Raspberry Maravilla

Maravilla differs from other raspberry varieties in its characteristics. That is why it is of interest to gardeners not only for growing in summer cottages, but also for commercial purposes.

Maravilla is one of the best American raspberry varieties. Synonyms (or Latin name) Driscoll Maravilla. Its authors are scientists from California, USA.

Maravilla bushes are medium spreading, rather vigorous. Their width varies from 65 to 70 cm. Shoots are red-purple in color, strong, mature, upright, with green tops. There are small thorns. The leaves are wrinkled and rather large. The height of the bush can reach 220 cm.

Maravilla belongs to the remontant variety. Fruits are harvested 2 times per season. The first ripening of berries on last year's shoots begins in May. Harvesting is finished by mid-summer. It accounts for 60-70% of the total. Ripening dates for the second harvest are late. The shoots of the first year begin to bear fruit by the end of September and until the very frosts. The harvest of this period is 30-35%.

This variety of raspberries is grown in the south, in central Russia and in Siberia.

Maravilla has a high yield. On average, 3-4 kg of berries can be harvested from a bush. In the open field, an average of 20 t / ha is harvested, in greenhouses - up to 50 t / ha.

The fruits of the plant are very large, regular conical shape, bright red in color. The length of the berry can reach 3.5 cm, diameter 2.5-3 cm, weight 10-14 g. Sweet and sour fruits have a pronounced raspberry aroma. The consistency of the pulp is dense.

Raspberries are planted in spring or fall. To do this, it is necessary to prepare the soil - mineral fertilizers and ash are added to it. The roots of plants are pre-soaked in water with the addition of clay, and after planting they are watered, and the soil is covered with straw in order to keep moisture longer.

The Maravilla variety is grown in two ways.

• Open ground. Growing plants in this way may not please gardeners with a second harvest. The berries do not have time to ripen before the first frost.

• Greenhouse method. This method has proven itself in that it is possible to monitor the temperature and moisture content of the soil in closed ground.

Raspberries on open ground are planted in that part of the site that has excellent illumination, the place should be warmed up by the sun's rays without any problems. The soil should be fertile, loose and non-acidic. The distance between the rows when planting should be 1.5 meters.

In greenhouses, bushes grow in special containers with a volume of 8 liters or more. They are located not at ground level, but slightly higher, thereby avoiding bushes damping out and rotting.

Prune Maravilla three times per season. Sanitary pruning is carried out in April. Remove frozen and damaged branches. In the summer, shoots infected with infection or pests must be removed. In the fall, the upper part of the fruiting shoots of the current year is cut off to a height of 1.5 cm.

The ideal watering option for Maravilla is the drip method. The variety is moisture-loving, but it needs a gradual flow of liquid. If you water it often and a lot, it will lead to decay of the root system. You need to competently approach the organization of feeding. Bushes should be fertilized strictly on schedule, 3 times per season. In the spring, after the snow has completely melted, they are fed with fertilizers containing nitrogen. In the summer, during the formation of the fruits of the first harvest, fertilizers are applied containing phosphorus and potassium. During the second wave of the harvest, you also need to repeat the feeding with phosphorus and potassium.

In regions where winters are cold and with little snow, the root system must be insulated with hay, and the shrub must be covered with non-woven material. If this is not done, then raspberries will freeze out already at -20 degrees. Under the snow cover, the root system will withstand a temperature of –30 degrees Celsius.

The Maravilla cultivar may be prone to certain diseases.

• Phytophthora is a fungal infection that infects the plant at the end of fruiting. It infects shoots that are stored for planting.

• Sooty mushroom - most often affects plants grown in greenhouses. This infection damages the leaves. They are covered with a black coating.

• Spotted fruit fly. This insect destroys the fruits themselves, which significantly reduces the characteristics of the berries.

Planting root shoots is the main breeding method for Maravilla raspberries. Dig up the soil until a root with branches is found. One part is cut off and divided into processes with the presence of a kidney. Then the shoots are soaked in a growth stimulator for at least 12 hours. After planting, the roots must be watered regularly until sprouts appear. When the plant reaches a height of 30-40 cm, it is planted in a permanent place.

Raspberry Maravilla can be called one of the best cultivated varieties for its characteristics. Its most characteristic feature is keeping quality. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. And also the berries have a very high transportability. That is why the Maravilla variety is also called commercial.