Honeysuckle Indigo Jam

Indigo Jam is one of the newest types of honeysuckle. In the United States, it is considered one of the best yielding varieties. The fruits are used for fresh consumption and for processing. Suitable for private gardens and industrial cultivation.

Another name is Blue gem.

The variety was obtained in Canada on the basis of the University of Saskatoon in 1999 by breeder Robert Bors.

Vigorous bush up to 1.5 m high, straight, compact, V-shaped crown up to 1.2 m in diameter. Young shoots are gray-green, old ones are brick-brown with peeling bark. The leaves are large, elongated, oval, dark green. It blooms profusely from mid-May, the flowers are white, not damaged by recurrent frosts. Shoots are distinguished by a high growth rate. The culture is propagated by cuttings and dividing the bush.

Berries are large, weighing up to 3 g, oblong-oval, plum-like, purple, the flesh is firm and firm, aromatic. They are well transported and have high commercial qualities.

The taste is sweet with sourness, without bitterness, sugar content - 5.9%, ascorbic acid - 54.4%.

The shrub begins to bear fruit in the second year of life. It is considered mid-season in terms of ripening, the harvest begins to ripen at the end of June, ripening is somewhat extended. The fruits are not prone to shedding: they hang on the branches until they are completely dry. Can be removed mechanically.

On average, 4-5 kg ​​of berries are removed from one plant.

The variety has successfully passed the variety trials in the Moscow region. Can be grown in central Russia, in the Urals and the Far East, in Siberia.

Indigo Jam is partially self-fertile; to obtain a high yield, varieties are planted nearby: Aurora, Honeybee, Altai, Bakcharskaya jubilee, Bakcharsky giant, Blue treasure, Dessertnaya, Strawberry sensation, Yugan.

Young plants are planted in spring only in the southern regions, since honeysuckle wakes up very early - already in March. In temperate climates, planting should be done in late August or September. Before planting, the soil is dug to a depth of 40 cm, disinfected with a solution of 3% copper sulfate - 1 liter per 10 sq. m, after a week by 1 sq. m, 20 kg of manure, 400 g of wood ash are poured and dug to a depth of 20 cm. Sand is additionally introduced into clay soils. Pits are dug 3 weeks before disembarkation, and covered with foil.

When planting, the seedling is placed on a mound of fertile soil, the roots are spread along the slope, covered and compacted. The root collar is left flush with the surface. The seedling is abundantly watered and mulched with compost. Young bushes are watered once every 14 days with 10 liters of water, the top layer of soil is loosened to a depth of 2-4 cm and mulched.

Honeysuckle is considered a moisture-loving crop, it must be watered once every 2 weeks with 30 liters of water under the bush. In dry periods, it is recommended to water at the same interval, but more abundantly.

Feeding begins in the 2nd year after planting. In early spring, before the buds awaken, 10 kg of manure is applied under the plant.After flowering, fertilized with wood ash - 500 g. In the 20th of September, they are fed with superphosphate - 50 g and potassium salt - 30 g.

The main pruning of the crown is carried out in the fall, in the spring I prune only broken and problem shoots. Indigo Jam requires sanitary and anti-aging pruning.

The variety is distinguished by high immunity to major diseases, for prevention in spring and autumn, the crown and soil around the bush are sprayed with a solution of 1% copper sulfate. During wet periods, sprinkle the leaves and the ground with wood ash.

The culture is distinguished by good winter hardiness; without shelter, the plant can withstand temperatures up to -35 degrees. Seedlings in harsh climates can be wrapped in agromatter. It is enough to mulch an adult shrub around the trunk with a layer of dry grass or humus 15 cm thick. A prolonged winter thaw can bring honeysuckle out of dormancy, and subsequent frosts will be harmful. The variety tolerates drought well, but with a lack of moisture, yield decreases.

The shrub prefers light areas, but grows well in partial shade. It should be well protected from the wind, it is better to choose a place on the south or southeast side of the site. The composition of the soil does not really matter, but it should be neutral or slightly acidic. Loamy and fertile soil is ideal.

Indigo Jam gets good reviews from gardeners: the fruit is very pleasant consistency, and they are very fragrant, only small, especially on young bushes. Honeysuckle does not require special care, and the harvest happens every year. It is noted that the fruits can change the taste if they hang longer: the first berries ripen sourish, and the last ones are very sweet.