Gooseberry Beryl

Gooseberries have long been used to make stewed fruit and preserves. A variety called Beryl is recommended to be planted in Western Siberia or the Urals, but it is also well known to gardeners from the southern and central regions.

Shrubs of medium height grow on average from 1.5 to 1.7 m. They are dense and medium spreading. The branches are covered with a small number of thorns. Shoots of medium thickness with anthocyanin coloration are distinguished by a slightly overhanging top. Young branches grow green and change color over time as the plant develops. They are large and directed upwards.

Most of the thorns are formed in the lower part of the shrub, they grow mainly in the downward direction. Some may be upward or perpendicular. The location is usually solitary.

The leaves are covered with wrinkles. Their surface is glossy, with shine. The color is standard green, the sizes are large. The flowers are large. The color can be pink or yellow with a green tint. They are shaped like glasses. The petals are dense.

Large berries gain weight from 3.9 to 9.2 g. The color of ripe berries is light green. The shape can be elongated or round. The skin is thin and delicate, transparent. The surface is smooth, no fluff. Ripe fruits are often eaten in their natural form. They are also added to alcoholic liqueurs, sauces, marinades, marmalade. In the field of cosmetology, the fruits have also found their application. Berries of this variety are considered universal.

Taste characteristics are high. Dessert berries are usually sweet with a pleasant sour taste. The assessment of professional tasters was 5 points.

Fruiting of the Beryl variety falls in mid-July, and the ripening period is considered average. Harvesting dates are shifted depending on the weather and climatic conditions in the growing region.

The yield of one shrub is from 3 to 10 kilograms per season. This characteristic indicates a high yield of the variety. When grown on an industrial scale, an average of 10.3 tons of berries are harvested from one hectare. Commodity quality is also on top.

Experienced gardeners note that the amount of the crop is not very dependent on the weather. Fruiting is more influenced by the age of the shrubs and care. The maximum yield falls in the fifth year after planting.

The berries are easy to transport. Fruits that have reached technical maturity can be transported for three days. When reaching maximum maturity, transporting the crop will already be problematic.

Beryl shrubs should be planted in early spring or autumn from late September to early October. The work must be completed several weeks before the arrival of frost. This time will be enough for the roots to get stronger and take root. The main thing is that after transplanting into open ground, the temperature does not drop below five degrees Celsius.

Planting can be done in almost any soil, except for oxidized and waterlogged ones. Gooseberries bear fruit abundantly in areas that are warm and densely lit by the sun.If the land is depleted, it must be fed with organic matter, rotted compost or manure. The root part of the plant should be deepened into the ground by 5 centimeters.

Activities aimed at preparing the land plot are carried out in advance. Gardeners enrich the soil and loosen its upper layers. The work is carried out about a couple of weeks before plant transplantation. Also, be sure to remove plant debris and all excess plants.

To obtain a rich harvest, it is important to choose the right seedlings. Weakened seedlings may simply not take root in a new area. You need to buy gooseberry bushes only from trusted suppliers.

When choosing a planting material, it is imperative to pay attention to certain characteristics. Seedlings with open roots cannot be older than two years. Be sure to have 2-3 full-fledged shoots. The minimum shoot length is 20 centimeters. The top of the seedling may be covered with leaves. The roots should be well developed and slightly moist, the buds should be closed. Any defects and damage must be absent.

Plants with a closed root system can be of any age. A dense earthy ball around the roots indicates good quality. In the case of a closed root system, any damage is also unacceptable. The length of the shoots is 40-50 centimeters. The branches may be covered with leaves.

Before proceeding with planting, the following conditions must be met.

• With increased acidity of the soil, dolomite flour or limestone is added to it. Consumption - 300 grams of substance per plant. If the acidity level is normal, no additional components are required.
• A planting hole is dug up and cleaned of litter and unnecessary plants.
• Heavy soil is diluted with sand and humus.
• The site is fed with the following components: 150 grams of ash, 20 liters of humus and 25 grams of superphosphate and potassium.

In extreme heat, the bushes are watered at least 2 times a week. Plants especially need moisture during flowering and ripening of berries. A bucket of water is consumed per plant. The liquid is poured under the root, preventing it from getting on the branches and foliage.

2-3 weeks before harvesting the fruits, regular and abundant watering is stopped, as it will negatively affect the quality of the berries. Irrigation can be dispensed with during the rainy season. The gooseberries will have enough moisture from their natural sources.

The soil is loosened about 4-5 times throughout the season. This procedure is necessary for the active development of culture. Weeds and other debris on the site are also removed. It is important not to harm the root system, so the gardening tool should not be deepened too much. After loosening, the ground around the bushes is covered with mulch. It will help retain moisture during the dry season.

To improve the taste and yield, gooseberries are fed with useful substances and microelements.

Plants are fertilized according to the following scheme.

• In early spring, the ground is covered with humus mulch.
• At the end of May, mineral preparations or organic matter are introduced. This can be ammonium nitrate, manure, or bird droppings. Once the flowering period is over, potassium and superphosphate can be added.
• Before the arrival of cold weather (the first half of autumn), a remedy from potassium phosphate, magnesium and superphosphate is used.

To prevent the shrub from overgrowing, pruning is periodically carried out. Also, this procedure is needed for crown formation and shoot renewal. Sick, broken and damaged branches get rid of with the onset of spring, immediately after the snow melts.Shoots that are already one year old are shortened. Leave 4 to 5 of the strongest and healthiest basal shoots. Up to twenty shoots of different ages should remain on the bush.

For successful wintering, shrubs are bent to the ground and covered with protective material, for example, agrofibre.