Content
Spinefree gooseberry is a variety worthy of attention not only for beginners, but also for experienced gardeners. It bears fruit consistently, is rarely affected by diseases and tolerates Russian winters well.
Description of Spinefree gooseberry
The description of the Spinefree gooseberry indicates that the variety belongs to the late varieties. This is a tall plant; the photo shows that its powerful shoots reach a height of more than 1 m. The bush is moderately spreading, the crown is spherical, the branches are arched. They have virtually no thorns or very few of them, which greatly simplifies the harvesting process. The leaves of the bush are light green and large.
The Spinefree variety blooms in May. Gooseberries ripen at the end of summer. Its large fruits change color from green to dark red as they ripen. The weight of one berry is more than 4.5 g. The gooseberry is dense and does not crack on the branches.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
The Spinefree bush easily tolerates the Russian climate.The shoots and root system can withstand temperatures down to -34°C. Gooseberries survive the drought period well.
Fruiting, productivity
The Spinefree variety bears fruit consistently and yields are above average. Gooseberries grow well in sunny places; they love the sun, so their berries do not bake in direct rays. During periods of prolonged drought, the fruits remain on the branches and do not fall off. Spinefree does not require special care or frequent watering.
The berries of the Spinefree variety have a good dessert taste. Gooseberries are loved by those who are tired of the sour fruits of other varieties. This variety has a predominant sweetness and a pleasant aftertaste.
The harvest is universal, easily transported, thanks to its thick skin. Gooseberries are used for fresh consumption, but they are also suitable for processing. Spinefree berries are used to make jams, jams, and jellies.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Spinefree gooseberry variety has many advantages over other varieties:
- fruits of universal purpose, excellent taste;
- shoots without thorns;
- bushes do not need shelter for the winter;
- the plant variety is easy to propagate;
- fruiting is stable;
- high transport characteristics.
However, Spinefree also has its downsides. These include the tall growth of the bush, the need for bright lighting and demands on the composition of the soil. Gooseberries will not grow in marshy and clayey soils. In the shade there will be few fruits, they will be crushed and the taste will deteriorate.
Features of reproduction
Spinefree gooseberry reproduces vegetatively. Its cuttings take root quickly. But the easiest way to propagate the variety is by root shoots. They give roots easily.
Reproduction begins in early spring. Gooseberry shoots are tilted to the ground, pinned and covered with earth.The cuttings are well cared for throughout the season; by autumn, Spinefree is ready to be transplanted to a permanent location.
Planting and care
The best time to plant seedlings is early spring or late autumn. In spring, gooseberries are moved to a new place at the end of March or at the very beginning of April until the shoots have recovered from winter. In the fall, work is planned for the end of September or the first ten days of October. It is during this time that young bushes of the Spinefree variety better adapt to new conditions.
The site for planting the Spinefree variety is selected in advance. Preference is given to a well-lit area, where the bush will be protected on all sides from cold winds and drafts. The soil for Spinefree gooseberries should be fertile and loose. Heavy and acidified soils are not suitable for growing.
Prepare the soil 2 weeks before planting. They dig it up, select weeds and add humus. Holes for gooseberries are also prepared in advance. If it is planned to plant several bushes, then the distance between them is left at least 1 m. It is enough to retreat 1.5-2 m between the rows. When the plot is small, then in order to save space, Spinefree bushes are grown on a trellis or supports are installed around each of them. Then the distance between the plants in the row is reduced by 20-30 cm. The size of the planting hole is 50 x 50 cm, the depth is about 60 cm.
Drainage and a mixture of soil and mineral fertilizers are placed in each hole. For 10 kg of rotted manure you can add 1.5 tbsp. ash, 0.5 tbsp. superphosphate and 1 tbsp. l. limestone and potassium sulfate.
To get a good gooseberry harvest, you need not only to prepare it locally, but also to choose the right Spinefree seedling when purchasing. You need to pay attention to bushes that are about 2 years old. The optimal height of such a plant is not lower than 30 cm; it has 2-3 powerful shoots. The root system plays no small role. Ideally, there should be 2-3 well-developed lignified roots, 10 cm long, and a large number of fibrous roots. During planting, you need to remove all dry or damaged roots, and trim the above-ground part to the level of 5-6 buds.
Growing rules
Growing the Spinefree variety is not difficult; water the bush moderately, as needed. During the period of berry ripening, the water rate is increased, especially if the weather is dry. However, it is not recommended to water this variety of gooseberries more than once a week.
Spinefree responds well to feeding. In the first 1-2 years of cultivation, they are not needed if the pit has been filled according to all the rules. Next, fertilizers are applied according to the following scheme:
- in the first half of summer - nitrogen fertilizing, at least 80 g of ammonium nitrate or urea per bush;
- after flowering they give liquid organic matter;
- In autumn, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, ash, and humus are preferable.
In addition, before the buds open, the bushes are treated with copper sulfate, which will get rid of overwintering pests and serve as a top dressing.
It is worth mentioning separately about loosening the soil under bushes. The gooseberry root system is demanding for good air exchange, so you need to carefully loosen the tree trunk circle. In order not to damage the surface roots, the tool should be buried no more than 5 cm.
The Spinefree variety does not need regular treatments against pests and diseases; it is very resistant to powdery mildew and other scourges. It is enough to spray gooseberries with copper preparations in early spring and autumn.
Pruning the Spinefree bush is not much different from the others. The bush is formed in early spring or late autumn after harvesting. All root shoots are removed if there is no need for propagation or rejuvenation of the bush. Only 3-4 well-developed annual shoots are left. Old branches that do not give good growth are also cut at the root or before strong branching.
No special preparation for winter is required for the Spinefree variety. It has high frost resistance, so moisture-recharging watering is sufficient, which has a good effect on the condition of the root system. Apply 30-40 liters of water per bush. The procedure is carried out before stable frosts. If the weather is rainy, then watering the gooseberries is canceled. In winter, you can additionally insulate the tree trunk circle with snow.
Pests and diseases
The description of the Spinefree variety indicates that gooseberries are resistant to major diseases, which is confirmed by reviews from gardeners. The bushes actually practically do not get sick and do not require regular spraying or pest control. This makes caring for them much easier.
Conclusion
Spinefree gooseberry is a promising variety with sweet berries. They are pleasant to eat fresh and to store for the winter, and the absence of thorns makes harvesting a pleasure. Growing the plant is easy, but you need to take into account its tall growth and love of the sun.
