Content
Gooseberry Ksenia is a new variety that was brought to Russia from Europe. Gooseberries quickly fell in love with many gardeners: both experienced and beginners. The Ksenia variety was developed by breeders in Switzerland. The hybrid was certified there, namely in 1990.
In the process of work, Swiss breeders took into account all the wishes of gardeners, as a result of which the Ksenia gooseberry variety embodied all the dreams:
- early ripening;
- a small number of thorns;
- large berries.
Before you start planting and growing a variety, it is recommended that you first study the description, advantages, disadvantages and features that you will encounter.
Description of gooseberry Ksenia
Gooseberry Ksenia grows to a maximum height of 1 m, the root system is about 30 cm. The branches are in a vertical position. During the ripening process, clusters appear strewn with large fruits, the weight of which can reach 14 g. The berries have a bright pink hue with a shiny tint, the foliage is rich green.The manufacturer claims that the level of studs is minimal. There is no need to pollinate the crop yourself; everything happens naturally.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
Gooseberry Ksenia is a drought-resistant variety. However, if you plan to get a high yield with excellent taste, it is recommended to water the crop once every 2 weeks. The variety is able to withstand frosts down to -35°C, as a result of which the plant does not need to be covered for the winter.
Fruiting, productivity
Gooseberry Ksenia is an early-ripening variety, as a result of which you can start harvesting the finished crop in the first half of June. The fruits are quite large and grow in clusters. If you provide the crop with decent care, then from each bush you can collect up to 12 kg of ripe fruits or 2-3 kg from each branch that is 2 years old.
The taste is high, the berries are very sweet, and after eating there is a pleasant aftertaste. If necessary, it can be transported over long distances without loss of appearance and taste, which is facilitated by dry separation of the berries. Gooseberries of the Ksenia variety are universal, which allows the berries to be used for any type of processing, including for sale on an industrial scale.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before you start growing the crop, it is recommended not only to first study the description and photo of the Ksenia gooseberry variety, but also the existing advantages and disadvantages.
Among the advantages the following points can be noted:
- the variety tolerates low temperatures down to -35°C;
- has a high level of resistance to powdery mildew and fungal diseases;
- if necessary, can be transported over long distances;
- excellent taste;
- large fruits;
- minimum number of spikes;
- versatility of berries.
There is only one drawback - with a high level of yield and a deficiency of nutrients, the Ksenia gooseberry becomes small.
Features of reproduction
One of the methods for propagating gooseberries of the Ksenia variety is cuttings, but it is worth noting that propagation work using this method is difficult. The best option is to select several strong young shoots, bend them to the ground, and securely fix them.
Reproduction by layering is possible only after the bush is 3 years old. For propagation, it is recommended to choose strong branches that are closest to the ground. Fixation is carried out using slingshots made of metal or wood. Watering must be regular.
An excellent method is the vegetative propagation option. For these purposes, the bush is dug up, the root system is divided into parts and rooted. Fruiting occurs in the second year after rooting.
Planting and care
Planting material is planted in early spring or autumn. It is best to carry out work in the second half of March. The selected area must be sunny and protected from the winds.
The landing algorithm is as follows:
- Dig a hole measuring 50*50*60 cm.
- About 8 liters of organic matter are poured to the bottom.
- Carefully plant gooseberries.
- Water generously.
Finally, the ground is mulched.
Growing rules
It is important not only to study the description, photos and reviews about the Ksenia gooseberry variety in a timely manner, but also to take into account that good results can only be achieved with high-quality care. Thus, during the growing process, it will be necessary to establish an irrigation system, apply fertilizers, cover the crop for the winter, and, if necessary, treat it for a number of diseases and pests.
Gooseberry Ksenia is a drought-resistant variety. If the plants were planted in March, then watering once every 1-2 weeks is sufficient; each bush should require 10 liters of water. If the summer is rainy, then you don’t have to water the crop.
It is necessary to prune berry bushes for a number of reasons:
- as a bush formation;
- for rejuvenation purposes;
- for sanitary pruning.
The pruning algorithm is performed as follows:
- It is recommended to shorten last year's shoots by 1/3.
- Horizontal and crooked shoots, as well as branches that grow inside the gooseberry, must be removed.
In order to speed up the ripening process and improve the taste of ripe fruits, it is worth applying fertilizers to which the crop is quite responsive. A traditional fertilizer is the use of mullein-based infusion, which is prepared in a ratio of 1:10. During the period when the first ovaries appear, it is worth adding potassium salt, which will significantly improve the taste of the berries. For each bush, 40 g of potassium salt should be used.
A distinctive feature of the culture is its ability to withstand severe frosts. Thanks to this, shelters are not required for the winter period. All that is needed is to carry out sanitary pruning, water the plants abundantly, loosen and mulch the soil.In the fall, when digging the ground, it is recommended to apply fertilizing. All work must be as careful as possible, the root system should not be damaged.
Pests and diseases
During the growing process, pests may appear on gooseberries of the Ksenia variety. If not properly cared for, the crop can be susceptible to a number of diseases. In order to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases, it is recommended to carry out preventive work. For these purposes, using 3% Bordeaux mixture is excellent. Treatment with this drug should be carried out before the buds begin to bloom.
If the Ksenia variety crop was susceptible to fungal diseases, then it is worth using fungicides:
- "Topsin";
- "Strobe";
- "Topaz";
- "Falcon".
The drug “Karbofos” will allow you to get rid of aphids and spider mites. It is worth treating the bushes with chemicals a month before the expected harvest, otherwise you will need to stop using the drug.
Conclusion
Gooseberry Ksenia is a popular variety, loved for its high taste. With proper care, the yield will be high. If necessary, it can be grown on a production scale.
