Content
Raspberry Cascade Delight is one of the representatives of the “Cascade” line of berries. Although the variety was obtained back in 1993, it only recently reached the CIS countries. Gardeners immediately became interested in the Cascade Delight variety, but not everyone managed to get along with it. The culture is characterized by demanding care. The variety is distinguished by large berries and is valued for its taste.
Breeding history
The variety was developed as a result of hybridization of the Chilliwack and WSU 994 species, which was carried out in 1989. In 1990, the resulting raspberry bushes were planted in a greenhouse, and test cultivation was carried out in 1993. The seedlings attracted selectors with their appetizing berries and high yield.
The selection team was led by Dr. Patrick Moore. Raspberries were developed in Washington state. The variety was registered in 2002. Two years later it was patented.
Description of raspberry variety Cascade Delight
Cascade Delight is a medium-ripening raspberry that came to Russia from America.The variety is capable of bearing fruit on last year's overwintered shoots. Having reached the age of three, the raspberry bush begins to develop more actively. At this time it produces maximum yield.
Berries
The large-fruited Cascade Delight raspberry has light, slightly empty berries of a bright scarlet color. Sometimes the fruits are covered with a faint white coating. Raspberries have small, tightly knit drupes and almost imperceptible seeds. During harvesting, the berries are easily separated from the bush and do not crumble.
The variety has good taste. The fruits are moderately sweet and have a refreshing taste characteristic of raspberries. Tight and dense berries are juicy and have a pleasant smell.
Raspberries take on a cone shape and can easily be transported over long distances. Ripening begins in late June - early July.
Raspberries are well stored, and the berries do not lose their smell or shape.
Bush
Cascade Delight is actively growing. During the season, raspberries produce 10-12 stems. Strong branches can grow up to two meters. Young shoots are light green in color; by autumn they become brownish-gray. During the fruiting period, they can turn red-purple and become covered with a whitish coating. Raspberries have strong, well-branched roots.
Most gardeners in the first few years of growing Cascade Delight are faced with the problem of delayed growth of bushes. In this case, you need to be patient; in a few years the raspberries will demonstrate their full potential. It is not recommended to allow plantings to thicken; it is better to remove excess shoots and clean them.
Raspberries have wide, corrugated, pointed leaves. Sometimes the cloves turn red-brown.The leaf reaches 13 cm in length, 6-8 cm in width. The color of the leaf blades can change from bright green to lemon green; this does not affect fertility.
Leaves protect raspberries from scorching sun rays
Characteristic
Cascade Delight is a high-yielding crop. Raspberries belong to the summer type of fruiting. It has a well-developed root system, so it is resistant to decay. The height of the bush can reach three meters.
Ripening period and yield of Cascade Delight raspberries
The Cascade raspberry blossoms begin at the end of May. Peduncles are collected in dense clusters. White flowers reach 2-2.5 cm in width and do not have a pronounced odor.
The fruits of the remontant raspberry Cascade Delight from the first harvest can weigh up to 9 g. With each subsequent wave they become smaller. The average length of the fruit reaches 3-4 cm, width - 2-4 cm. Depending on care, one raspberry bush can produce from 4 to 7 kg of yield.
With insufficient watering, fruits lose size and taste becomes worse
Frost resistance
Cascade Delight is frost resistant. Sometimes damage to stems and buds is possible. For winter insurance, it is recommended to tie raspberry shoots in a pigtail and bend them to the ground. In regions with cold climates, it is better to use agrofibre.
Disease resistance
Raspberry Cascade Delight is immune to various diseases and pests. The threat to the variety is posed by the raspberry aphid and the dwarfing virus it carries, which is transmitted through pollen. Sometimes the variety can infect root canker. Wet and cool weather can lead to the development of gray mold.
To prevent diseases, it is recommended to purchase healthy seedlings and properly care for them.
Pros and cons of the variety
Cascade Delight raspberries have a number of advantages and disadvantages. Gardeners value it for its large fruit, as well as for its high yield. The long fruiting period also attracts berry lovers.
One of the advantages of Cascade Delight is the large size of the berries.
Pros:
- there are practically no thorns on the stems;
- the seeds are small and hardly perceptible;
- high productivity;
- ease of transportation;
- ability to grow on depleted soil;
- adaptability to various natural conditions;
- attractive appearance;
- heat and frost resistance;
- easy separation from the bush. The berries do not fall apart, do not lose juice, and do not fall off on their own when ripe.
Minuses:
- the size of the berries depends on the quality of watering;
- the variety often attacks root cancer and aphids;
- bushes require regular pruning;
- good fertility occurs only in the third year after planting;
- uneven color of berries;
- foliage may turn yellow due to the sun;
- rain and cold have a bad effect on the taste and appearance of berries.
Features of growing raspberries Cascade Delight
Caring for and planting the crop is, for the most part, no different from other varieties. It is enough to know a few nuances to grow a healthy plant and achieve a good harvest.
Landing rules
The mother liquor should be purchased only in nurseries, so the gardener will significantly increase the chance of high yield. Seedlings should be purchased only with a closed root system. Before planting, it is recommended to select a site based on the type of soil. Loamy, sandy, acidic soils should be avoided.Increased soil acidity can be removed with flour or lime.
The raspberry garden should be located in a sunny, wind-free area
Prepare the site in the fall: remove weeds, dig up the soil, apply fertilizers. Seedlings should be located at a distance of 1-1.5 m from each other.
How to care
To get a good harvest, you need to know some secrets of growing crops. Caring for Cascade Delight raspberries includes several requirements:
- sufficient level of watering;
- control of the number of shoots;
- feeding;
- support for tall bushes;
- trimming the tips of the shoots;
- preparation for the winter period.
Raspberries need regular and moderate watering. Without it, the bushes grow poorly, in the heat the leaves turn yellow and die, the harvest becomes sour.
Regarding fertilizing: it is enough to apply fertilizer before planting. During raspberry flowering, you can add a small amount of mineral fertilizers, mullein or chicken droppings.
Nutrient compositions have a beneficial effect on the development of berries.
When the bushes become too tall, it is recommended to support them with wire trellises. If the raspberry stems reach a height of 1 meter, they can be pinched.
Prevention of diseases and pests
To achieve a plentiful and regular harvest, it is recommended to fertilize the bushes with balanced mixtures and protect them from diseases and pests. Raspberry Cascade responds well to organic amendments in the soil. It is recommended to plow into the soil and mulch raspberry plantings with cut green manure, yellow or white mustard.
If signs of infection are detected, it is permissible to treat the bushes with fungicides, for example, Fitosporin. Spraying with preparations is carried out until fruit formation.
In early spring, the bushes can be treated with Bordeaux mixture and copper sulfate. This will protect the plant not only from diseases, but also from pests.
Conclusion
Raspberry Cascade Delight is a good choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. When properly treated, the plant produces a bountiful harvest of tasty berries. Raspberries can be eaten raw, made into decoctions, or dried.
