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Blackberry Ebony is a variety of American selection, characterized by consistently high yields. The culture is not demanding on growing conditions, but needs shelter for the winter. It takes root well in most of the central regions of Our Country.
History of breeding
Blackberry Ebony (Ebony Blackberry) bred in the USA. Obtained by crossing Cherokee and Thornfi varieties. The variety is not included in the register of breeding achievements. The culture is demanding on light and heat, therefore it has not spread in all regions. However, in the south and in the middle lane it is quite possible to grow it, provided that it is carefully sheltered for the winter.
External description of Ebony blackberry
Blackberry Ebony is a perennial shrub that grows up to 1,5–2 m in height. The branches are vertical, erect, the crown is compact, does not require much space. The color of the leaves is bright green. The stems are quite elastic, so they do not break from the wind or under the weight of the fruit. An important advantage is that the branches are not covered with thorns, and the berries are easy to harvest (dry separation). Therefore, caring for a bush and harvesting is quite simple.
Flowers are white.
Ebony berries have a typical shape and black color.
The blackberry is large, up to 20 mm in diameter. The taste is pleasant, with a balance of sweet and sour. The pulp is juicy, has a pleasant aroma. They are consumed fresh, used in dishes and preparations.
Ebony blackberries contain water (90,7%) and solids (9,3%), including:
- sugar – 5,5%;
- organic acids – 0,8%;
- pectins – 0,9%.
Vitamin C is contained in small amounts – 10-20 mg per 100 g of fresh pulp. During the preparation of Ebony blackberry jam, it is destroyed, so it will not work to use the berry as a source of ascorbic acid.
The shelf life of the fruit is about four days in the refrigerator. Harvest can be transported to the place of sale or processing. For longer storage, the berries are subjected to shock freezing. Ebony blackberry leaves are also of nutritional value – they are dried and used as a tea.
Ebony blackberries are large, rounded
Characteristics of the thornless blackberry Ebony
The variety has moderate winter hardiness, so it can be bred in central Our Country. The crop yield is very high, which allows you to fully meet the needs of the personal economy.
Ripening time and yield
Ebony blackberry is an early ripe variety. The fruits ripen in July, and in the south – in June. This is much earlier than other varieties. The crop yield is high. From one adult bush you can get 10-15 kg.
Frost resistance
Blackberry Ebony is a hardy crop. According to this indicator, it belongs to zone 5 according to the USDA classification, i.e. withstands short-term cooling down to -29 degrees. However, in central Our Country, episodic frosts can be stronger, dangerous temperature drops and short-term thaws are often observed. Therefore, for the winter, the bush needs a reliable shelter.
Disease and pest resistance
Blackberry Ebony is distinguished by good resistance to a number of diseases and pests. But on depleted soils, it can suffer from chlorosis, which is easy to fix by adding a complex fertilizer.
In conditions of improper planting and care, Ebony blackberries can suffer from insects, fungal, and bacterial pathologies. As a preventive measure, you need to monitor care, regularly feed, weed, loosen the soil, and also cut annually.
Since Ebony blackberries can suffer from mole cricket, May beetles and mites (spider web, hairy), it is necessary to have in stock means for processing:
- “Fufanon”;
- “Fitoverm”;
- “Confidor”;
- “Karbofos” and others.
Pros and cons of the variety
The Ebony variety has a good yield, gives tasty, large berries. Culture endures winters even in temperate climates. Therefore, a stable harvest can be obtained both in the south and in the middle lane.
The main wave of fruiting occurs in July
Pros:
- very high productivity;
- large and tasty berries;
- lack of spikes;
- good immunity;
- compact crown;
- transportability;
- fruits are suitable for freezing and harvesting;
- shrub can be used for decorative purposes.
Cons:
- relative winter hardiness – you need to cover for the winter;
- can not be grown in all regions;
- fruits may be sour.
Rules of landing
Blackberry Ebony is demanding of light, so for planting you need to choose open places, without partial shade. The site should be closed from strong winds, especially from the north side. The soil is moderately fertile and not too dense. The best option is loam with a slightly acidic reaction (pH from 5,5 to 6,5).
