Content
Blugold blueberries are a promising variety adapted to the Russian climate. When growing crops, pay attention to soil quality and care.
History of selection
The highbush blueberry Blugold was developed in 1989 in the USA. The author of the variety was the famous breeder Arlen Draper. When working on the variety, tall forms of blueberries were used, growing in swampy places in North America.
Description of the berry crop
Bluegold blueberries have a number of features that set them apart from other varieties.
General idea of the variety
Blueberry is a perennial deciduous shrub. The root system is fibrous and branched, located at a depth of 40 cm.
Description of highbush blueberry Blugold:
- bush height up to 1.2 m;
- a large number of erect shoots;
- strong branches with a diameter of 2.5-3 cm;
- leaves are simple, elliptical in shape.
At the end of August, the leaves of the bush begin to change color. By the end of September the bush is covered with burgundy leaves.
Berries
The taste appears simultaneously with the ripening of the berries. And they color much earlier than ripening. The fruits are easily separated from the stalk and often fall off at the ripe stage.
The fruits of the Blugold variety are light blue in color and round in shape. The berries are medium-sized, 15-18 mm in diameter, weighing up to 2.1 g. The juice has no distinct color. The pulp contains many seeds.
The fruits of the Blugold variety have a sweet and sour taste. Sugar content – 9.6%. Tasting score – 4.3 points.
Photo of Bluegold blueberries:
Characteristic
According to its characteristics, the Blugold blueberry variety stands out among other varieties of this crop. The winter hardiness and productivity of the variety deserve special attention.
Main advantages
Bluegold blueberries are moderately resistant to drought. Watering the bushes is one of the conditions for the crop to bear fruit.
The Blugold variety is highly resistant to winter frosts. According to American experts, the bushes can withstand temperatures dropping to -29 ... -35 ° C.
When growing crops in cold climates, slight freezing of shoots is observed. In spring, the bush quickly recovers. Freezing does not have a serious effect on the growth and productivity of bushes.
The berries tolerate transportation well due to their thick skin. It is better to store and transport blueberries at low temperatures.
If you follow the rules for planting and caring for Bluegold blueberries, the bushes bring a stable harvest.The variety is considered one of the most unpretentious and is recommended for growing by beginning gardeners.
The Blugold variety is suitable for growing in the middle zone, the North Caucasus, the Urals, Siberia and the Far East.
Flowering period and ripening time
Blugold blueberries begin to bloom in the first ten days of June and end at the end of the month. The variety bears fruit in the middle or late, depending on the growing region. The berries ripen in early August.
Yield indicators, fruiting dates
The variety produces its first harvest 4 years after planting. Regular fruiting begins at the 6th year. From one blueberry bush of the Blugold variety, from 4.5 to 7 kg of berries are harvested.
The yield of the Blugold variety is stable. Fruiting period: from the beginning to the end of August.
Area of application of berries
Blueberries are used fresh, including for decorating confectionery, making desserts and vitamin tea.
The collected berries are frozen or dried for long-term storage. They are used to prepare preserves, juices, compotes, jams, and baking fillings.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Blugold variety has average resistance to diseases and pests. The variety is susceptible to mummification of berries and requires additional preventive treatments.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Benefits of growing Bluegold blueberries:
- dense pulp;
- long-term storage;
- high productivity;
- self-fertility;
- resistance to winter frosts.
Disadvantages of the Blugold variety:
- high growth rate;
- fruits fall off after ripening;
- baking berries in the heat.
Landing rules
If the planting rules are followed, blueberries develop quickly and bring a high yield.
Recommended timing
It is recommended to plant the crop in the spring.During the growing season, the bushes will have time to adapt to the new location. In warm regions, autumn planting is allowed.
Choosing a suitable location
Blugold blueberries grow well in sunny areas protected from the wind. The culture does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so the bushes are planted on an elevated or level place.
Soil preparation
The culture prefers acidic soil with a pH of 4.0 - 5.0. For planting, prepare a soil mixture consisting of high-moor peat, sawdust, sand and fallen pine needles. In heavy clay soil, a drainage layer must be installed.
Selection and preparation of seedlings
Blugold variety seedlings are purchased from nurseries. The root system should not contain damage, mold or other defects. Before planting, blueberry roots are immersed in water for 2 hours. A seedling with a closed root system is watered.
Algorithm and landing scheme
Planting procedure for the Blugold variety:
Dig a hole with a diameter of 60 cm and a depth of 50 cm. Leave 1 m between the bushes.
Pour crushed stone and prepared soil mixture onto the bottom.
Plant blueberries in the ground.
Water the seedling generously and mulch the ground with bark, pine sawdust or peat.
Subsequent care of the crop
With constant care for Bluegold blueberries, its bushes actively develop and produce a high yield.
Necessary activities
Excess and stagnation of moisture is detrimental to crops. Bushes require moderate watering.
In early spring, Blugold blueberries are fed with ammonium sulfate (100 g per bush), potassium (40 g) and magnesium (15 g). Every 7-10 days, the culture is watered with a solution of colloidal sulfur (1 g per 1 liter of water).
In order for the roots to better absorb nutrients, the soil is loosened. Mulching the soil with sawdust or peat helps reduce the number of waterings.
Shrub pruning
Bushes older than 6 years need regular pruning. The procedure allows you to eliminate thickening and increase productivity.
Be sure to remove root shoots and branches older than 6 years. 3-5 shoots are left per bush.
Preparing for winter
The Blugold variety tolerates winter well without shelter. The bush is fed with superphosphate (100 g). Young blueberries are covered with agrofibre, and in winter a snowdrift is thrown over them.
Collection, processing, storage of crops
Bluegold blueberries are harvested by hand or using specialized equipment. After picking, the berries are stored in the refrigerator.
The Blugold variety is suitable for sale. The berries are consumed fresh or processed to produce homemade preparations. Blueberries can withstand long-term transportation and are suitable for industrial cultivation.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The main diseases of the crop are given in the table:
Disease | Symptoms | Fighting methods | Prevention |
Mummification of fruits | The first stage is the drying of the shoots and the appearance of a gray mass on them. The second stage is when the ripe berries wilt and turn orange or brown. | Spraying with Bordeaux mixture or Topsin solution. | Be sure to remove affected fruits, which are the source of infection. Removing fallen leaves. Preventive spraying with fungicides. |
spotting | Reddish spots on the leaf blade, leaf drop. | Treatment of bushes with Bordeaux mixture or a solution of the drug Rovral. | Compliance with the rules of care: watering, fertilizing. Fungicide treatment. Mulching the soil. |
Blueberry pests and measures to combat them are listed in the table:
Pest | Signs of defeat | Ways to fight | Prevention |
Fruit moth | Fruit moth caterpillars feed on buds, shoots and berries. | Treat the bush with Lepidocid at intervals of 10 days. | Pruning and burning broken and frozen shoots. Loosening the soil under the bush. Spraying with insecticides in spring and autumn. |
Gallica | The insect lays transparent eggs on the underside of the leaf. | Elimination of damaged branches. Spraying with Fufanon. |
Conclusion
Bluegold blueberries are a proven variety that is suitable for planting in the garden. Due to the high quality of the fruit, blueberries are grown on an industrial scale.
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