Features blackberry variety "Natchez"

Blackberries - wild berries, which can be grown both on an industrial scale and in ordinary garden plots. One of the most popular varieties, loved by consumers, is "Natchez".It is very early, not too demanding in care, does not have thorns, besides, it gives large and very tasty fruits. What is the difference between this variety, what advantages and disadvantages it has, and how to grow it properly, let's talk in our article.

This variety belongs to the very early. Berries begin to ripen in early July. Due to this, the process of collecting it is quite long. Fruits can ripen 1-1.5 months.

The bushes are semi-erect, visually after planting, the shoots are located almost perpendicular to the ground, and they descend over time. Stems can reach lengths up to 6 meters, they are thick and powerful, have many stepchildren. They grow fast enough, do not have thorns and are very elastic.

At the very end of spring white flowers with 5 or 6 petals appear on the bushes. The fruits are very dark, elongated and of medium density. The berries are quite heavy, about 8-12 grams, and soft. In one brush can be from 10 to 30 tasty and juicy fruits, their number increases over time. Two waves of flowering contribute to the fact that in mid-summer the number of berries grows many times.

In addition to the attractive appearance, the fruits also have excellent taste characteristics. The berry is very sweet, juicy and has a pleasant aroma. A little sour blackberry does not spoil at all. Collect it should be a few days after the fruit darkened completely. The collection process does not cause inconvenience, the berries come off easily, but they can be easily transported.

Among the main advantages of the variety "Natchez" it is necessary to note a few points. First of all, leaves no doubt the excellent taste of this culture, while the appearance of the berries look very attractive. Industrial enterprises appreciate this blackberry for good transport ability.

As for the minuses, there are not so many of them, but their presence must be taken into account. In the first place - it is poor resistance to low temperatures. Tolerates the winter due to this plant is very bad, and if it is colder than -15 degrees outside, then a significant damage can be done to the bush. This means that it is imperative to carry out a range of activities to protect the blackberry from frost. In addition, sudden changes in temperature also adversely affect the plant.

Another disadvantage is that A variety of photo-loving, respectively, the choice of place for planting should be taken as seriously as possible. If you place the bushes in the shade, they most likely will not stop producing crops. However, in this case the taste of the fruits will deteriorate, and they will become much smaller in size. In the case when the plant is placed on a light plot, it will receive the required amount of sunlight, which will only benefit development and yield.

Experts note another nuance: the branches of the bushes are quite fragile, and the harvest is plentiful and heavy. In some cases, this leads to the fact that the shoots can break, unable to bear the weight of the brushes with fruits.

Gardeners familiar with planting and growing blackberries will not find anything new in this aspect. In general, the process of planting this particular variety does not have significant differences. The main thing to consider is the place where you plan to place the bushes. In the future, this will directly affect the fruiting and yield.

So, seedlings are light-requiring, therefore the landing place must be open and sunny. Obstacles to the access of sunlight should be avoided. In addition, the site should not be blown by strong winds. This is due to the fact that fragile branches and so hard to withstand the weight of large fruits, and the impact of the wind can contribute to breaking off shoots.

In relation to the soil, you should focus your attention on fertile soil with good drainage, and also to avoid increased acidity. If the soil is too wet, it can adversely affect the root system of the plant and lead to its rotting. For this reason, shrubs should not be planted in areas where groundwater is close. The best solution would be sandy loam or loam. The choice of a soil rich in calcium and other useful substances also has a positive effect on the development of the plant: this directly affects the taste and juiciness of the berries.

Variety "Natchez" is recommended to be planted in the spring. This will help the plant to adapt to a new place, gain a foothold on it and more calmly meet the winter. It is necessary to plant blackberries before buds bloom, usually on April warm days. If you plant in the fall, the plant will not have time to take root and grow stronger, which can lead to its death with the onset of cold weather.

In cases where it is planned to place several bushes in a row, the distance between them should be more than 2 meters. This is due to the fact that over time the plant will grow, strengthen, as a result of which it may not have enough space for full development.

To help the seedling to adapt more quickly, fertilizer should be added to the well. Experts recommend the use of potassium (approximately 50 grams) and superphosphate in proportions of 1: 2, which must be added to 4 kilograms of humus. After the fertilizers are placed in the hole, they need to be filled with prepared soil from the top layer and how to mix. Next, pour out the rest of the soil, on top of which put a seedling.

The root system of a plant needs to be straightened and to pour earth over it. In order to prevent the ingress of air, the soil should be tamped periodically. 2 buckets of water are poured into the near hole. It is necessary to monitor the growth point: it should not be recessed by more than a couple of centimeters.

Blackberry "Natchez" does not require any specific care. The complex of agrotechnical measures includes periodic watering, pruning, protection from the cold, as well as the prevention of diseases and pests. In addition, for the full development and smooth growth of the plant will need to install special supports or trellis. This is necessary so that the branches under the weight of the fruit do not break off.

If the gardener lives in a hot climate, it must be borne in mind that high temperatures can also damage the blackberry: berries can ripen in the aging process. To avoid this, it is recommended to protect the bushes with a special material or mosquito net. It should be borne in mind that contact of fruits and tissue should not be allowed.

Despite the fact that the Natchez variety is drought-resistant, the drought itself, like excessive humidity, can have a rather negative effect on it. Experienced gardeners recommend water the plant is not too often, but the most abundant. Adult blackberry bush will be enough 4 buckets of water every 1-1.5 weeks.An excellent solution will be drip irrigation, which is the most favorable impact on productivity. Also, one should not forget about soil mulching: it will not only get rid of weeds, but also provide the microclimate necessary for the root system.

In addition, additional fertilizing in the amount of 3-4 pieces per year will be useful for this variety. The first should be carried out before the buds bloom, and use for it humus and ammonium nitrate. Before the very flowering, organic fertilizers will be required, the best will be mullein or bird droppings. After the harvest is over, the shrub weakens and needs additional nourishment. For these purposes, suitable wood ash and superphosphate.

In the process of preparing blackberries for the winter should be mulching the soil. To do this, use organic materials such as humus or compost. Top dressing spread about 5-7 centimeters. At a close arrangement of bushes the amount of fertilizer should be increased. One of the limitations is the surplus in the use of nitrogen-containing supplements. The content of calcium, magnesium and zinc will have a positive effect on the development of the plant and will increase its resistance to various diseases.

Despite the fact that the blackberry of this variety is resistant to pests and diseases, preventive measures still do not interfere. Sanitary cleaning of fallen leaves, as well as pruning of damaged and dried parts of the shrub should be obligatory. A one-percent solution of Bordeaux liquids will help with diseases such as rust, anthracnose and septoria. The peat and straw dung are also well affected by the plant.

Oksana: "I chose a variety of blackberries for a long time and settled on Natchez. Only good impressions! Very tasty and big berries, juicy, they smell elegant. They are easy to transport. Children eat with pleasure."

Igor: “I was afraid that“ Natchez ”would not survive the winter: our temperature could reach -40. Fears did not come true: under the good shelter of the cold they are not afraid - it grows and blooms like last year.”

Liana: "The only caveat is that you still have to devote time to caring for blackberries. But the result surpasses expectations: the berry is huge, there are many, all tasty and sweet. I recommend this variety."

Video review of the blackberry variety "Natchez (Natchez)" see the video below.