Raspberry Phenomenon

Raspberry variety Phenomenon is also known under the names Odarka and Stolichnaya. Ukrainian breeders had a hand in its creation. The fruits are suitable for any type of processing and will be a wonderful natural snack.

Spreading shrubs are tall - from 2.5 to 2.7 meters. In some regions, they can grow up to 3 meters. Young shoots are colored green with a purple tint. They turn light brown the next year. The number of thorns is moderate, they are small and non-aggressive. It is recommended to tie up the branches during the fruiting period. The color of the leaves is dark green, the size is large.

The phenomenon is a non-repairable variety, therefore, it yields a crop only once during the growing season, but the berries ripen early. The fruiting season begins in the second half of June. The exact ripening period for berries depends on the climate.

If you take proper care of the shrubs, you can collect from 6 to 8 kilograms of berries from one plant. In addition to high yields, the fruits withstand storage and transportation well.

The berries are large, gaining in weight from 5 to 10 grams. As they mature, they turn scarlet and eventually turn bright red. There is a slight bluish bloom. The shape is conical. In the first year, the plant does not bear fruit very often. The pulp is dense, but juicy, seeds are clearly visible in it. The aroma of berries is bright and intense, typical of raspberries. The taste is described as dessert, with a barely noticeable sourness.

The variety is perfect for growing in different regions of the country, as it easily tolerates drought and is frost-resistant. It pollinates independently due to bisexual flowers. Planting pollinators nearby is not required. To make the shrubs feel comfortable, when they are planted, a gap of 0.6-0.8 meters is left between the plants. And between the rows, the free space should reach 1.5-2 meters.

It is recommended to plant shrubs from the south or southeast. Raspberries love sunlight. A rich harvest can be achieved on slightly acidic or neutral soil. Loamy soil, loose enough for good air exchange, is perfect. Most often, raspberries can be found in the Urals, Siberia, south or central Russia.

Correctly performed planting significantly affects the further development of seedlings and the quality of the crop. When choosing planting material, each shrub must have at least 3 buds and a developed root system (the roots must be healthy and not overdried).

The dimensions of the pit for planting are 30x30 centimeters. The depth is chosen depending on the length of the roots. When planting, nutrients are added to each hole: 100 grams of wood ash or 3 kilograms of humus. After these dressings are mixed in settled water.The nutrients will help the raspberries settle in their new location.

In the center of each hole, you need to arrange a small mound. A seedling is installed on it, and its roots are carefully distributed to the sides. The root collar should not be buried. When planting, the soil must be watered and tamped. The ground around the shrubs is covered with a layer of mulch 3-5 centimeters thick.

Adherence to agricultural practices guarantees a regular harvest of tasty and aromatic berries and the required number of root suckers for raspberry propagation.

This sunny, spacious and quiet place is perfect for planting a raspberry tree. Plants do not like strong winds, it negatively affects the immunity of shrubs and the condition of berries. If there is groundwater on the site, they should not be located too close to the ground surface. Raspberry The phenomenon loves loose and sandy-clay soil, in which moisture does not stagnate, and in hot weather the water evaporates more slowly.

The selected area must be prepared. It is cleaned of weeds, dug up and leveled.

Shrubs of the Phenomenon variety are pruned throughout the year. This procedure is performed to prevent overgrowth of the berry. A large number of offspring negatively affects the laying of the crop. Be sure to remove sick, weakened and dried shoots, and get rid of unnecessary overgrowth.

After the end of the fruiting period with the arrival of autumn, the plants are carefully examined. If damaged or insufficiently lignified shoots are found, they are cut off. Green shoots cannot be left, they will not survive the winter, and in the spring they can cause the appearance and development of root rot. The branches are cut at the root, flush with the ground.

In the absence of regular rainfall, the raspberry tree is watered three times per season. One shrub consumes 20 liters of water in the first two irrigation procedures. For the third time, 40 liters of water are used. The first watering is carried out at the end of April, before the plants begin to form buds. If the region has snowy winters and frequent rains, it is not necessary to water raspberries in the spring. The following irrigation procedure is performed when the ovaries are being formed.

The last time the shrubs are watered is before the onset of frost. Plants need moisture to survive the winter. Additional irrigation is carried out as needed, for example, in hot and dry weather. Together with watering, the plants can be fed.

Fertilization of the Phenomenon begins only from the next year after planting. As soon as the ground thaws after frost, the first portion of nutrients is added. The soil is loosened, and its surface is sprinkled with ammonium nitrate at the rate of 10 grams per square meter of the site. After the plantation is irrigated. The ground is covered with sawdust mulch.

During flowering, the shrubs are fed a second time. Weeding and loosening of the soil around the plants are carried out, digging a groove at a distance of 20 centimeters from the shrub. A composition based on chicken manure is poured there (ratio 1 to 10). 10 liters of composition are consumed per plant. After fertilization, the soil is covered with mulch.

The last time the raspberries are fertilized after picking the berries. Use 5 grams of humus and 30 grams of superphosphate per square meter. Before adding nutrients, the soil is loosened.

Due to its frost resistance, the variety does not need an obligatory shelter. The thick snow cover will keep the plant roots safe and sound. If there is a risk that the winter will be with little snow, the plantation is covered with a layer of peat mulch 10 centimeters thick. With the arrival of spring, this component will feed the fruit crop.

The phenomenon is not afraid of fungal infections, common diseases, as well as adverse weather conditions. To maintain a strong plant immunity, you need to comply with all the requirements of agricultural technology: removal of broken and weak shoots, regular watering, top dressing.

Most often, shrubs are propagated using root shoots. The plant forms them in sufficient quantity, and in 2-3 seasons a whole plantation can be obtained from one shrub. It is advisable to plant new seed in early spring, before the buds begin to open.