The top of perfection in the cultivation of blackberries, breeders call the variety Giant. It is characterized by remontance, tendency, as well as high productivity and excellent resistance to adverse development factors. What is the peculiarity of this variety and how to properly grow it in a private household, read on in the article.

Selection history

Wild blackberry is distinguished by its heat lovingness, sensitivity to the pathogenic environment, small sour fruits and one-time fruiting during the season. Garden varieties are more adapted to the requirements of consumers, which is mainly expressed only in the marketability and taste of berries. The real breakthrough in breeding experiments on culture was the removal of repair bushes at the end of the twentieth century. The authors of the innovation are American scientists from the state of Arkansas. Thanks to their efforts, the thermophilic plant was able to accustom to a harsh damp climate and to collect a high-quality crop from it twice a year. Despite the ubiquitous popularity of the Giant variety, its genetic history is not known.

Did you know? Our ancestors called the blackberry hedgehog. She got this name because of the large number of needles on the stems.

It is believed that Arkansas breeders were also involved in the breeding of unique seedlings, for whom the world glory of blackberry kings was entrenched. They managed to achieve fruiting of the shoots of the first and second year of growth, as well as to get rid of prickly thorns on the branches. Indeed, among the blackberry varieties there are no other non-bearing varieties. Today, the Giant is the only one of its kind.

Botanical Description

The giant compares favorably with other repair blackberry varieties with the quantity and quality of the crop, high frost resistance, and insensitivity to most pathogens of fungal and bacterial infections. Outwardly, it is a rather sprawling tall bush, whose strong shoots often reach 2.5–2.7 m.On fertile lands, a plant can stretch even higher. Large white inflorescences on flexible branches appear in early summer, due to which the buds are practically not exposed to unexpected spring frosts. This nuance allows the bush to fully develop, without wasting effort on the restoration of damaged biomass.

In the description of the variety, the producer does not indicate the type of stalk growth, but visually, based on their thickness and height, the plant can be classified as upright. Therefore, when planting a Giant, it is advisable to build a special trellis in advance, which will facilitate care for the berry and harvest.

Important! Blackberry practically has no contraindications, however, with individual intolerance it can provoke an allergic reaction. Its symptoms are often manifested both in a few minutes and a few days after administration, and is expressed in the form of nausea, swelling of the mucous membranes.

The first fruits on the bush appear in the second year of vegetation. Berries are prefabricated drupe elongated conical shape. Initially, they are densely green in color, and to the extent of ripening, they are gradually filled with red and brown shades. At the finish stage, a ripe blackberry is characterized by a rich black and purple color.

Characteristic

Without exaggeration, of all the known blackberry varieties today, the Giant is the most promising and desired. Such a high rating of consumers due to many advantages. They are evident from the biological characteristics and characteristics of the plant crop.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

The Giant variety is equally recommended for cultivation in both southern and northern regions. Its peculiarity is that strong stems easily adapt to low temperatures and can withstand frost up to -30 ° C. Even after wintering in such harsh conditions, the plant actively enters the growing season in spring, growing a lush bush. Due to the repair properties, this blackberry variety can be completely deprived of the root part with the onset of autumn cold weather.

Important! The blackberry crop is best stored unwashed. Freshness of berries in cool conditions of the refrigerator is provided throughout the week..

That is why the roots are well preserved under a snow cap. In addition, radical winter pruning of branches is an effective preventive measure. In summer, the Giant can adapt to the heat, but for its comfort requires a sufficient amount of soil moisture. If you do not water the bush, the sultry season will damage it. Water scarcity will primarily affect the quantity and quality of the expected yield. An excessively long drought can completely destroy the bushes.

Productivity, fruiting

Many gardeners consider its highest yields the most valuable quality of a variety. The berries begin to ripen in July, but due to the maintenance of the Giant, its fruiting lasts until the end of September. During the season, the gardener can collect from each bush up to 30 kg of fruit. Berries stand out for their commodity and taste.

They are characterized by a pronounced forest aroma, juicy pulp, a pleasant sweet and sour dessert taste. Harvest consumed in fresh, frozen, dried, as well as canned form. From blackberry excellent jams, jams, compotes, jellies, pastils and even liquors and tinctures are obtained. Also, fruits can be used as a delicious decorating element for dessert dishes and pastries.

Did you know? The people have a belief that collecting blackberries after September 29 is dangerous for health, because the devil marked the leaves of this berry.

Due to the outward resemblance, the fruits of the Giant are often confused with the English variety Bedford. However, experts point out a significant difference - the size of the berries. At Bedford, they are much smaller and weigh no more than 7 grams, and the Giant is fully consistent with its name in this regard. Its berries weigh an average of about 20–25 g.

