Blackberry Chief Joseph: variety description and characteristics, planting and care

Chief Joseph blackberry is considered a unique crop. It got its name in honor of the leader of the Indian tribe of North America. The plant is distinguished by high parameters of productivity and endurance. The culture easily adapts to climatic conditions and withstands dry and hot weather. During the fruiting period, large black fruits appear on the bushes.

Feature and description

This variety of American selection belongs to thornless crops. It was bred at the end of the 20th century by scientists at the University of Arkansas. The plant is characterized by the following features:

1. Powerful semi-spreading shoots grow up to 3-4 meters. They are upright and easily withstand the load. Branches are not damaged by the weight of ripe berries.
2. The leaves cover the stems abundantly and have a rich green color. Along the contour they are covered with sharp teeth.
3. The flowers are large and white.
4. There are no thorns on the bushes.
5. The root system is powerful enough.
6. Growth is practically absent. Most often, it grows only after damage to the root system.
7. The berries are distinguished by a rounded elongated shape and rich black color. They are characterized by a shiny texture and large size. Fruits reach 25 grams in weight and form large brushes.
8. Blackberries have a sweet flavor with little to no acidity.

The first berries obtained from young bushes are usually not very tasty. However, the following year, they acquire a bright taste and aroma.

This variety is characterized by abundant fruiting. At the height of the season, the bushes are covered with ripe fruits. Berries have a dense texture, so they can be transported over long distances and stored for a long time without loss of commercial characteristics.

Pros and Cons of Blackberry Chief Joseph

Pros and conspowerful bushes that are characterized by rapid growth and a large number of replacement shoots;early ripening of fruits;rapid growth of shoots;high productivity - the parameters of the yield of adult bushes reach 35 kilograms.mediocre taste - with heavy rainfall, the berries become sour;difficulties in care - due to the large number of replacement shoots;not very flexible vine.

Boarding rules

For blackberry cultivation to be successful, proper planting is required.

Recommended timings

Planting blackberries is required in the spring. Thanks to this, it will have time to take root and withstand frost. During autumn planting, bushes are recommended to be carefully insulated. To do this, use dry leaves, spruce branches, straw.

Soil preparation

Before planting, it is recommended to dig up the soil, level and make recesses for planting. It is required to add 5-6 kilograms of humus, 100-150 grams of superphosphate and 50 grams of potassium compounds to each hole.

Choosing a suitable location

It is recommended to plant blackberries in a sunny area. However, penumbra is also acceptable. Bushes are not required to be planted in shady places. The lack of heat and light will negatively affect the quality of the fruit.It is best to choose open and flat areas, however, it is permissible to place seedlings near small buildings.

Selection and preparation of seedlings

Young bushes aged 1-2 years are suitable for breeding varieties. They must be he althy and free from damage. Before planting, blackberries need to be soaked in any growth stimulant.

Algorithm and landing pattern

To plant a crop, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Dig up and level the soil.
2. Make indentations for planting 40x40 centimeters in size and 60 centimeters deep. The distance between the holes should be 1.5-2 meters. The interval between rows is 2.5 meters.
3. Pour drainage from stones and crushed bricks into the bottom of the recesses. Sprinkle it with soil.
4. Place the seedling in the hole and fill it with nutrient mixture.
5. Water and mulch.
6. Pruning branches. They should have 1-2 buds left.

Further care

In order for a plant to grow and develop normally, it needs to provide proper care. It must be complex.

Water and fertilize crops

Young bushes need frequent watering. Mature plants do not need to be constantly moistened, since the variety is resistant to drought. If the soil around the bushes is covered with mulch, they only need to be watered in extreme heat.

For feeding it is worth using complex mineral preparations. They need to be applied in early spring, before bud break, before flowering and after fruit formation. In the spring, it is recommended to use nitrogen products, in the second half of summer - compositions based on potassium and phosphorus.

Pruning shrubs

It is best to grow a culture of this variety on a trellis.If it is absent, the main shoots should be cut to 2-2.5 meters, and the side shoots to 1. In the fall, after the end of the growing season, the shoots that produced the crop are cut off at the root. In this case, it is required to leave only young sprouts of the current year. In spring and summer, it is worth removing excess branches. Each bush should include 8-10 stems.

Preparing for winter

Before the arrival of cold weather, the bushes need to be covered. To do this, the branches should be carefully removed from the support, tied and placed on the ground. Put hay, straw, leaves on top.

Diseases and pests of the variety

With proper care, blackberries are resistant to diseases and pests. Sometimes it suffers from rust. Preventive spraying with garlic infusion will help to avoid problems. The same tool helps to cope with pests - primarily with aphids.

Methods of reproduction

Blackberries of this variety should be propagated by layering. To do this, you need to lay the tops of two-meter branches in the grooves near the bushes and sprinkle with soil. This place needs to be watered abundantly. With the advent of autumn, layering can be separated and landed on a permanent site.

Harvest and storage of crops

Pick fruit required in dry weather. They should be black in color and firm in texture. Ripe fruits can lie in the refrigerator for several days. Also, berries can be frozen, dried or used for harvesting.

Blackberry Chief Joseph has a high yield and strong immunity. In order for the plant to develop normally, it needs quality care.

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