Content
The Himbo Top remontant raspberry was bred in Switzerland and is used for industrial growing of berries and in private households. The fruits have high external and taste qualities. The variety is suitable for growing in the middle zone; when planted in cold regions, it needs shelter for the winter.
Characteristics of the variety
Description of the Himbo Top raspberry variety:
- vigorous plant;
- raspberry height up to 2 m;
- powerful spreading shoots;
- the presence of small thorns;
- length of fruit branches up to 80 cm;
- in the first year the number of replacement shoots is 6-8, later – up to 10;
- Fruiting duration is about 6-8 weeks.
Features of Himbo Top variety berries:
- bright red color not present after ripening;
- correct elongated shape;
- large size;
- weight up to 10 g;
- good taste with slight sourness.
The variety begins to bear fruit at the end of July or early August. Productivity per plant is up to 3 kg. The berries do not become smaller until the end of fruiting.
It is recommended to collect ripe fruits within 3 days to avoid shedding. During prolonged rains, raspberries acquire a watery taste.
According to the description, Himbo Top raspberries have universal use; they are consumed fresh, frozen or processed. The shelf life of harvested raspberries is limited.
Planting raspberries
The yield and taste of the crop depend on the correct choice of location for the raspberry plant. Raspberries are planted in a lighted area with fertile soil. Healthy seedlings are selected for planting.
Site preparation
Raspberries prefer loamy soils rich in nutrients. Dolomite or limestone is added to acidic soil before planting. Raspberries are not grown on steep slopes and in lowlands where moisture accumulates. It is best to choose a place on a hill or with a slight slope.
The area should not be exposed to wind. Remontant raspberries produce high yields in good natural light. It is allowed to grow the crop in partial shade. In the absence of sunlight, plant productivity is lost and the berries acquire a sour taste.
Raspberries are not planted after tomatoes, potatoes and peppers. The crops have germ-producing diseases; with continuous cultivation, the soil becomes depleted. Replanting raspberries is possible after 5-7 years.
Work order
For planting, take healthy Himbo Top raspberry seedlings with a developed root system. The height of the plant is up to 25 cm, the diameter of the shoots is about 5 cm. For independent propagation, side shoots are used, which must be separated from the mother bush and rooted.
Raspberries are planted in spring or autumn. The sequence of actions does not depend on the season. The bed for the plants is prepared in advance by digging up the soil and adding 2 buckets of humus per 1 square meter. m.
Raspberry planting procedure:
- Dig holes measuring 40x40 cm to a depth of 50 cm.Leave 70 cm between them.
- Place the seedling for a day in a growth stimulator solution.
- Pour fertile soil into the planting hole to form a hill.
- Place the raspberry seedling on a hill and cover the roots with soil. Do not bury the root collar.
- Compact the soil and water the plant generously.
After planting, care for Himbo Top by regular watering. The soil must remain moist. If the soil dries out quickly, mulch it with humus or peat.
Variety care
Remontant raspberry varieties require care. Plants require frequent watering, fertilizing and timely pruning remontant raspberries in autumn and in the spring. In cold climates, bushes are mulched with dry leaves and covered with agrofibre to prevent raspberries from freezing.
Watering
In the absence of precipitation, Himbo Top raspberries are watered every week with warm water. The soil under the plants should be wet to a depth of 30 cm. After adding moisture, loosen the soil and remove weeds.
Watering is especially important during flowering and berry formation. When there is a lack of moisture in plants, the ovaries fall off and the yield decreases.
Excess moisture is also detrimental to raspberries. The root system of plants does not receive access to oxygen, which impairs the absorption of nutrients. With high humidity, there is a high risk of developing fungal diseases.
In the fall, the last pre-winter watering of raspberries is carried out. The presence of moisture will allow the plants to prepare for winter.
Feeding
Raspberry Himbo Top reacts positively to fertilization. When grown in fertile areas, raspberries are fed from the third year after planting.
Both mineral fertilizers and the use of organic matter are suitable for the variety. It is better to alternate treatments with an interval of 2-3 weeks.
In the spring, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to allow plants to increase their green mass. The use of nitrogen should be abandoned during flowering and fruit ripening.
Methods for spring feeding Himbo Top raspberries:
- fermented mullein infusion 1:15;
- nettle infusion diluted with water 1:10;
- ammonium nitrate in the amount of 20 g per 1 sq. m.
In summer, raspberries are fed with substances containing potassium and phosphorus. For 10 liters of water, 30 g of superphosphate and potassium sulfate are required. The solution is watered at the roots of the plants.
Folk remedies for raspberries include dolomite flour or wood ash. Fertilizers are incorporated into the soil during loosening.
Tying up
According to the variety description and photo, Himbo Top raspberries grow up to 2 m. Under the weight of the berries, the shoots bend towards the ground. Plants are tied to a trellis or separate supports.
Along the edges of the site, posts are driven in, between which wire or rope is pulled at a height of 60 and 120 cm from the ground. The branches are arranged in a fan-shaped manner. If necessary, the number of plant supports is increased.
Trimming
In autumn, it is recommended to prune remontant raspberries at the root. Branches 20-25 cm long are left above the surface of the ground. Next year new shoots will appear that will bring a harvest.
If you do not prune raspberries, then in the spring you need to remove frozen and dry branches. If part of the plant is frozen, the shoots are shortened to healthy buds.
In summer, excess growth is removed from the Himbo Top variety. For each raspberry bush, 5-7 shoots are enough.The shoots can be used for propagation. To do this, it is separated from the original bush and rooted in the garden bed. After the root system is formed, the plants are transferred to a permanent location.
Diseases and pests
Himbo Top raspberries are resistant to fungal diseases that affect the root system. The development of diseases occurs under high humidity, lack of care, and high planting density.
Fungal diseases appear as brown spots on the stems and leaves of raspberries. If symptoms are present, plants are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture, solutions of Topaz, Fitosporin, Oxyx.
The most dangerous pests for raspberries are spider mites, aphids, beetles, caterpillars, leafhoppers, and gall midges. Before flowering, plants are treated with Iskra, Karate, and Karbofos.
During the ripening period, it is better to avoid chemicals. They are replaced with folk remedies: infusions of onion peels, garlic, tobacco dust.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
Himbo Top raspberries are valued for their good taste and increased yield. Among the disadvantages of the variety are average winter hardiness, the presence of thorns, and a short shelf life of berries. Plants are planted in illuminated areas. Caring for raspberries includes watering and fertilizing.
