Himalaya Blackberry: variety description and characteristics, planting and cultivation

The Himalaya blackberry is considered one of the most popular crops. It is characterized by early ripening and has a minimum of thorns. With adequate care, the plant gives a good harvest. The culture is characterized by rather large fruits. To grow a plant successfully, it needs to provide quality care. It should include timely watering and fertilization.

History of selection

This blackberry comes from Northern Iran and Armenia. Today it has spread all over the world. Gardeners grow a crop for tasty and large fruits.

Botanical description and characteristics of blackberries

Himalayan blackberry is a shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. In height, it reaches 1-1.5 meters. This variety is considered very early and has a high yield. It is characterized by large fruits.

The plant is characterized by medium height and small thorns - their length does not exceed 1 centimeter. Blackberries are characterized by hanging branches. During flowering, large flowers appear on the bushes, which are self-pollinated.

The culture is characterized by a long period of fruit ripening. Therefore, harvesting is required several times. The variety has large berries, which are distinguished by the correct oval shape, black tint and glossy structure. The fruits are characterized by a sweet and sour taste and a pleasant aroma. In culinary and medical practice, not only the fruits, but also the foliage of the culture are used. Subject to agrotechnical recommendations, yield parameters reach 8 kilograms.

Pros and cons of the Himalaya variety

Pros and consundemanding to care;frost resistance;resistance to pathologies;self-pollination;early maturation;high yield;long period of fruiting;great berry flavor.

The key disadvantage of the plant is the exactingness to the composition of the soil. It is possible to get a good harvest only on fertile, light soil, which is characterized by good drainage.

How to plant a crop

To get a good harvest, it is important to plant the plant correctly. In the south, it is recommended to do this in the fall. All work is recommended to be completed a month before frost. In the north, planting should be done in the spring, when the soil warms up.

Planting blackberries is required in a well-lit place that is protected from the wind. The culture needs fertile soil that has good drainage and moderate moisture. The variety tolerates shade and occasional floods.

To plant a crop, do the following:

1. Clear the area of weeds.
2. Dig a hole measuring 40x40x40 centimeters.
3. Introduce 5-6 kilograms of rotted manure, 40-50 grams of potash fertilizers and 100-150 grams of superphosphate into the hole. Thoroughly mix the fertilizer into the soil.
4. Put the seedling in the hole, deepening it to the level of the root neck.
5. Water the soil with 5 liters of water and cover with a mulch layer 6-8 centimeters thick.
6. Finish with trellises at least 2 meters high.

Care instructions

In order for the blackberry to grow and develop normally, it needs to provide full and high-quality care.

Irrigation

The crop is drought tolerant. This is due to developed roots that go deep into, and branched shoots. They form a shadow near the roots. It is important to avoid drying out of the soil.

The frequency of watering is adjusted depending on the weather. In the first 1.5-2 months after planting, blackberries need to be watered every week. This is then done during flowering and fruit ripening.

Fertilizer and top dressing

Culture needs a whole complex of minerals. At the same time, nitrogen-based products should be applied in the spring, and phosphorus and potassium preparations in the fall. 2-3 years after planting, it is worth using the following tools:

• 7 kilos of humus;
• 40 grams of s altpeter;
• 100 grams of superphosphate;
• 30 grams of potassium-based products.

How to prepare bushes for winter

In the middle lane and in the north, the bushes need to be insulated. To do this, it is permissible to use spruce. To cover the plant, it is recommended to bend its young shoots to the surface of the earth and cover with coniferous branches. It is also acceptable to use other material for shelter. From above it is worth sprinkling the bushes with snow.

Disease and pest control

This variety is characterized by strong immunity to fungi and parasites. However, with untimely harvesting, the risk of developing gray rot increases. The drug "Horus" will help to cope with the pathology. It is worth processing the bushes before the appearance of buds, at the end of flowering and after ripening.Overripe fruits often attract ants. Medvetoks and Grom-2 help to cope with insects. Sometimes blackberries suffer from attacks by bears and cockchafers. To prevent lesions, it is recommended to plant marigolds and calendula near the bushes.

To avoid the development of fungal pathologies, it is worth using copper-based products. They are used in spring and autumn.

Reproduction

Blackberries can be propagated in the following ways:

1. Green cuttings. For reproduction, annual shoots measuring 15 centimeters are suitable. They should include 2-3 kidneys. They should be placed in water and wait for the buds to germinate. After 2 weeks, a fragment with roots should be separated and planted in a pot with soil.
2. Layers. For this method, the branches should be rooted from the end of July to the end of August. In this case, the shoots must be sprinkled with moist soil. Separating them from the main culture is not required.

Harvesting and storage

This blackberry variety is characterized by an extended fruiting period. Therefore, harvesting is required several times. At the same time, it is recommended to remove the berries with their stalks and put them in wooden boxes.

Harvest should only be in the morning. This must be done in clear weather. During the rainy season, blackberries become watery and do not store well. Berries can be kept in the refrigerator for 4 days. If you want to keep the fruits for a long time, they should be dried or frozen.

Himalaya Blackberry is a popular garden plant with high yields. To grow a crop successfully, it is important to strictly follow agrotechnical recommendations.

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