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Blueberry River was introduced in New Zealand in 1986. Breeders used American hybrids in their work. After cross-pollination, new varieties were obtained, one of which was named Reka. In Our Country, blueberries are only gaining popularity among gardeners. The Reka variety is considered promising, but has not yet been included in the State Register of the Federation.
Description of the blueberry variety Reka
According to the description, Blueberry River is a powerful shrub 1,3 – 1,8 m high. Under favorable conditions, the plant reaches 2 m. The width of the shrub is from 1,2 to 1,7 m. Its shoots are strong, strong, erect. Lateral processes branch, which leads to a thickening of the culture. Young stems are greenish and pubescent at the end of the season, becoming burgundy in color.
The leaves of blueberry variety River, dark green and shiny, are located on short petioles. From above, the leaf plate is smooth with veins, below it is lighter, slightly pubescent. The length of the leaves is 65 mm, the width is not more than 40 mm. The decorative properties of the bush are high. In summer, the plant serves as a landscaping site. Leaves turn reddish in autumn.
In the south, the Reka variety blooms in April, in colder climates in May. Its flowers are numerous, white-pink in color, bell-shaped. They are collected in brushes of 8 12 pieces. The plant belongs to the honey plant, attracting many bees and other insects.
Blueberry River is highly winter hardy. The branches of the shrub do not freeze even when the temperature drops to -35 ° C in winter. The variety is resistant to high soil moisture, rarely suffers from diseases and pests.
Features of fruiting
The blueberry variety Reka is self-pollinated. However, to get a high yield, it is recommended to plant several bushes nearby. A prerequisite is their simultaneous flowering. The best pollinators for the River variety are Northland, Bluegold, Duke, Stanley, Ertiblue.
Blueberry cultivar River brings early harvest – in the middle and end of July. Its berries are medium in size, 15-18 mm, have a mass of 1,8 g. Their color is intense blue, with a grayish bloom. The skin is elastic, and the pulp is dense and juicy.
From one bush of the River variety, 8-10 kg of berries are removed. These are high figures for blueberries. With age, the productivity of the shrub increases. Blueberries under 3 years old bring up to 4 kg of berries. More than 5 kg of fruits are removed from a bush older than 9 years.
Ripening of berries is extended in time and is 2,5 – 3 weeks. Harvested in several stages. Fruits are removed from the branches, which are completely painted. The highest quality harvest is obtained in the first and second wave of fruiting.
The tasting qualities of the berries of the Reka variety are estimated at 4,4 points. The taste is pleasant, sweet and sour. Blueberries are used fresh as a dessert, added to breakfast cereals and vitamin cocktails. The berries are dried or frozen for the winter. Blueberries are used to make jams, jams, compotes.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the Reka variety:
- early fruiting;
- high yield;
- excellent quality and taste of fruits;
- increased winter hardiness.
Disadvantages of the Reka variety:
- develops under certain conditions: acidic soil, good lighting, etc .;
- the need for care: watering, fertilizing, pruning.
Features of reproduction
Blueberries are propagated vegetatively. In autumn, the root growth is separated from the bush. When transplanting a plant, the rhizome is cut into pieces and new seedlings are obtained. For propagation of the River variety, cuttings are harvested: powerful shoots 15–20 cm long. They are kept in a cool room for a month, after which they are transplanted into a substrate of sand and peat. When the plants take root and grow up, they are transferred to the garden.
Planting and care
Its further development depends on the correct planting of blueberries of the Reka variety. At the same time, be sure to observe the deadlines for work and prepare a landing pit.
Recommended dates
Variety River is planted in late autumn before the onset of cold weather. In 2-3 weeks, the plant will have time to adapt to new conditions. In the middle lane, work is carried out in the spring, in the middle or end of May. By this time, the snow melts and the soil warms up.
Site selection and soil preparation
Blueberries prefer sunny areas that are not exposed to cold winds. Loose acidic soil is prepared for cultivation. The optimal pH level is from 3,8 to 5. A special device is used to measure it.
If the pH level on the site does not correspond to the norm, then proceed to the preparation of the soil. First, they dig a hole 1×1 m in size to a depth of 0,8 – 1 m. To fill it, rotted sawdust, wood chips, bark, spruce litter from the forest, sphagnum moss are used.
Landing algorithm
The procedure for planting blueberries of the Reka variety:
- A layer of broken brick or crushed stone 10-15 cm thick is placed at the bottom of the pit.
- The hole is filled with substrate.
- A small ridge is formed above the ground.
- The seedling is placed on top, its roots are covered with soil.
- The plant is watered abundantly.
- The trunk circle is mulched with peat or spruce sawdust.
Cultivation and care
In the process of growing blueberries, Reka varieties provide constant care. The bush is watered, fed and shaped.
Watering Schedule
According to reviews, River blueberries require moist soil. In this case, constant stagnation of moisture leads to the death of the plant. On average, the culture is watered 1 – 2 times a week, taking into account weather conditions. Watering is especially important during flowering and fruiting. In autumn, moisture is brought to a minimum.
Top dressing schedule
When choosing a fertilizer for blueberries of the Reka variety, the acidity of the soil is taken into account. If this condition is violated, blueberries stop developing and lose productivity. The first sign that it is necessary to acidify the soil is the reddening of the leaves in spring or summer.
Options for acidifying the soil under blueberries:
- nitrogen fertilizers: ammonium nitrate, urea, Nitroammophoska in the amount of 10 g per 1 sq. m;
- ammonium sulfate or potassium sulfate – 15 g per 1 sq. m;
- unused electrolyte for cars – 20 ml per 10 liters of water;
- oxalic acid: 1/5 tsp for 5 liters of water;
- colloidal sulfur: 30 g per 10 liters of water;
- complex fertilizers for blueberries Florovit, AVA, Good Power – according to the instructions.
Trimming
According to reviews, blueberries of the Reka variety are growing rapidly. With a large number of shoots, the berries become small and do not have time to ripen. Due to pruning, the size of the bush and the yield are regulated. From the third year after planting, 3-5 of the strongest shoots are left on the plant. The rest of the branches are cut at the root. Dry, broken, frozen shoots are removed annually.
Preparation for winter
Blueberries of the Reka variety are resistant to winter frosts. In late autumn, the bush is spudded and peat or humus is poured under it. A frame is placed over young plants and a non-woven fabric is attached to it. In the spring, the shelter is removed after the snow melts.
Pests and diseases
Blueberry variety Reka is resistant to diseases and pests. Fungal diseases are the most dangerous for the culture: moniliosis, gray rot, white spot. Lesions appear in violation of agricultural technology and high humidity. To combat diseases, Bordeaux liquid, Topaz, Fundazol preparations are used.
Blueberries attract numerous pests: aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, leafworms. Actellik, Iskra drugs help fight insects. Folk remedies work well: dusting with wood ash, pouring infusion on onion peel. They are used for prevention or for close harvesting.
Conclusion
Blueberry Reka is a promising variety for cultivation in various regions of Our Country. It is valued for early ripening and abundant fruiting. Berries are rich in vitamins, they are used fresh or for home canning. When growing blueberries, pay attention to the pH level of the soil.
Reviews about the blueberry variety Reka
