The subtleties of growing a remontant variety of raspberries Hercules in the country
Content
History and description of the raspberry Hercules
The variety was bred in the course of selection, which was carried out by I.V. Kazakov. The birthplace of Hercules can be called the Bryansk region, where the variety was obtained. The culture is considered remontant. The shrub grows up to 2 m and forms 5–7 shoots. The branches are quite strong, so they do not bend under the weight of the berries. The deep green foliage has characteristic "teeth" along the edges.
The variety is characterized by frost resistance, therefore it is grown in almost all regions of Russia. In addition, the variety is resistant to moisture deficiency. Even in case of heavy and prolonged rains, the root system of the shrub will not rot.
Video "Raspberry remontant variety Hercules"
This video tells about the peculiarities of growing fruit and berry crops.
Characteristics of the remontant variety
Repairing varieties are especially appreciated by gardeners, because such a crop gives two harvests per season.
The productivity of the bushes
Raspberry Hercules is characterized by high yield rates. The first fruiting occurs in late June - early July. During this period, raspberries ripen on last year's shoots. The second period of fruiting begins from the end of August until the first frost. Subject to all the rules of planting and care, the shrub can bring about 4 kg of berries.
Characteristics of berries
Raspberries are tapered and slightly pubescent. On average, the weight of one berry reaches 7 g, but berries weighing 15 g are often found. The taste of remontant raspberries is sweet and sour. The berries have a juicy and aromatic pulp.
Harvesting and storage
It is recommended to pick berries in dry weather, which will significantly increase the shelf life of raspberries. For storage, you should not choose a large container - the berries are likely to wrinkle in it. After harvesting, the fruits are stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 5 days. To preserve fresh berries for the winter, they are often frozen, dried, or various compotes and jams are cooked from them.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The description of the Hercules variety gives every reason to assume that the shrubs do not need special care.
- Unpretentiousness to the composition of the soil. Hercules bears abundant fruit even in the absence of micronutrients in the soil.
- Drought tolerant. In regions with an arid climate, the variety will take root well.
- Resistance to various pests and fungal diseases. Even stagnation of water in the soil will not destroy the plant.
- Long fruiting period.
- Large fruits. The average berry weight is 7-10 g.
- Raspberries are well transported and stored for a long time. The berries are famous for their excellent presentation.
- A large number of thorns on the shoots.
- Fruiting until the onset of frost, as a result of which some berries do not have time to ripen.
- Sensitive to severe frost.
Features of growing and care
Despite the comparative unpretentiousness of the variety, berry bushes still need some care.
Landing rules
For planting remontant raspberries, it is better to choose shaded areas of the garden. An important condition is the absence of drafts in the place of cultivation. In terms of soil composition, raspberries are also unpretentious, they can bear fruit even on soil devoid of nutrients. However, too acidic formulations are not suitable for this type of raspberry.
When choosing seedlings, you should pay special attention to the root system. It should be free of signs of rot, mold.
The landing procedure includes several aspects:
- Well preparation. The interval between them should be at least 50 cm, the depth of the pits should be 45 cm. It is also worth leaving space between the rows, which will simplify harvesting and caring for the bushes.
- Top dressing. Ash and 2 liters of humus are introduced into the pits.
- Landing. Seedlings are sent to the holes, filled with earth and watered abundantly. Re-moistening of the soil should be done on the 3rd day.
How to increase yields
In order to improve the quantity and quality of the crop, it is recommended to carry out a number of measures. Proper watering is considered an important condition for growing. Optimal is weekly soil moisture. One bush is about a bucket of water.
The yellowing of the tops of the bushes testifies to the waterloggedness of the soil. In this case, it is better to reduce the volume of water.
Mulching is one of the main points of growing raspberries. Straw is considered an excellent option for organic mulch. It will prevent the growth of weeds and at the same time act as a fertilizer.
Hercules, as a rule, does not bend under the weight of large fruits. However, tying the shoots to the trellis will provide uniform illumination of all branches of the shrub. In addition, the bush will be well ventilated. To carry out this event, the pillars should be placed at intervals of 3 m from each other. They need to pull the wire in 3 rows and tie up the bushes.
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- Drip irrigation
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- Mulching
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- Tying bushes
The need for pruning
Sanitary pruning is recommended throughout the season to remove damaged, dry and rotten branches. In October, the shrub should be cut to the root, so caring for it during the wintering period will be much easier.
Preparing for winter
With the onset of cold weather, cut raspberries must be mulched with straw or sawdust. If the shoots remain uncircumcised, they need to be covered with agrofibre. It is important to do this before frost, because otherwise the bushes may rot.
Prevention of diseases and pests
The variety is quite resistant to all sorts of diseases. However, some fungal diseases sometimes affect shrubs:
- anthracnose;
- spotting;
- chlorosis;
- rust;
- mosaic.
To protect shrubs from pathogens of such ailments, it is recommended to carry out preventive treatments. The most commonly used solutions are onion peel or burdock. Disease prevention will also be regular feeding with nitrogen-containing formulations. In addition, the irrigation regime should be observed, avoiding waterlogging or drying out of the soil.
Reviews of summer residents
The Hercules variety was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2004. Since then, many gardeners have fallen in love with him, as evidenced by reviews.
“We have been growing the Hercules variety for over 5 years. Bushes are strong, rarely get sick, give an excellent harvest. The berries are very large and beautiful. The taste and aroma are indescribable! Raspberries are sweet and sour, the pulp is juicy and aromatic. "
“We have been keeping a raspberry tree for several years. About a year ago, Hercules was planted for the first time, as a neighbor praised this variety very much.To be honest, at first I was skeptical, but in vain. In the year of planting, we reaped a small crop, which was very surprised. There were few berries, but what a taste! "
“I am an avid summer resident. What only I do not have on the site. Malinka Hercules is no exception. I have known this variety for a long time, of the minuses I can name only a lot of thorns. It bears fruit twice a season, and both times it gives an excellent harvest. The berries are large, juicy and very fragrant. The main thing in growing is to water moderately and feed the soil on time. "
Obviously, Hercules is a great option for lovers of large and sweet raspberries. The variety is unpretentious in care, resistant to fungal diseases and is characterized by high yield rates.