Advantages and disadvantages

In order to give an objective assessment of the variety, it is enough to analyze the reviews of gardeners about it. If we compare the advantages and disadvantages of the Giant indicated by them, we can conclude that it is absolutely perfect. According to seasoned, this blackberry is beneficial for industrial and amateur cultivation.

It is characterized in more detail as follows:

• Advantages
• High yielding capacity;
• Repairability
• Non-bearing;
• Long fruiting;
• High frost resistance;
• Resistance to common diseases and pests;
• High quality fruits.

• disadvantages
• Intolerance to soil dryness.

Landing Features

The yield depends on how, where, when, and which seedling was rooted. Even elite varieties with gross violations of agrotechnical rules may not live up to their expectations. To avoid common errors, follow the guidelines below.

The timing

Planting fruit and berry crops can be planned both in spring and autumn. There is no significant difference, however, there are certain nuances that affect the further productivity of the planted berry. In the first option, it is necessary to wait until the soil and air have warmed up to a temperature of at least + 12 ° C. Also, an important nuance of spring rooting of seedlings is the need for abundant watering.To protect the bush from drying out caused by weathering of soil moisture, it is recommended to water the root system during planting until the soil absorbs moisture. This method is more suitable for varieties with low and medium winter hardiness. In the second option, it is advisable to land at least 2-3 weeks before the onset of frost. This period is enough for the roots to adapt to the new environment and not die during the period of lowering the temperature regime.

Abundant watering in the fall is inappropriate, since excessive moisture can provoke an intensive build-up of biomass and, as a result, freezing out of the fragile root system. This method of rooting seedlings is recommended for varieties with high frost resistance, especially when it comes to regions with harsh climates.

Important! Even winter-hardy varieties of berry crops are recommended when planting for the winter to mulch with a layer of peat or humus, the thickness of which should be at least 15 cm.

It is believed that, developing at moderate temperatures and ground moisture, the plant initially forms properties of high resistance to cold. Therefore, it is better to plant the Giant blackberry in October, focusing on the weather characteristics of a particular region.

Seat selection

Blackberries grow well in abundance of sunlight, away from drafts. The soil culture is not as demanding as raspberries. However, poor substrates may not have the best effect on the productivity of even high-yielding varieties. Therefore, the choice of seat must be treated responsibly.

Ideally for the Giant, a flat area protected from northern and eastern winds is suitable, where:

• the soil warms up well throughout the day;
• good drainage;
• the soil composition is close to loam;
• weakly acidic and neutral pH reaction (optimal indicators of soil acidity should correspond to 5.5–6.5);
• cold air, melt and rain water do not accumulate;
• there is the possibility of moderate hydration of the root system, and also swamping of the area is excluded;
• among the substrate-containing materials, low rates or the complete absence of calcium carbonate (in large quantities, limestone provokes the development of chlorosis)

Selection and preparation of planting material

The productivity of the future shrub depends on the quality of the seedling. For rooting, specimens with dried or damaged, weakened roots, underdeveloped shoots are not suitable. The underground part of the plant is its basis.

Therefore, bushes with a powerful root system, straight high shoots, without any damage (including mechanical ones), signs of rot and mold are preferred. Neoplasms, spotting, curvatures of unknown origin are also unacceptable. The seedling freshness is checked by making a fresh scratch on one of the root processes. Seeming wood that appeared in its place indicates the need to purchase this material.If traces of spoilage are found, it is advisable to continue the search for planting material, but if there is no choice, be sure to remove rotted or dry parts before planting, touching live wood, and then thoroughly disinfect the treatment site with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Note that such instances will require much more time for adaptation and survival. Their productivity will also be lower than healthy healthy seedlings.

Landing pattern

Before rooting the selected planting material, soil preparation is required. It consists in the elimination of weeds and deep plowing. Since the blackberry has long roots, it is important to dig up the area to a level of 50 cm. If desired, the earth can be fertilized with nitrogen-containing substances.

Did you know? In America, blackberries are found on every second farmstead, and in Europe the plant was popularized only in the 18th century.

It is also advisable to hold the roots of the plant in a solution of any growth stimulant (Ekosil, Kornevin, Emistim) for an hour immediately before planting. Then you need to prepare a pit with a depth of 50 cm and a width of less than half a meter. At the bottom, you must make a mixture of 6 kg of humus (can be replaced with compost), 30 g of superphosphate, 20 g of potassium salt, 40 g of wood ash and 2-3 kg of fertile soil (usually for this purpose use the top layer of soil that is removed when digging a hole )If the plot is acidic, add 100–150 g of lime. After making sure that the root system of the seedling fits comfortably in the groove made and there are no bends on its processes, you can water and sprinkle the pit with earth. To avoid the formation of underground voids, carefully tamp the top layer of soil, and for this purpose it is recommended to shake the stems of the newly planted bush.

