Raspberry Joan Jay: variety description and characteristics, subtleties of cultivation

Many gardeners grow raspberries in their summer cottage to enjoy ripe berries in the summer. There are many different raspberry varieties, but Joan Jay is popular among summer residents. Before planting, you must familiarize yourself with the description of the Joan Jay raspberry variety, as well as with the features of its cultivation.

Description and characteristics of Joan Jay

Before you plant a Georgia or Joan Jay raspberry variety, you should read the description of the main characteristics of the plant.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

The main distinguishing feature of such a raspberry seedling is its resistance to dry weather.The plant develops normally even in sunny weather and temperatures above thirty degrees Celsius. However, Joan Jay endures frosts much worse. At temperatures below fifteen degrees below zero, plants slow down development and begin to die. Therefore, before the winter frosts, raspberry bushes will have to be covered.

Yield and fruiting

This variety belongs to the type of remontant plants and therefore the fruits are formed on both biennial and annual shoots. Due to this, the yield of seedlings is quite high. If you grow seedlings correctly, you can collect five kilograms of ripe berries from each bush. At the same time, fruiting begins in the first year after planting the seedlings in the garden.

Scope of fruits

Many people who plan to grow raspberries in the future are interested in how the harvested berries can be used.Most often they are used in cooking for the preparation of desserts. Housewives use ripe berries to prepare fruit jam for the winter. They are also suitable for making compotes.

Mature raspberries do not need to be cooked, as they can be eaten raw.

Resistant to diseases and pests

Joan Jay is classified as a raspberry variety that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, despite this, seedlings can still get sick. The appearance and development of the disease can provoke a high level of humidity or frequent rains. To prevent the development of ailments, it is necessary to periodically weed the area where raspberry berries are grown.

Pros and cons of raspberries

Joan Jay has a number of advantages and disadvantages that you need to familiarize yourself with before planting on the site.

Among the advantages of the variety are the following:

large berry size;
fragrant smell;
long fruiting period that lasts three months;
drought resistant;
high yield;
compact bushes;
ease of care.

The disadvantages of such raspberry seedlings include:

fragility of branches with fruits;
high nutrient intake from soil;
poor frost resistance.

Growing Nuances

There are a few growing nuances you need to know before planting raspberries.

Recommended timings

First, you need to decide on the exact timing of planting seedlings in the garden. Experienced gardeners recommend doing this in the spring, when the winter frosts are over. Most often, raspberry bushes are planted in the middle or end of April.

However, if the frosts drag on, planting work is postponed to the first half of May.

Selection of a suitable site

The selected site for growing raspberry seedlings must meet the following characteristics:

good sunshine throughout the day;
reliable protection against strong wind gusts that can break branches;
water stagnates in the area;
before planting raspberries, tomatoes, potatoes or strawberries were not grown in the selected area.

Selection and preparation of planting material

Shoots about twenty centimeters long are selected for planting in the garden. In this case, the diameter should not be less than ten millimeters. Selected seedlings must be prepared in advance for further planting. Their roots are dipped into a container filled with water for 2-3 days. Then the soaked roots are treated with a means to strengthen and stimulate the development of the root system.

Boarding process

Raspberry planting is carried out in several stages:

Creating a landing pit. A hole 40 centimeters wide and deep is being dug on the site.
Adding dressings. Superphosphate with humus and potash supplements is added to the dug planting hole. The fertilizer is then carefully mixed into the soil.
Planting out. Having prepared the hole, raspberry seedlings are carefully planted in it.

Raspberry Care Tips

In order for raspberry seedlings to bear fruit well, they will have to be properly looked after.

Irrigation

Joan Jay is considered a drought tolerant variety, and therefore some believe that it should be watered infrequently. However, without sufficient moisture, the development of bushes and the ripening of berries will be slow. Therefore, it is recommended to moisten the soil once a week. At the same time, 8-10 liters of water are poured under each seedling.

Cutting

Pruning is considered the most important factor in the care of raspberry bushes. Shortening Joan Jay should be done at least twice a season. The first preventive pruning is carried out in the spring. During this period, weak and frozen shoots are cut out. In autumn, stems that have ceased to bear fruit are cut off.

Feeding

During the growing season, it is necessary to fertilize raspberries. Experts recommend adding more liquid manure, as plants respond well to it. Also, to increase the yield, a feed mixture of chicken manure is added.

Preparing for wintering

Before the start of winter frosts, pruning is carried out, during which weak shoots are removed. Then you need to cover the seedlings to protect them from frost. To do this, dry tree branches and fallen leaves are laid out on the surface of the soil.

Disease and pest control

It's no secret that during cultivation, raspberry seedlings can be attacked by pests or get sick. To protect the bushes, it is necessary to periodically spray them with fungicides. Such treatments are carried out in the evening so that there is no sun.

Methods of reproduction

There are several ways to propagate raspberries:

Roots. This method is used in the spring. The plant is dug up, after which the best roots are selected from its root system. They are germinated and planted in a new place.
Dividing the bush. If the variety produces few root offspring, it is propagated in this way. The shrub is divided into two parts, each of which should consist of 2-4 young shoots.
Shanks. For landing, the shoots remaining after pruning are taken. They are germinated and planted in the ground.

Collecting and storage rules

Raspberry picking is done from the end of July to the first half of October. Collected berries must be stored in a cool place where the temperature does not exceed 5-10 degrees Celsius. At higher temperatures they will deteriorate quickly.

Conclusion

Joan Jay is considered a popular raspberry variety. Before planting such seedlings, it is necessary to understand their distinctive characteristics and cultivation features.