Content
Gooseberry Xenia is a new variety that was brought to the territory of Russia from Europe. Gooseberries quickly fell in love with many gardeners, both experienced and beginners. Breeders in Switzerland were engaged in the breeding of the Ksenia variety. The certification of the hybrid was also carried out there, namely, in 1990.
In the process of work, the Swiss breeders took into account all the wishes of gardeners, as a result of which the gooseberry variety Ksenia embodied all dreams:
- early ripening;
- a small number of thorns;
- large berries.
Before you start planting and growing a crop of a variety, it is recommended that you first study the description, advantages, disadvantages and features that you will have to face.
Description of gooseberry Xenia
Gooseberry Xenia grows up to a maximum of 1 m in height, the root system is about 30 cm.The branches are in an upright position. In the process of ripening, clusters appear, strewn with large fruits, the weight of which can reach 14 g. The berries have a bright pink tint with a shiny tint, the foliage is rich green. The manufacturer claims that the level of studding is minimal. It is not required to pollinate the culture on your own, everything happens naturally.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
Gooseberry Xenia 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 can not be covered for the winter.
Fruiting, productivity
Gooseberry Xenia belongs to the early maturing varieties, as a result of which you can start harvesting the finished crop in the first half of June. The fruits are large enough and grow in clusters. If you provide the culture 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, after eating, a pleasant aftertaste remains. If necessary, it can be transported over long distances without loss of appearance and taste, which is facilitated by the dry separation of the berries. The gooseberry variety Ksenia is versatile, which allows the use of berries for any kind of processing, including for commercialization.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before starting to grow a crop, it is recommended not only to first study the description and photo of the Xenia gooseberry variety, but also the existing advantages and disadvantages.
Among the advantages, the following points can be noted:
- the variety perfectly tolerates low temperature conditions down to -35 ° С;
- has a high level of resistance to the appearance of powdery mildew and fungal diseases;
- if necessary, it can be transported over long distances;
- excellent taste;
- large fruits;
- minimum number of thorns;
- versatility of berries.
There is only one drawback - with a high level of yield and a deficiency of nutrients, the gooseberry Xenia becomes small.
Breeding features
One of the ways to propagate the gooseberry variety Ksenia is by cuttings, but it is worth noting that it is difficult to carry out propagation work in this way. The best option is to choose several strong young shoots, bend them to the ground, and fix them securely.
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 way is considered a vegetative breeding 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 leaving
Planting of planting material is carried out in early spring or autumn. It is best to carry out work in the second half of March. The selected area must be sunny, sheltered from the winds.
The landing algorithm is as follows:
- They dig a hole measuring 50 * 50 * 60 cm.
- About 8 liters of organic matter are poured into the bottom.
- Gooseberries are carefully planted.
- Water abundantly.
At the end, the land is mulched.
Growing rules
It is important not only to study the description, photos and reviews of the gooseberry variety Ksenia in a timely manner, but also take into account that a good result can be achieved only with high-quality care. Thus, in the process of growing, it will be necessary to establish an irrigation system, apply fertilizers, cover the crop for the winter period, and, if necessary, treat against a number of diseases and the appearance of pests.
Gooseberry Xenia is a drought-resistant variety. If the plants were planted in March, then watering is enough 1 time in 1-2 weeks, 10 liters of water should go for each bush. If the summer is rainy, then you can not water the culture.
Cutting berry bushes is necessary for a number of reasons:
- as a bush formation;
- in order to rejuvenate;
- for sanitary pruning.
The trimming algorithm is performed as follows:
- It is recommended to shorten last year's shoots by 1/3 part.
- 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 culture is quite responsive. Traditional fertilization 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 the ability to endure 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, during the digging of the earth, it is recommended to apply top dressing. All work should be as accurate as possible, the root system should not be damaged.
Pests and diseases
In the process of growing on the gooseberry variety Ksenia, pests may appear. With the wrong care, a crop can be susceptible to a number of diseases. In order to prevent the appearance of pests and diseases, it is recommended to carry out preventive work. For these purposes, the use of 3% Bordeaux liquid is excellent. Treatment with this drug must be done before the buds begin to open.
If the culture of the Ksenia variety was susceptible to the appearance of fungal diseases, then it is worth using fungicides:
- Topsin;
- "Strobe";
- "Topaz";
- Falcon.
Get rid of aphids and spider mites will allow the drug "Karbofos".It is worth treating 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 that is loved by its high taste. With proper care, yields will be high. Can be grown on an industrial scale if necessary.