When laying a large blackberry berry, observe the distance between adjacent bushes at a level of 1 m, and between rows - 2 m. At the final stage of planting, do not forget to outline the near-trunk circle of each plant with a hole up to 10 cm deep.This must be done to drain excess water during irrigation. After this, it is recommended to mulch the wetted area with a layer of straw, hay, sawdust up to 5 cm thick. Softwood mulch is extremely undesirable in the garden, as it promotes soil oxidation.

Care Rules

Blackberries, like raspberries, require periodic watering, moistening, loosening the soil, weeding, top-dressing, pruning, preventative treatment from pests and common diseases. It is important to timely take care of installing the trellis, to which long branches of the bush will be attached. It is better to plan this work in the spring, when the shoots do not have time to grow as much as possible. The structure is constructed of supports about 2 m long, the base of which is dug into the ground at the ends of each row. In large buttocks, the posts are placed at a distance of 10 m from each other.

The branches, to the extent of their growth, are attached to a stretched wire, preferably galvanized. It is advisable to pull it in 3 rows, starting with a half-meter height from the ground. Keep in mind that not all shoots need a garter. It is important to fix the shoots of the second year on the trellis, which will begin bearing fruit in the current season. And young sprouts are only periodically sent to the support, so that in the future they cling to it on their own.The chaotic development of the bush will be excluded with regular monitoring of its growth. To stimulate high yields during the second growing season of the bush, the procedure for pincing the main shoots is mandatory. To this end, their tops are shortened by 10–15 cm. As a result, lateral shoots begin to develop, the cuttings of which, after reaching a half-meter height, are also cut by 5–6 cm. Young seedlings need intensive watering, this is especially true during the first 2 months after planting .

Sufficient moisture is of particular importance in the initial stages of the development of the blackberry bush. Therefore, during the formation of the future crop, from April to June, regularly moisten the plant, since a sufficient amount of moisture is necessary during the flowering period, the formation of the ovary, and the ripening of the crop. Therefore, take into account the weather characteristics of the region where the blackberry is cultivated, and monitor the condition of the soil in the berry. It should be moderately moist, but in no case dry and not swampy.

It is strictly forbidden to use cold water when watering. Be sure to let it stand and warm in direct sunlight for 48 hours. Do not forget to periodically loosen the soil in the garden (5-6 times a year to a depth of 10-12 cm) and, to the extent necessary, weed the weeds. Experienced gardeners to feed the soil in the first 2 years of the giant’s life are advised to sow siderite (preferably mustard) in the rows between the berry of the berry, and in the future this area should be kept under black steam.In spring, bushes need nitrogenous components, which stimulate the growth of biomass. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to water the solution of chicken manure (prepared in a ratio of 1: 5), as well as the introduction of urea, ammonium nitrate (20 g of fertilizer per square meter). The second and third feeding is carried out with an interval of 14 days and involves the application of potash fertilizers (40 g of potassium sulfate is required per 1 m²).

For a blackberry that has not been mulched by organics, phosphate is needed every 3 years (50 g per 1 m²). Please note that during the ripening period the bushes will need to be protected from the sun, since direct ultraviolet leaves severe burns on the fleshy drupes, which spoils their presentation and taste. Shading nets stretched along the rows will help to avoid this.

Harvesting and storage

In the temperate regions, blackberries begin to ripen closer to mid-July. In the southern regions, the berries reach their biological ripeness 2-2.5 weeks earlier, and in the northern regions, on the contrary, the harvesting time is delayed exactly for the same period. Regardless of the place of growth, the fruits are sung gradually, pouring in a uniform dark purple color. To a large extent, this process can be corrected by weather conditions. For example, the sunny season is accompanied by an imminent condition, while the cold season, on the contrary, slows it down.

It is characteristic that the first bearing of the high-yielding Giant does not differ in an impressive amount. Its increase should be expected only from the second phase, when the ripening of the main berry mass begins. However, closer to autumn, when the ovary of middle and lower shoots remains on the bush, the yield decreases again. In dry summer, berries should be picked up every 2 days. In the rainy or sultry season, this procedure is carried out daily. It is strictly forbidden to harvest in the early morning, when dew is still on the bush, and also after rain.Such measures are justified only by prolonged damp weather, but the collected blackberries are distinguished by water content and acid. Therefore, it is immediately allowed for processing. During its formation, the blackberry berry changes color several times, which misleads inexperienced gardeners. The true moment of ripe fruit is considered to be a color close to black. They are distinguished by a pronounced sweetness in taste and a thick aroma. If you plan long-distance transportation of the crop, do not wait for its full ripeness.

