Content
Asterina blackberry is a variety of crop that is distinguished by sweet, tasty berries and the absence of thorns on the shoots. This species is very popular among gardeners, as it is undemanding in terms of care and growing conditions. In addition, the Asterina variety is resistant to diseases and temperature changes, and this guarantees a stable yield of bushes even in an unfavorable season. To achieve maximum efficiency when growing this type of blackberry, it is necessary to take into account some rules of agricultural technology.
Blackberry variety Asterina has an international patent
History of selection
This species was obtained thanks to the efforts of the Swiss breeder Peter Hauenstein. The goal of the creation was to obtain not only a variety with sweet dessert berries, but also without thorns, which would simplify crop care and harvesting. And it was completely successful.
The basis for the new species was the well-known varieties: Chester and Loch Ness. However, Asterina was able to surpass her ancestors in taste.The originator of the blackberry variety is considered to be the agricultural company Promo Fruit.
External description of blackberries of the Asterina variety
This type of crop is characterized by low-growing compact bushes with erect, numerous shoots without thorns along the entire length. The plants are not spreading, and caring for them is not particularly difficult. Their height reaches 2 m.
The leaf blades of Asterina blackberry have a pointed tip and jagged edges. The plates are rough to the touch and medium in size. The leaf color is light green. Aboveground shoots of Asterina blackberries have a two-year life cycle.
Every year, the plant grows young runners from dormant root buds. The next season, branching shoots appear from the axils of the upper leaves, the length of which reaches 40 cm. It is at the ends of each of them that a racemose inflorescence is formed, which is directed upward.
The buds of the Asterina blackberry are large; when fully opened, their diameter reaches 2 cm. The petals are white. The flowers are self-pollinating, which ensures good fruit set even in unfavorable weather conditions.
The berries of this variety are large, round or oval in shape, with an average weight of about 7 g each. Initially, the fruits are reddish, but when ripe they become uniformly black in color and acquire an aroma. The surface of the berries is shiny. The taste is sweetish and pleasant.
The tasting score for Asterin blackberries is 4.8 points out of a possible five.
Characteristics of Asterina blackberry
Before choosing this variety, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics. This information will allow you to compare the productivity of Asterina with other types of crops.You also need to know the characteristics in order to understand what conditions are most favorable for growing this variety.
Flowering period, ripening period and yield
This variety belongs to the early category. Asterina blackberry blooms in early June and continues until the end of August. The first berries ripen in mid-July. Asterina bears fruit for a long time, about two months. This feature allows you to enjoy fresh sweet berries for a long time. Asterina's productivity is consistently high. From one bush you can collect from 3 to 7 kg per season, depending on the number of fruit shoots.
Ripe fruits stay on the branches for a long time without losing their marketable qualities. The harvested crop should be stored fresh in the refrigerator at a temperature of +2-4 °C for 7-10 days. Asterina berries can also be used for processing.
The crop can easily be transported
Frost resistance and drought resistance
This species is adapted to hot climates and can withstand drought well. However, in the absence of seasonal rains for a long time, the bushes need to be watered. Irrigation is especially necessary during the period of flowering and fruit set.
The frost resistance of Asterina blackberries is average. The bushes do not suffer from temperatures dropping to -20 °C. But when growing the variety in the central and northern regions, it is necessary to insulate the plants for the winter.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Asterina blackberry has high natural immunity. It is not susceptible to diseases such as rust, white spot, gray rot, powdery mildew. However, Asterina may suffer from anthracnose.Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend not to neglect preventive treatments with fungicides during the growing season.
If growing conditions are inappropriate and improperly cared for, Asterina blackberries can be affected by pests. Among them are spider mites, weevils, bud moths, aphids, moths and glass beetles.
If alarming signs appear, you need to treat the bushes with acaricides and insecticides, but you should remember the waiting period before harvesting.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Asterina, like other blackberry varieties, has strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with them in advance.
Asterina begins to bear fruit in the second year after planting.
Advantages:
- early ripening;
- compactness of bushes;
- high resistance to diseases;
- excellent taste;
- high productivity;
- low maintenance;
- versatility of application;
- absence of thorns on the shoots.
Flaws:
- not suitable for commercial cultivation;
- the variety is susceptible to anthracnose;
- requires tying to a support.
Landing Features
For successful cultivation of Asterina blackberries and high yields, you need to properly plant the bushes, taking into account the basic requirements of the crop.
Blackberries will develop well and bear fruit abundantly in sandy and loamy soil. It is important that the soil has good aeration and its acidity level is 6 pH.
For seedlings, you should choose an open area, protected from cold gusts of wind. Light shading during the midday hours is also acceptable. Two weeks before planting, the holes should be prepared. They should have a size of 40 by 40 cm.A layer of drainage 5 cm thick should be placed at the bottom of the recess, and the rest of the volume should be filled with a nutrient mixture.
It should include:
- 2 parts of turf;
- 1 part humus;
- 1 part peat;
- 1 part sand;
- 1 part leaf soil.
You also need to additionally add 40 g of superphosphate and 30 g of potassium sulfide to the mixture, and then mix thoroughly.
Planting can be done in spring and autumn. One day before, the seedlings should be placed in water to soak. Plants need to be planted so that their root collar is 3-4 cm above the soil surface. The distance between Asterine seedlings should be about 1 m so that they do not subsequently compete for moisture and nutrition. After the procedure, the root circle of the seedlings should be mulched with peat or humus.
Rules of care
Asterina blackberries do not require complex care. Planted bushes should be watered regularly during the first six weeks so that they adapt and grow. For irrigation, it is recommended to use rain or settled water at a temperature of +18-+20 °C.
Mature bushes need watering only when there is no rain for a long time.
You should start feeding Asterina blackberries in the second year after planting. Fertilizers should be applied during the period of active growing season, flowering and ovary formation. At the first stage, it is recommended to use organic matter or urea. Subsequently, it is necessary to use mineral mixtures with a high content of potassium and phosphorus, as well as wood ash.
This fruit bush needs support. To do this, use a trellis 1.2-1.5 m high with two rows of wire. In the first season, all Asterina blackberry shoots need to be tied in one direction, and in the second year, the young branches should be fixed in the other direction.This will allow you to separate shoots of different ages and simplify care.
Asterina blackberries require regular pruning. You need to start forming bushes in the second year after planting in the spring. Before buds open, shoots should be shortened to 1.5 m to improve their branching.
The second time pruning is carried out in June to normalize the number of young shoots. You can leave 4-5 shoots per bush. The last time during the season, Asterina blackberries need to be pruned in the fall, removing all two-year-old fruit-bearing branches. Also, every spring it is necessary to clear the bushes of broken and damaged shoots.
Pruning is an integral part of caring for Asterina
At the stage of preparation for winter, a mulch of peat or humus 10 cm thick should be laid at the base of the bushes, and the branches should be bent to the ground and insulated with agrofibre.
Conclusion
Asterina blackberries are a variety that can adequately withstand competition with raspberries. After all, its berries are in no way inferior in the sweetness of the fruit and beneficial properties. In addition, this variety is undemanding to care and is capable of producing a stable high yield even in unfavorable seasons.
Reviews from gardeners about Asterina blackberries
