Raspberry Patricia

Raspberry Patricia belongs to universal varieties, its fruits are suitable for fresh consumption and for processing, harvesting - freezing, drying, cooking compotes and jam. Berries do not differ in keeping quality and transportability, therefore industrial cultivation is excluded. But this variety of raspberries was highly appreciated by amateur gardeners.

A variety of Russian selection. He was brought out in Moscow by Professor V.V.Kichina at the Institute of Horticulture VSTISP. Raspberry Patricia of British selection was taken as a basis. The registration of the Russian version was carried out in 1992.

Raspberries of this variety reach a height of 180 cm, the bush has a semi-spreading shape. Shoots are not covered with thorns, of medium thickness, pubescent and straight. The variety is self-fertile, does not require cross-pollination. Non-refurbished, provides up to 5-6 fees per season. The root system is of a surface type; when planting, a slight deepening is required.

Young leaves are red-brown. Gradually they acquire a light green color, becoming darker in autumn. The shape of the leaf is serrated, the surface is corrugated, with a pronounced relief.

Patricia is a late ripening raspberry. Fruiting lasts from late June to mid-August on last year's shoots.

The variety is zoned for the Moscow region. In addition, it is successfully grown in the middle lane, in the black earth regions. Patricia is also suitable for planting in cold climatic zones, but subject to the conditions of mandatory shelter for the winter. Ripening dates in this case may shift to autumn.

Collected 4-5 kg ​​from a bush, 250 kg from a hundred. The variety belongs to the high-yielding category. Fruiting becomes abundant 3 years after planting and rooting.

Raspberry Patricia produces bright red berries in large to very large sizes. Fruit weight reaches 4-12 g. The shape of the berry is truncated-conical, the pulp is of medium density. The taste and aroma are sweet, with a characteristic raspberry hint. Seeds are small, not very common.

When planting between bushes, it is recommended to maintain a distance of 0.7-1 m. A plant can remain in one place for up to 20 years. When growing, it is recommended to tie to a trellis to increase the yield of plants. Planting of raspberries of the Patricia variety into the ground is carried out in the spring, before the start of sap flow. In the fall, preliminary soil preparation is required, it begins in the summer, and the plants are transferred to a new place after October 1.

When choosing a suitable place for Patricia's raspberries, you need to pay attention to the plants in the neighborhood. For example, you should not place bushes next to strawberries and nightshades - they have a number of common diseases.The variety grows well on black earth or sandy loam soils, prefers a slightly acidic environment. Shoots will not grow on heavy loam. It is better to choose an open area, Patricia is not afraid of direct exposure to sunlight.

In addition to good lighting, the absence of shade and drafts is important for plants. The preparation of the soil in the selected area depends on the type of soil. For sandy, additional nitrogen fertilization will be required. It is enough to first dig up the soil with manure or chicken droppings, humus, and then leave it for 6 months. On the prepared site, pits with a depth of 40-50 cm are formed, a mixture of fertilizers and organic matter with wood ash is laid in them.

Shoots of the last year are cut to a height of 0.8-1.2 m. Young shoots must be removed, leaving 6-10 main branches. If this measure is abandoned, the plant will distribute its forces not for fruiting, but for building up green mass. All unnecessary elements are removed before they get stronger, change the color of the bark.

The main pruning is done in the fall. Branches that have borne fruit this year are removed, young shoots are stored until spring. After wintering, frozen and dried branches are removed, and the tops of healthy plants are cut off. In the summer, pruning to the level of the trellis is also shown.

The variety is well adapted to temperate and cold climates. Average winter hardiness, adult bushes can withstand a short-term drop in temperature to -35 degrees. Young shoots need additional shelter. Frosts after thaw are dangerous for them.

The variety is susceptible to late blight. Resistance to purple spot, botrytis and anthracnose is high. Breeders note that the plant contains a gene that repels aphids.

The main breeding method is cuttings. Healthy young shoots with elastic roots and 3-4 buds at the base are separated from the Patricia raspberry bush. For cutting, it is better to choose the period of early spring, when leaves have not yet begun to actively appear. In the fall, cuttings are cut and planted 30 days before the onset of frost.

The large number of basal processes greatly facilitates the spread of the Patricia raspberry. They can be painlessly separated from the mother bush by grabbing an earthen lump. Landing holes are prepared in advance.

Owners of Patricia raspberry bushes consider this variety one of the best among large-fruited. It provides a bountiful harvest, not too picky about care. When grown on trellises, plants receive sufficient ventilation so that their shoots do not rot and ripen right on time. It is noted that the variety winters well in the climate near Moscow without additional shelter. Large juicy berries are also praised - their taste properties deserve the highest appreciation.

The disadvantages of this variety of raspberries include a weak ability to tolerate transportation and storage. Berries cannot be left hanging on the bushes for a long time. If they are to be transported, the crop is removed with a stalk. In addition, Patricia very poorly tolerates the defeat of late blight, it must be protected from contact with the sources of this disease, and thickening of the shoots should be avoided.