep its freshness for 3-4 days. At a temperature of 0 degrees, this period increases to 3 weeks. To keep blackberries for a longer period, dry or freeze them.

The fruits to be transported are plucked at the stage of technical maturity. It is impossible to pour the collected berries. They quickly deform and deteriorate.

Ebony blackberry is considered a popular garden crop. This plant gives an excellent harvest and stands out for its excellent taste. In order for the bushes to develop normally and have strong immunity, they need to be properly looked after.

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