Blackberry Natchez: description and characteristics of the variety, reproduction, planting and care

There are a large number of varieties on the seedling market. Among them, those that are easy to care for are popular. Natchez - one of the representatives of the blackberry, which does not have thorns on the branches. The shrub bears fruit early. When the berries of other varieties hang green on the branches, the Natchez is ready to eat.

History of Natchez Breeding

Blackberry was introduced in America in 2007. The selection stages were carried out at the University of Arkansas Science. Natchez is a young blackberry variety.

Advantages and disadvantages of culture

Among the pluses are:

• extended fruiting period;
• lack of spikes;
• large berries;
• early fruit ripening;
• refrigerate up to 14 days;
• attractive presentation.

Variety Faults:

• does not withstand severe frosts;
• loves direct sunlight;
• high chance of damage to branches due to brittleness.

Despite the many advantages, for competent cultivation it is necessary to pay attention to the disadvantages.

General Description

Natchez was liked by many gardeners. Included in the group of leaders along with other blackberry varieties. The original taste and beautiful appearance distinguishes the shrub from the European and Western assortment.

External characteristics

Natchez looks like other blackberries. After studying the main characteristics, you can distinguish a shrub from other representatives.

Berry

The big blackberry tastes great. The weight of one berry reaches 13 g. The seeds inside the pulp are small. The brush contains 15-30 fruits.

Bush and leaves

The shoots grow quickly and reach 4-6 m in length. Upright and do not have thorns. They break in the wind, so it is recommended to tie branches to a support.

Root system

Well developed, close to the surface.

Immunity to diseases and pests

Shrub rarely gets sick, as it has a stable immune system.

Resistant to negative temperatures

In winter, it does not withstand cold temperatures below -14 °C. Requires shelter with the onset of the first frosts.

Methods of reproduction

A suitable propagation method is cuttings. Top shoots take root. The survival rate is high, in rare cases, planting a new sprout is required.

Recommended Growing Regions

Because of low frost resistance, the variety is grown in places with a warm climate.

Flowering period and ripening terms

On average, flowers begin to appear in mid-May. White with six petals. Ripening occurs at the end of June or beginning of July.

Fruiting terms and yield indicators

Characterized by stretched fruiting. It lasts from 1 to 1.5 months. Up to 16 kg of blackberries are harvested from one bush.

Scope of berries

Blackberries are consumed fresh. It is an excellent basis for making juices, jams, wines and compotes. The berries are suitable for freezing and drying.

How to plant blackberries in the garden

Proper planting is the key to getting a he althy shrub.

Optimal timing

Blackberries are planted in April before bud break. In autumn, it is not recommended to plant a variety in the ground. Natchez will not survive the winter, as he will not have time to settle down.

Required soil composition

Shrub chooses loamy fertile soils. Mandatory presence of drainage. Oxidation level - low or neutral.

Choosing a suitable location

The area where the bush is planted should be well lit. On the landing site, make sure that the blackberry is in partial shade. The site is also protected from strong winds.

Preparation of planting material

No special operations are carried out before planting the seedling in the ground.

Technology and landing pattern

Disembarkation instructions:

1. The place where the blackberries will grow is being dug up. Weeds are removed.
2. The depth of the pit reaches 50 cm.
3. Most of the pit is filled with a mixture of potassium, superphosphate and humus.
4. A seedling is placed at the bottom of the hole, and the root is straightened.
5. During the filling of the pit, the sprout is shaken to eliminate air gaps between the roots.
6. A hole is dug around the planted bush with 2 buckets of water poured into it.
7. The area around the blackberries is being mulched.
8. The final stage is cutting the seedling. No more than 40 cm should remain above the ground.

The distance between the holes is from 1.5 to 3 m. Space is necessary for the bushes, as they form long shoots. It also takes into account the fact that it is necessary to put a support.

Blackberry farming practices

The result of caring for blackberries is noticeable in the quantity and quality of the crop.

Irrigation

Natchez is watered once a week with 4 to 5 buckets of water. At the time of the formation of the ovaries and during the period of ripening of the berries, the volume of water increases by 3 times. Watering is carried out twice a week.

Fertilizer

Feeding is carried out 4 times per season:

1. Spring before bud break. The area around the bush is covered with humus or ammonium nitrate, and then dug up.
2. Before flowering. Bird droppings or mullein are used as fertilizer. The mixture is diluted in water (10-12 l).
3. After fruiting. The surface of the soil is sprinkled with a mixture of superphosphate and wood ash. Then loosening is carried out.
4. Before wintering.

Feeding is required, as it increases the resistance of immunity to diseases and gives strength to bear fruit.

Cutting and garter to support

Natchez is a blackberry variety that forms long shoots. The shrub is pruned twice a year. Removal of branches is recommended in early spring before the buds swell. A suitable period is the end of autumn, when the bush will drop all the leaves.

Blackberries can be grown without tying them to a support. Under the weight of the berries, the branches bend to the ground and can break. Therefore, it is better to grow Natchez using supports or trellises.

Protection from diseases and pests

For the purpose of prevention, certain measures are taken to combat common diseases. Infection of blackberries occurs through other fruit bushes and trees. Bordeaux liquid will help against rust. Affected leaves are removed and the garden area is cleared of weeds.

Tobacco dust will save Natchez from pests that like to infect the root system. The composition is mixed with water, after which all the bushes are poured with liquid. Thus, they fight with bears and Khrushchev.

Tobacco together with laundry soap is a good remedy against aphids. 250 g of ash is added to a bucket of water and left to infuse for 3 days. After the liquid is filtered and mixed with the same amount of water.

Soap is grated and also added to the solution. The resulting liquid is sprayed with bushes.The time of the procedure is spring (before the leaves bloom) and summer (before fruiting). You can prevent the appearance of mites on the branches using the mulching procedure.

Preparing for winter

Bare branches bend down to the ground and are covered with insulation from above. It could be:

• vegetable tops;
• corn leaves;
• humus;
• hay;
• sawdust;
• straw.

Natchez is a blackberry variety that is suitable for growing in the garden near the house and for the purpose of commercial production. The berry is easy to pick, and gourmets will like the aroma and taste of the fruit. Despite the fact that the variety was bred recently, it is a favorite among other representatives of the culture.

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