Gooseberry Olavi (Hinnonmaen Punainen)

Gooseberry is a healthy and tasty berry that many summer residents grow on their plots. Among the many classic and recently bred species, the mid-late Olavi of Finnish selection is of great interest.

Olavi is the result of the efforts of Finnish breeders. The berry culture was bred more than 20 years ago. The main task of the scientists was to create a variety that can grow and bear fruit in unfavorable climatic conditions. Olavi's gooseberry was added to the State Register of allowed for use on the territory of the Russian Federation in 1999. The variety is recommended for cultivation in the North-West and North regions.

The mid-late type Olavi is a medium-sized semi-spreading spherical shrub with a strong crown thickening with green leaves. The bush grows up to 150 cm in height. The plant is characterized by upright shoots of medium thickness, heavily covered with sharp one / two-part thorns, and small brown buds growing slightly deflected. During the flowering period, the shrubs are covered with small bell flowers of a pale color.

Olavi is a highly self-fertile crop (up to 46%), so there is no need to plant pollinating shrubs.

The gooseberry is a medium-fruited species. Berries gain weight from 2 to 4.4 g. Gooseberries grow in regular shape - oval or round-oval with a smooth waxy surface without edges. Ripe berry has a beautiful uniform color - dark cherry with pronounced light streaks. The peel of the berries is thin but firm.

Gooseberries tolerate transportation well within 3 days after picking, do not crack, and can also be stored in a cool place for up to 5-6 days. Berries have a universal purpose - they are eaten fresh, used in cooking, frozen, processed into preserves, marmalades, jams and compotes.

The gooseberry tastes excellent. The pulp is fleshy, tender, fine-grained and very juicy. The taste is dominated by sourness, diluted with light sweetness. The aroma of the berries is barely noticeable, but the taste is very refreshing. The pulp contains almost 12% sugars and less than 4% acids.

Olavi is a medium late ripening crop. The first harvest can be observed already in the second year after planting. The variety is characterized by stable fruiting for 20 years. You can taste the berries from mid-August.

Highly productive variety. With standard agricultural technology, from 1 bush per season, you can collect from 7 to 13 kg of delicious berries.Growing gooseberries on an industrial scale, you can count on 55 centners of berries per hectare.

Planting dates directly depend on the climate of the region. In the northern part, planting of seedlings is carried out in the spring, after the soil has warmed up well, but the buds have not yet swollen. In the southern strip, you can plant seedlings in the fall (October) - 30-45 days before stable frosts. When planting, it is important to observe the distance between seedlings - 150-200 cm. A seedling with 2-3 shoots 25-30 cm high and a developed root system is healthy for planting. It is optimal to plant two-year-old bushes.

This variety is easy to care for, but a little picky about growing conditions. The site should be well lit by the sun, protected from gusty winds, drafts and stagnant moisture (deep passage of groundwater is recommended). The best is considered to be loose, fertile, loamy or sandy loam soil with a neutral level of acidity. You can get your gooseberry seedlings in several ways - by layering or cuttings.

The gooseberry agrotechnics is standard - moderate watering, fertilization, sanitary pruning of branches, formation of the crown of a bush, weeding and mulching of the near-root zone, prevention of diseases and pest infestations. In harsh winters, agrofibre shelter may be necessary.

Gooseberries have excellent immunity, allowing them to resist many diseases and pests. He is not exposed to American powdery mildew and spherotec, and also rarely suffers from anthracnose and septoria. Timely treatments, as well as proper care, will help protect against pest infestation.

The gooseberry has excellent stress resistance, so it quickly adapts to the most adverse weather conditions. The culture is frost-resistant (up to -30 degrees), tolerates heat and light shade. Prolonged drought and drafts are undesirable for the plant.