Gooseberry "Ural emerald": characteristics and subtleties of growing

Gooseberry is a tasty and healthy berry, which is eaten not only in its natural form, but is also used to make jam, jams, beverages and other delicacies. The gooseberry variety "Ural emerald" was bred by the efforts of breeders from the South Ural Research Institute. 18 years ago, the fruit crop was entered in the official register.

This type of berry is considered high-yielding. Large fruits ripen early, to the joy of gardeners. The plant has strong immunity to such diseases as anthracnose and powdery mildew. These diseases often cause the death of garden plants. Also, the “Ural Emerald” is not attacked by pine sawflies and moths. Despite the resistance to diseases and pests, it is recommended to carry out preventive measures and monitor the condition of shrubs.

The first berries on the branches appear about 3-4 years of age. After the plant is abundant fruits with proper care, for about 15-20 years, from season to season. The variety does not need additional pollination, but for a rich harvest several shrubs are planted next to the plant. This species is remarkably adjacent to the types of "Commander" and "Beryl". The optimal distance between plants is from 1 to one and a half meters.

The variety is characterized by average height and strong density, the spreading of the plant is weak. Young branches are painted green with a glossy shine. They are straight and wide. Thorns cover branches completely, along the entire length. Their number is average. Foliage is dark green with a smooth surface. Wrinkled leaflets differ in size. During flowering, which comes early, the shrub becomes covered with pink flowers.

Berry weight varies from 5 to 8 grams. Form - rounded oval, slightly elongated. Color - light green. Ripe fruits become yellow and become translucent. The peel is thin and even. Tastes were noted at a high level by professional tasters and received a mark of 5 points. Experts identified the taste as balanced, with light notes of sourness. The flesh is juicy and fragrant. The number of seeds is average, due to which it is convenient to use berries for making jam and jam.

Experienced gardeners and novices who have just started cultivating berries of this variety, indicate the following benefits:

• excellent taste of the berries and presentation;
• self-fertility;
• resistance to cold snaps and frost;
• strong innate immunity;
• fruits retain their attractiveness and gastronomic qualities even during long-term transportation;
• high yield, up to 18 tons of berries can be harvested from one hectare of plantations;
• the grade is unpretentious in leaving and easy transfers weather changes;
• Emerald gooseberry is easy to propagate, young seedlings easily take root in the new plot.

Every fruit crop has its drawbacks. There are the following disadvantages of this class:

• you can not delay the harvest, as the gooseberry does not tolerate overriding;
• the plant is prone to thickening, which interfere with the process of pruning and harvesting;
• some note an abundance of thorns.

As you can see, the deficiencies of the plant are few, they are not significant.

It is advisable to start planting shrubs in early spring or autumn, when it’s about 3 weeks before frost. It is recommended to plant gooseberries on a sunny plot, however, it was noticed that young shrubs grow well and grow in the shade of trees growing near the trees. A fertile, loamy soil with a loose structure is ideal for the berry.On overly dry or marshy ground, this variety does not grow.

Before you begin the process of planting seedlings, should prepare the ground. Vermiculite or sand is introduced into it. It will make the soil looser. Also be sure to add 7 kilograms of organic feeding. Transplant wells are dug about a month before work begins. In the process of planting seedlings root neck is deepened into the ground by 5 centimeters. At the end of the landing plentifully watered. The above-ground part of the plant is cut, retaining only those stems on which there are 5 or 6 buds. Completed mulching around shrubs.

The tendency of the variety to thicken is negatively reflected on the quality of berries and the abundance of fruiting. This problem must be fought independently. Also, do not forget to remove diseased, dry and old branches that take away extra strength from the plant. For work it is better to use a special garden pruner. Work is desirable to carry out in the first month of spring or at the end of August.

As a rule, shrubs of this variety are planted in autumn, and in the spring or summer they begin the process of breeding the variety. Adult and developed shrubs with strong root system and branches are transplanted into the open ground. During this period it is necessary to determine the strongest and strongest branches. By the end of the summer they are cut off and transferred to a new place for germination.

Next to the plantings of gooseberry should not be weeds. They not only interfere with shrubs to grow and produce a rich harvest, but also attract pests and insects. Water the plant must be regularly, so that on the surface of the earth does not stiffen a rough crust. It is also important not to overdo it. The mulch will help to maintain an optimal level of moisture, especially if the weather is hot and dry.

Loosen the soil in spring and autumn. In tree trunks work especially carefully and carefully, so as not to damage the roots. Before straightening the plants for the winter, kill the old mulch and dry leaves.

Feed the shrubs in three stages.

• In the spring It is necessary to approach fertilization especially carefully. Care should be taken to monitor the health of shrubs. If they are weakened, add a little organic matter to the soil. Urea or rotted manure will do. If signs of weakness are not observed, fertilizing is not needed.
• During flowering potash-phosphorus compounds are added to the soil. On one shrub spend from 20 to 100 grams of the mixture.
• Before the onset of winter shrubs feed again. Wonderful organic or mineral compounds. Up to 3 kilograms of top dressing are used per bush.

The first ripe berries of the gooseberry are harvested from the end of June to the beginning of July. The exact dates depend on the region in which the shrub grows. Unripe fruits are stored at room temperature for about a week, ripe berries will retain their taste and appearance for 5 days. It is advisable to carry out the harvest in dry weather. Contact with water adversely affects the keeping quality. This grade is recommended for preparation of popular "imperial jam" without stones. Also from the berries you can make an amazing and healthy drink with the addition of mint and other ingredients.

Gardeners who are familiar with the above variety firsthand, willingly share their opinions about this fruit crop. After reviewing numerous reviews, one can state that the Ural Emerald was rated at a high level. This is indicated by numerous laudatory responses.Residents of the northern regions, as the main advantage noted the resistance of shrubs to frost.

High yield and excellent taste were also left without attention. Preservation during transportation identified gardeners who grow berries for sale. As deficiencies noted excessive thickness of the crown and large, sharp thorns covering the branches of the gooseberry along the entire length. But these are minor drawbacks, which are completely overlapped by positive qualities.

About what other varieties of gooseberry are, see the following video.