High-yielding gooseberry variety with dark red fruits “Russian”
There are about 160 species in the Gooseberry family (Grossulariaceae), differing in taste and fruit size, yield, resistance to disease and drought. All these characteristics, as well as the climatic conditions of the area, are taken into account when choosing gooseberries for planting. One of the popular varieties is Russian, with dark red fruits, a reliable and productive gooseberry with strong immunity and good winter hardiness.
Gooseberry Russian
The Russian Red gooseberry variety of medium-late ripening was created in the 50s of the last century at the All-Russian Research Institute of Horticulture named after. I. V. Michurina. It was obtained by pollinating the Kareless variety with a mixture of pollen collected from Oregon, Houghton, Curry and Stambovoy.
The creator of the variety is K. D. Sergeeva. Since 1959, Russian has been included in the State Register of Breeding Developments and is recommended for use in almost all regions except the Ural region.
Characteristics and description of bushes
The culture grows on average to 1.5-1.8 m in height. Young bushes are spreading, with a crown of medium density, weak branching and become compact by maturity. The stems are thick, arched, and pubescent in the upper part.
Lignified branches of medium thickness, light. The thorn level is average, increasing towards the lower part of the bush. Straight and light thorns are located perpendicular to the shoot or obliquely upward.
Gooseberry leaves small, green in color, matte or slightly shiny, with 5 lobes.The petioles of the leaf blades are of medium length and thickness.
Temperature resistance
The Russian variety is a frost-resistant crop, but experienced gardeners recommend protecting the plant in the event of a snowless winter and early frosts. The bushes are insulated by mulching the circle around the trunk with horse humus.
Moisture and drought resistance
Gooseberries are considered a drought-resistant crop due to their deeply penetrating root system. This saves it in dry weather if watering is not carried out.
The shrub does not tolerate excessive regular watering - it can cause rot.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The culture is characterized by strong immunity, stable to powdery mildew and septoria.
Characteristics and description of fruits
After flowering, brushes with one or two are formed on the branches. berriescovered with a waxy coating. The weight of the delicate and aromatic fruits ranges from 3-6 g, the shape is oval or elliptical, the skin is of medium thickness, not pubescent, the taste is sweet and sour, rated at 4.0-4.4 points. During the ripening period, the fruits have a dark red color, with pronounced pink veins running along the berries.
Ripe berries hang for a long time and do not fall off. Chemical composition per 100 g of gooseberries:
- sugar - 9.9%;
- titratable acidity - 1.8%;
- ascorbic acid - 23.6-41.6 mg.
Areas of use
Due to its beneficial properties, gooseberries are used in different ways.
In folk medicine
A decoction of the fruit is used as a laxative. Fresh berries, on the contrary, help with diarrhea, as well as to relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis and arthritis.
Regular consumption of gooseberries replenishes vitamin deficiencies, improves metabolism, strengthens the immune and cardiovascular systems.
In cosmetology
The fruits are used to whiten and improve complexion and against hair loss.
In dietary nutrition
Gooseberries are a low-calorie product: 100 g of fresh berries contain only 44 kcal. Eating fruits promotes better absorption of proteins, accelerates metabolic processes, and increases the body's ability to burn calories.
In cooking
Fleshy, sweet and sour fruits and freshly picked leaves are added to fruit and vegetable salads. Jams, marmalade, compotes, wine, juices, sauces are made from gooseberries, and added to baked goods, ice cream, and smoothies. Red gooseberries are combined with vegetable and meat dishes.
Advantages and disadvantages compared to other varieties and hybrids
Summer residents who have already assessed the quality of the Russian variety distinguish it from others based on the following characteristics:
- high level of productivity for 15 years;
- easy to grow;
- immunity to disease;
- drought and frost resistance;
- self-fertility;
- versatility of fruit use;
- high commercial and consumer qualities.
Experts attribute the spreading nature of the bush to the disadvantages of this crop at a young age.
Growing technology
To obtain a highly productive crop, a suitable place is selected for it, planting rules are followed, and regular care is provided.
Optimal conditions
The plant is a light-loving plant; it is planted in areas that are illuminated and protected from drafts. In the shade they decrease significantly productivity and fruit quality.
Gooseberries prefer loose and fertile soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction.It grows poorly in flooded areas, so when planting, pay attention to the groundwater level (at least 1.5 m from the surface).
