Honeysuckle Souvenir

Among the many varieties of honeysuckle, edible species are especially attractive for gardeners. The variety Souvenir of domestic selection is just that. The plant is represented by a tall bush, which is covered with wonderful flowers in spring, and by the end of summer - delicious sweet berries.

The variety was obtained in 2001 by specialists Plekhanova Maria Nikolaevna and Kondrikova Alexandra Vasilievna. A year after the withdrawal, the Souvenir was allowed to be used.

A medium-sized bush with an active rate of development. It is able to bloom and bear fruit for 50 years, but begins to bear fruit at 3-4 years of age. It grows up to 1.5 m in height and 2.5 m in diameter. Consists of 10-15 highly leafy straight shoots. The oval crown is thickened, covered with small dark green leaves, and in May small white flowers appear on the bush. Honeysuckle Souvenir is resistant to diseases and pests.

The fruits grow large. The weight of an elongated-oval ripe berry is about 0.96 g, length is 1.3 cm. The color of the skin is dark blue. The skin is of medium density, with a weak anthocyanin. Large honeysuckle berries of this variety are characterized by a high sugar content of 9% and an ascorbic acid content within 2%. Fruit shedding is weak.

Tasting examination of edible berries is 4.7 points out of 5. They taste sweet and sour. At the same time, they are considered the sweetest of the edible species.

In terms of ripening, they are mid-season. The fruiting period falls at the end of June.

The productivity of the bushes is high, on average it is 42.2 c / ha. This is approximately 2 kg of berries from each fruit plant.

Even taking into account the abundant flowering, the Souvenir variety needs a pollinator. Without this, only up to 20% of the fruits are formed on the shrub. Such varieties as Morena, Nymph, Blue dessert are suitable for the role of a pollinator.

A seedling of a shrub suitable for planting must have the appropriate characteristics. Any external damage, traces of trimming, build-ups are unacceptable.

Root system - several strong and many small roots. The root cut should be white. Rot on the roots is not allowed.

The height of a quality bush is up to 60 cm, taking into account the container. From the nursery, it often comes in a container, so it is transferred to a permanent place with a clod of earth in which the plant is supplied. Regardless of where you plan to plant, the shrub needs strong support. It is organized in advance.

Planting a plant is best done in autumn or spring. Honeysuckle roots develop actively at a low above-zero temperature. The main condition is the absence of frost during the planting period and for a month after it. This is important for the successful adaptation of a plant to a new location.

Spring planting is best done in March or early April, but not later than the buds bloom. Otherwise, the bush will not take root well. In the spring, fertilizers need to be applied to the soil. And in the fall, the soil is not fertilized, preventing the acceleration of the vegetation of the shoots.

The first two years from the moment of planting, feeding will not be required, but starting from the third year, the plants will have to be fed annually. It is important to feed the shrub with nitrogen for its vegetative growth, phosphorus - for strong roots and good fruiting, potassium - for intercellular metabolism in the structure of the plant.

The first feeding is carried out in the spring season, before bud break. It is recommended to apply about 10 kg of rotten manure per bush. After a couple of weeks, superphosphate is connected in the amount of 150 g and 50 g of potash fertilizers.

Watering needs regular, not frequent, but abundant watering. It is important that the soil does not dry out. It will be enough to produce 1 irrigation every 1-2 weeks. After watering, loosening is always carried out to improve the air exchange of the soil. The procedure is carried out in conjunction with getting rid of weeds.

After planting in the area of ​​the trunk circle, you need to lay out a layer of mulch: sawdust, wood chips, straw, pine needles or other materials.

Pruning the shrub is necessary to prevent thickening and overgrowth. Slices are made at a 45 ° angle above the kidneys. The length of the cut area should not exceed 1/3 of the total length of the shoot.

At the end of winter, dried branches and weakened shoots are cut off. In its shape, the bush should resemble a bowl with an empty middle - for better lighting of the branches. Fruits are formed on annual shoots, and those older than three years must be removed. This approach stimulates the growth of fresh shoots and consistently maintains high yields.

Honeysuckle Souvenir is adapted to different climates. It is so hardy that it can grow in Siberia. Does not need shelter for wintering. Frosts rarely damage shrubs. The variety is moderately resistant to drought. Fruiting only when it receives the right amount of moisture throughout the growing season.

Honeysuckle of this variety likes to be in the sun, but it grows well in shady conditions. Sweeter fruits growing in the sun. If the site is located near a building, it is recommended to plant a bush from its east or south side. For good circulation between the plant and the building, there should be at least half a meter of free space.

If the soil is dense on the site, it is loosened by adding sand or other organic matter. For better root development, it is optimal to plant the bushes in loam.

The plant needs space, so the area of ​​the site should be at least 2x2 m. In addition, it must be borne in mind that the Souvenir variety requires pollinators. For planting two bushes, a free space of 2x4 m is required.

The delicate aroma and pleasant taste of the fruit is due to complex phytochemicals in their composition. Thanks to this, the plant has anti-inflammatory and tonic qualities.

Berries are useful in the treatment of anemia and colds, pathologies of the circulatory system, to improve appetite.