When does honeysuckle ripen in different regions?
Edible honeysuckle is loved for its beneficial properties and early fruiting. The fruits contain vitamins C and P, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, pectins and sugars, so they help restore the human body after a long winter. But after planting a bush, beginners cannot wait for the harvest for a long time and suspect that something is wrong with it or that the care was incorrect. What factors determine the formation of ovaries, how to know that honeysuckle is ripe, and when it leaves in different regions, we will tell you in the article.
When does honeysuckle ripen?
The first fruit ripening occurs for 2 years after landing, but sometimes this period falls on 3 or 4.
Active fruiting of the bush begins at the age of 6 years. Let's figure out when honeysuckle berries ripen in different regions.
In the middle lane
The ripening period of honeysuckle depends on varieties. Usually the fruiting phase begins in June.
These varieties are grown in the Moscow region:
- Altair. An early ripening variety with ripening dates from June 12-16. Fruiting is long lasting. It is resistant to frost, common diseases and pests. The main advantage is that overripe fruits remain on the bush until harvest.
- Bakchar giant. Large-fruited honeysuckle with medium ripening periods. Fruiting begins at the end of June and lasts 2-3 weeks.
Bakchar giant - Blue spindle. Refers to early ripening varieties with ripening dates of June 12-23.Excellent resistance to frost and drought.
Blue spindle
If honeysuckle does not begin to bear fruit within the specified time frame, it means that it does not have enough sunlight. Other reasons are damage to the root system by frost, insect attacks, and diseases.
When he sings in Siberia
Siberian honeysuckle is a winter-hardy crop with excellent health and long-term fruiting.
The ripening of berries in western Siberia begins in the middle or end of June; for late-ripening varieties this period falls at the beginning of July.
Reference. Varieties for Siberia develop well in cold, rainy weather. At the same time, unfavorable conditions do not in any way affect taste qualities of fruits.
When do the most popular varieties ripen:
- Assol. This honeysuckle exhibits very early ripening. Fruiting begins in early June.
- Slav. Mid-early variety. The fruits ripen in mid-June.
Slav - Anniversary. Well suited for growing in western Siberia. This is a honeysuckle with a very late ripening period. The first harvest is harvested in mid-July.
In Irkutsk
Gardeners select frost-resistant, large-fruited, fast-growing varieties. Honeysuckle begins to produce ripe berries in mid or late June.
Attention! If honeysuckle is not collected on time, birds and insects attack the berries. For processing, it is recommended to pick unripe fruits so as not to lose the harvest.
Popular names of berry plants and their ripening time:
- Indigo Jam. Self-pollinating, bisexual variety. The first harvest occurs in mid-June.
- Titmouse. Bisexual variety with medium ripening. Gardeners pick ripe berries at the end of June.
- Bee Honey. Winter-hardy honeysuckle with medium ripening periods.The berry season opens in mid-June.
In the Urals
For cultivation in the Urals, experienced gardeners choose late-ripening varieties of honeysuckle.
Before fruiting begins, the shrub has time to gain strength and form more ovaries. The berry tree begins to bear fruit in early or mid-July.
When does honeysuckle ripen in the Urals:
- Fire opal. This variety has strong immunity to fungal and viral diseases and cold. The first berries are harvested in early July.
- Chosen One. Another winter-hardy, large-fruited honeysuckle. The first wave of the harvest falls on July 19-20.
- Commonwealth. A powerful shrub that bears the first ripe berries on July 13-15.
In other regions
In other cities, the fruiting period of honeysuckle depends on two factors. First grade.
There are:
- early - ripe berries appear in early June;
- medium - in mid or late June;
- late - in early or mid-July.
The second is care. Beginners make many mistakes, which is why the harvest is delayed or completely absent:
- Incorrectly selected site. Young seedlings require plenty of sunlight. In shaded areas they produce a meager harvest. A suitable soil acidity level is pH 5.5-6.5.
- Lack of moisture. Newly planted honeysuckle needs frequent and abundant watering.
- Trimming. The berry plant does not require early pruning, since the procedure delays the onset of the first harvest.
The most suitable varieties for growing in the southern regions are Long-fruited, Blueberry, and Lastochka. For Altai - My Joy, Chelyabinsk, Altair.
Important! To ensure the most proper care for a particular variety, experienced gardeners recommend familiarizing yourself with the technology of growing it in a nursery.
How to determine ripeness
The berries ripen in stages: first on the tops, in the depths of the bush, and then in the lower part.
The fruits acquire a bluish tint with a slight waxy coating and gradually crumble. At this time, gardeners recommend placing a dark, clean cloth under the bush. This way the berries won't go to waste.
Does the collected honeysuckle ripen?
Honeysuckle fruits do not ripen. They quickly lose their presentation and deteriorate. The berries are processed: preserves, jams, and syrups are made.
If honeysuckle applies to sweet varieties, the fruits are well suited for fresh consumption.
Reference. In all existing berry crops, the fruits ripen only on the branches. But there is such a plant as actinidia. Its miracle berries are able to reach the stage of technical ripeness after being separated from the vine.
Conclusion
The ripening time of edible honeysuckle depends on the variety and care. It is recommended to select zoned berry gardens. They adapt better to the climatic conditions of the region, do not get sick, and produce their harvest at the specified time.
Winter-hardy, mid-season varieties are suitable for northern regions. For the south - early, for the Urals - late-ripening, Moscow and the Moscow region - early and middle.