The bush bears fruit every year, the land is extremely depleted, so gooseberries need regular feeding.
Landing dates and rules
The Russian variety is planted in late September - mid-October, depending on the climate, a month before the first frost. The root system grows at daytime temperatures of +10...+15°C. In case of premature sub-zero temperatures, planting is postponed until spring. The advantage of spring planting is that the bushes develop without the risk of freezing.
Work order:
- Dig a hole 50x50 cm.
- Lay drainage and a layer of loose fertile soil.
- The seedling is cut by half or ⅔, the roots are trimmed and placed in the hole at a slight angle.
- After planting, water thoroughly.
If several bushes are planted, a distance of at least 1.5 m is maintained between the holes.
Further care
At different stages of development, the plant's need for moisture changes. Increase the number of waterings:
- in spring, during the active growing season of the plant;
- after flowering during fruit formation;
- after harvest.
During the rainy season, the crop does not need watering, but lack of moisture in the heat reduces the yield.
In early spring, nitrogen-containing substances are added to promote shoot growth. Next time, feed them with potassium fertilizers before flowering begins. After flowering and harvesting, organic matter is added.
Important! Fertilizers are applied at the root level in moist soil to prevent the roots from burning.
Once a year, in spring or autumn, get rid of dry and damaged branches. Pruning is carried out at soil level so that there are no stumps left.
Weeds are removed in a timely manner so that the plants have enough nutrients, light, moisture, and also to prevent the development diseases and attacks by harmful insects.
Possible problems, diseases, pests
Although the crop is resistant to some diseases, if planting technology is violated or poor quality care is used, gooseberry bushes are threatened by:
- Anthracnose. Small brown spots appear on the leaves, which, as they grow, lead to the leaves wilting and falling off. Prevention involves the use of drugs containing copper.
- Mosaic. Light yellow spots are visible along the veins of the leaves. The leaf blade becomes smaller and wrinkles. The viral disease cannot be treated - the bushes are uprooted and burned. Plant immunity is increased by applying fertilizers several times a season.
- Aphid. Pest weakens the plant by feeding on the sap of the leaves. To combat it, folk remedies are used: garlic infusion, soap solution. If there are too many insects, use the insecticides Fufanon and Aktara.
Wintering
Only young seedlings need shelter. In order for the bush to survive the winter safely, after harvesting it is fertilized and watered in late autumn. With the arrival of cold weather, the tree trunk circle is mulched with horse humus.
Reproduction
Gooseberries are propagated vegetatively: by layering, dividing the bush, green and lignified cuttings. Seed propagation is used to develop new varieties. In most cases, red gooseberries are propagated by rooting cuttings - individual branches on the mother bush - followed by growing them in the nursery.
Features of cultivation depending on the region
The frost resistance of the variety allows it to be cultivated in almost all regions, with the exception of the Ural region. Russian gooseberry is very popular among summer residents in the Moscow region.
Pollinator varieties
The crop is self-fertile, quickly begins to bear fruit and does not require pollinating varieties. However, experienced gardeners recommend planting several varieties on the plot to increase productivity - Plum, Russian, Pink 2. At the same time, the berries become tastier and larger.
Reviews from gardeners
Experienced gardeners leave positive reviews about Russian red gooseberries and share their recommendations.
Tatyana, Oktyabrsk: “I have long wanted to plant gooseberries with large berries, I planted Russian Red and was not mistaken. The shrub is unpretentious, is not affected by powdery mildew, and the berries grow tasty and large. My bushes are already 5 years old, I haven’t replaced them yet, the yield remains at the same level, except that over the years the size of the berries has decreased due to their abundance. To return to its previous size, I replaced the old crown with a new one from a young shoot.”
Vitaly, Mytishchi: “For a long time I did not dare to prune the gooseberry branches, which were bending to the ground under the weight of large red berries. It turns out that they also need to be removed. This makes Russian gooseberries rejuvenate and brings a much larger harvest next season. Convinced by my own experience".
Conclusion
The Russian Red gooseberry variety has been time-tested - it has been popular for more than 60 years thanks to its delicious sweet and sour berries, winter hardiness, and easy care. By applying knowledge about the basic rules of growing crops, it is easy to obtain consistently high yields of aromatic fruits.