Giant fruits must be collected with the stalk, partially pinching it with your fingers. Please note that in this case it is undesirable to touch the tender surface of the drupes. In order not to crush the berries when they are removed from the branches, experienced gardeners advise holding one branch with one hand and bringing it to the stalk with the other. You should not accumulate too much blackberry in the palms, because the analyzed variety differs not only in quantity, but also in impressive size of the crop.

The best containers for collecting raspberries and blackberries are potato baskets and trolleys with a capacity of 2-3 kg. It is unacceptable for the crop to fall into the basket. Such actions are fraught with its corruption. In a separate container, it is immediately worth discarding the received specimens, as well as torn off without peduncles. Blackberries, like raspberries, in raw form are not suitable for long-term storage. Briefly extend the freshness of berries in the refrigerator or cellar. In this case, it is advisable to use them for a week.If it is necessary to transport the crop over short distances, it is placed in shallow boxes, filling them below the edges, and stacked on top of each other. Neighboring containers can be separated by plywood sheets. For freezing, mature fruits are selected. Usually dried berries are the last harvest. They are placed in ovens at a temperature of +40 ... + 50 ° C for 4 hours. To prepare juices, syrups, jam, jam, preserves, toppings in pies, use ripe and slightly overripe berries without stalks.

Winter preparations

At this stage of care for the shrub, it is required to completely cut off all the shoots, after which abundantly moisten the soil in the berry and mulch it. For winter, it is better to use horse peat or sawdust as a heater. Also, the gardener's most important autumn event is the preventive spraying of the blackberry berry from diseases and pests (carried out using insecticides and fungicides).

Since the giant can withstand frosts down to -30 ° C, adult bushes do not require additional shelter. And young repairing plants must be hidden under a reliable layer of mulch and high snow cover.

Video: two ways to cover blackberry seedlings

Breeding methods

You can get a new young seedling of a maintenance-free spring-free blackberry by different methods at any time of the year, except winter.

Of these, gardeners most often apply:

1. The method of apical layering. Planting material is harvested by digging the top cuttings of one of the central shoots. A few weeks later, under conditions of moderate soil moisture, the plant forms a new root system at the junction with the substrate. To the extent of its development and strengthening, you can separate the seedling from the mother bush.
2. Horizontal layering method. To obtain planting material, it is required in spring to bend the most promising sprout to the ground and deepen it along its entire length. This manipulation will entail the early formation of many young seedlings. Subsequently, they are separated by cutting off the parental shoot. The resulting bushes can be immediately transplanted to a new place.
3. The method of root offspring. It is considered the easiest and most effective, since a mature plant independently grows many young seedlings in the near-stem circle. Experts consider the most promising of them to be specimens whose height reached 10 cm and above.
4. Cherenkov method. Cuttings from the upper third of the shoot are cut in early summer. Each sample should have a shoot part, a kidney, and a leaf plate. It is advisable to treat the cut site with any growth stimulator. Then the cuttings are planted in small glasses filled with a substrate of peat and vermiculite. The containers are tied with polyethylene, while in an improvised greenhouse, air humidity should be maintained at 96%. After a month, the cuttings should take root, and they will need to be transplanted to a permanent place.

Diseases and Pests

The Giant variety rarely suffers from common blackberry diseases. However, preventive treatments will not be superfluous, because in adverse weather conditions, outbreaks are possible:

• rust (columnar and glass);
• powdery mildew;
• anthracnose;
• Septoria;
• spotting (white, purple);
• gray rot.

In order to avoid the development of a pathogenic environment, the gardener must strictly follow the agrotechnical rules for caring for the crop. And also to carry out preventive spraying in a timely manner with a solution of Bordeaux liquid (1%), vitriol, colloidal sulfur, preparations "Skor", "Maxim". Reprocessing is relevant in the fall after harvest.Treatment measures include the complete elimination of damaged areas of the bush and further disinfection, which is carried out several times with an interval of 14 days until the problem completely disappears. In addition, it will be necessary to analyze the causes of the development of pathogens and completely eliminate the conditions that contribute to their activity.

Blackberry bushes can often become a haven for ticks, moths, weevils, aphids, nut growers, glass-boxes, caterpillars and other harmful insects. The insecticides Actellik, Aktara, Fitoverm will help to cope with them. It is recommended to take preventive measures in the berry with the same preparations in spring and autumn after removing the fruits. Growing blackberries is no less troublesome compared to raspberries. Choosing the right variety, competent planting and care is the key to a good harvest.