The cultivation area must be dry. For planting Ebony blackberries, you can not choose lowlands and areas with high groundwater (they must approach the surface by a maximum of 2 m).
The timing of planting Ebony blackberries depends on the climatic conditions of the region. In the south, it can be planted both in spring (early April) and in autumn (until the end of October). In other areas, including in central Our Country, only spring planting is allowed – from mid to late April.
Shrubs grow well only in lighted places
Healthy Ebony blackberry seedlings without external damage at the age of 1 to 3 years are chosen for planting. They need to be inspected and removed all weak foliage and dried, as well as too long roots. Sequencing:
- Place the Ebony blackberry seedling in a solution with Kornevin or another growth stimulator for several hours.
- Dig a hole measuring 50×50 cm or a little more. The interval between them should be 2–3 m, and the distance to the fence should be at least 1 m.
- Lay a layer of fertile earth in the form of a mound at the bottom.
- Place an Ebony blackberry seedling in the hole.
- Sprinkle with soil and deepen so that the root collar goes to a shallow depth of 1–2 cm.
- Cut off all shoots, leaving 4-5 buds on each.
- Put a wooden peg and tie a seedling.
- Pour with settled water and lay mulch (straw, sawdust, hay).
The site is cleared and dug up. If the soil is depleted, you need to add compost at the rate of a bucket of 2 m2. If the soil is too dense, close up sand or sawdust in the amount of 1 kg for the same area.
How to care
Ebony blackberry care is simple – the variety does not require special growing conditions. Basic actions:
- Regular watering – 2-3 times a month, and in a drought – weekly.
- After heavy rains, the soil should be loosened.
- Weeding should be done periodically – berry crops do not tolerate the rapid growth of weeds.
- Fertilizers for Ebony blackberries are applied 2-3 times per season with a frequency of 3-4 weeks. You can alternate organics (slurry 1:10, bird droppings 1:20) and complex mineral fertilizers (during flowering and twice at the fruiting stage).
- Every spring (March) and autumn (early November), the bushes need to be cut. At the beginning of the season, they make a sanitary haircut, and in the fall they form a crown, removing all strongly protruding and weakened branches.
The scheme of the forming pruning of the Ebony blackberry bush will help to carry out the procedure correctly
The support must have a height of at least 2 m. Wires are fixed to it in at least three horizontal rows with an interval of 50 cm.
How to prepare for winter
When growing in the south, it is not necessary to prepare shrubs for winter, with the exception of young seedlings, the root zone of which must be mulched with sawdust, straw or other natural material. In the middle lane, even adult specimens of the Ebony blackberry are required to cover. At the end of October:
- Carefully remove all branches from the trellis.
- Tie them with a rope in several bundles.
- Bend and lay on the ground, pinned with metal staples.
- Spray with Bordeaux liquid or a solution of copper sulfate.
- From above, cover with spruce branches, straw, sawdust or dense agrofibre.
Methods of reproduction
The main methods of propagation of blackberry Ebony are cuttings and obtaining layering. Cuttings are cut in early June, each of them should be 30–40 cm long. Growing instructions:
- Make an oblique lower and a straight upper cut.
- Put in a solution with “Kornevin”.
- Plant in fertile soil with an interval of 5 cm.
- Install the arcs and cover with a film.
- Transplant Ebony blackberry seedlings to a permanent place after the appearance of three leaves.
When propagating by layering in the middle of spring, you need to bend down several branches and pin them with staples. Sprinkle with soil, leaving only the tops, water periodically. In autumn, cut off from the mother bush and transplant to a new place.
Conclusion
Blackberry Ebony is a fairly unpretentious and winter-hardy crop. It should not be bred beyond the Urals, but it is quite possible to grow it in the middle lane and in the south. It is appreciated by summer residents for a good harvest and large, tasty berries.
Reviews of gardeners about blackberries Ebony
