Content
Blueberry Spartan is a famous variety that has become widespread in America and Europe. Its main advantages are winter hardiness, presentation and good taste.
History of selection
Spartan blueberries have been grown since 1977. The variety was bred in the USA. When working on it, wild varieties of blueberries were used, growing in the swampy areas of North America.
Description of the berry crop
The blueberry variety Spartan has a number of features that distinguish it from other varieties.
General idea of the variety
Blueberry Spartan is a deciduous perennial shrub 1.5-2 m high. The shoots are powerful and erect.
The leaves are simple, elongated, dark green in color. Young foliage is bright green. In September, the leaves turn red, so the bush takes on a decorative appearance.
The root system is branched and fibrous, lying at a depth of up to 40 cm. The roots grow when the soil warms up and until the end of spring. Then their growth stops and resumes with the onset of autumn. When the temperature drops, the root system stops growing.
The flowers of the Spartan variety are formed at the ends of the shoots. Flower buds are located along the entire length of the shoots. 5-10 flowers appear from each bud.
Berries
Characteristics of the Spartan variety:
- light blue color;
- round shape;
- average weight 1.6 g;
- size 16-18 mm;
- dense pulp.
The berries have a pleasant sour taste and pronounced aroma. Tasting properties are rated at 4.3 points.
Characteristic
When choosing a blueberry variety, its main characteristics are taken into account: winter hardiness, fruiting time, and disease resistance.
Main advantages
Highbush blueberry Spartan does not tolerate excess moisture in the soil. When caring for a variety, watering must be rationed.
The Spartan variety has high winter hardiness. The bushes can withstand even harsh winters under snow cover. The shoots do not freeze.
Due to their thick skin, the berries can withstand long-term transportation. It is recommended to transport fruits in containers equipped with temperature regulators.
Blueberries need a special soil composition. To obtain a high yield, plants are provided with constant care: pruning, fertilizing and watering.
Flowering period and ripening time
In the middle zone, blueberries bloom in early or mid-June, depending on the climatic conditions of the region. Due to late flowering, the buds are not susceptible to spring frosts.
The Spartan variety is a mid-season variety. The ripening of berries begins in late July - early August.
Yield indicators, fruiting dates
Fruiting of Spartan blueberries is extended over time and is about 2.5 - 3 weeks. During the ripening period, the berries are removed in several approaches, from 3 to 5 times. Harvesting begins when the fruits are fully colored. Berries that ripen in 1-2 approaches have the best presentation and large size.
The yield of the Sparta variety ranges from 4.5 to 6 kg. The first berries begin to be collected 3-4 years after planting the bush. The crop brings a stable harvest for 6-8 years.
Area of application of berries
The Spartan variety is recommended for fresh consumption. Vitamin tea, assorted fruits, and decoration for cakes are prepared from the berries.
According to reviews of Spartan blueberries, the fruits tolerate freezing and drying well. Jams, jams, juices, and compotes are made from them.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Spartan blueberries are resistant to moniliosis, shoot death, and mummification of berries. The variety maintains average resistance to pests.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Advantages of the Spartan variety:
- good taste;
- high transportability of berries;
- self-fertility;
- resistance to diseases.
Disadvantages of Spartan blueberries:
- sensitivity to high humidity;
- requires soil acidification;
- takes a long time to bear fruit.
Landing rules
Proper planting and care of Spartan blueberries will allow you to obtain stable high yields. Be sure to analyze the quality of the soil and add nutrients.
Recommended timing
The crop is planted both in autumn and spring. Planting in the spring is more preferable, since the plant has time to take root during the growing season. Work is carried out after the snow melts, but before the buds of the trees swell.
Choosing a suitable location
A well-lit area, protected from the wind, is allocated for the bushes.Constant exposure to the sun will ensure high yields.
It is important to prevent moisture stagnation on the site. The root system suffers from cold water, the bush develops slowly and does not bear fruit.
Soil preparation
Blueberries prefer acidic soil with a pH of 4 to 5. Soil for the crop is obtained by mixing peat with sand, sawdust and pine needles. If the soil is clayey, a drainage layer is required.
Selection and preparation of seedlings
Spartan variety seedlings are purchased from trusted centers or nurseries. It is recommended to choose plants with a closed root system. Before planting, carefully remove the blueberries from the container and keep the roots in water for 15 minutes.
Algorithm and landing scheme
Planting order for Spartan blueberries:
- Holes are dug in the area with a diameter of 60 cm and a depth of 50 cm. 1 m is maintained between the bushes.
- A drainage layer of crushed stone or pebbles is placed at the bottom of the pit. The prepared substrate is placed on top to form a small mound.
- The plant is carefully planted on a mound, the roots are straightened and covered with soil.
- The seedling is watered abundantly, the soil is covered with peat, straw or bark with a layer of 5 cm.
Subsequent care of the crop
To obtain a high yield, blueberries are provided with constant care. Be sure to regulate watering, apply fertilizers, and prune the bush.
Necessary activities
When growing Spartan blueberries, water them moderately; the soil should not dry out or contain too much moisture. Mulching the soil with sawdust helps reduce the number of waterings. The optimal layer of mulch is from 5 to 8 mm.
In spring, blueberries are fed with mineral complexes containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Every 10 days, to acidify the soil, the bushes are watered with a solution of colloidal sulfur.
Loosening the soil ensures the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the roots. As a result, the growth and productivity of bushes improves.
Shrub pruning
Blueberries over 6 years old require pruning. At the bottom of the bush, shoots are removed. Branches older than 6 years are also cut out. From 3 to 5 largest shoots are left per bush.
Pruning allows you to rejuvenate the bush and increase its productivity. The procedure is carried out in late autumn after leaf fall or in spring before the beginning of the growing season.
Preparing for winter
With proper planting and care of Spartan blueberries in the Moscow region, the bushes tolerate winters well without shelter. In autumn, 100 g of superphosphate is applied under the plant.
Young seedlings are insulated using agrofibre and spruce branches. In winter, snow is thrown over the bush.
Collection, processing, storage of crops
Blueberries are harvested manually or mechanically. The berries are frozen, dried or processed into blanks.
According to reviews of the Spartan blueberry variety, due to its thick skin, the berries tolerate long-term storage well. The fruits are kept in the refrigerator or other cool place.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The most dangerous blueberry diseases are shown in the table:
Disease | Symptoms | Treatment methods | Prevention |
Powdery mildew | Yellowish spots on the leaves; over time, the leaf blade becomes wrinkled. | Spraying with Fundazol or Topaz. |
|
Rust | Brown spots on leaves. Gradually the foliage turns yellow and falls prematurely. | Treating bushes with Bordeaux mixture or fungicide Abiga Peak. |
Common crop pests are listed in the table:
Pest | Description of the lesion | Ways to fight | Prevention |
Aphid | Leaves curl and fall, fruits become smaller. | Treatment with Aktara. |
|
Kidney mite | The pest eats away the buds and sucks the juice from the leaves. | Spraying the bush with Nitrafen or iron sulfate. |
Conclusion
Spartan blueberries produce high yields with constant care. Bushes need feeding, watering and pruning.
Reviews
