Gooseberry Amber

Look at the gooseberry bushes of the Amber variety, it was not for nothing that they called it that, the berries hang on the branches like clusters of amber, shimmer in the sun, are proud of ourselves – we are also little suns, and we also look like pebbles that people find on the sea beach sand.

History of breeding varieties

The gooseberry variety Yantarny was bred by a group of breeders under the leadership of M. Pavlova in the mid-50s, but for reasons unknown to us did not pass registration in the State Register. However, despite all the historical upheavals, the variety was preserved and many nurseries still successfully grow this gooseberry and sell the fruits and seedlings of the Amber gooseberry to the population of Our Country, export them to many countries of the world.

Description of the bush and berries

Gooseberry Amber is a tall shrub reaching one and a half meters in height, its branches are thick and sprawling, requiring garters on supports or trellises.

Gooseberries are amber (orange-yellow) in color, oval in shape, slightly thickened at one end, the largest and juiciest are distinguished by an excellent sweetish taste with a lobule of acid and honey aroma, their average weight is 5,0 g.

Advantages and disadvantages

Features

Productivity

The quality and quantity of the harvest of Amber Gooseberries increases when all agricultural growing technologies are implemented: when planting and regular pruning, when choosing a place and caring, with timely taking measures to combat diseases and harmful insects.

Drought and winter hardiness

The gooseberry variety Amber is unpretentious and resistant to periods when there is not enough moisture, the plant tolerates winter frosts well, even with a cold of -40 °, the root system is preserved, only twigs that are not sufficiently covered with snow can freeze slightly. Such branches are removed during spring sanitary pruning.

Disease and pest resistance

Gooseberries of the Yantarny variety have natural immunity to many fungal diseases; over many years of testing, it has shown itself to be the best in terms of resistance to the invasion of harmful insects. According to the observations of gardeners, plants rarely get sick and are not very often attacked by pests such as gooseberry aphids.

Ripening period

The ripening of gooseberries depends on the geographical location of the region in which this variety is grown. The warmer the climate, the earlier the berries of the gooseberry variety Yantarny gain fruit maturity. In the south of Our Country, this may be the beginning of June, and in the west and east – mid-July to the end of August. In the northern regions of the country – from July to September, it depends on favorable or not very weather conditions, because the weather is not always the same from year to year.

Transportability

Agro-industrial firms selling gooseberry fruits of the Yantarny variety harvest berries 7-10 days before they are fully ripe, the gooseberry skin at this time is still quite dense and strong, therefore it does not crack or burst during transportation.

Growing conditions

Gooseberry seedlings are best bought and ordered from nurseries with a well-deserved reputation. The age of seedlings should be no more than 1-2 years old with a good root system, and branches with a sufficient number of viable buds.

Features of landing

Amber gooseberry seedlings can be planted at any time convenient for the gardener: in early spring, in the middle of summer or on the eve of winter. According to many gardeners, planting seedlings in late autumn gives even more chances for a quick survival of the plant and its successful development in the future.

The site for planting should be sunny, well fertilized and not blown by drafts, the soil is preferably slightly acidic, neutral or slightly alkaline, the land is fertile and loose. The best option is to plant gooseberries along the fence or wall of the house that faces south. Keep a distance of 1,5 meters between seedlings, if plantings are in 2 or more rows, then there should be at least 2 meters between rows

Care instructions

Gooseberry seedlings of the Yantarny variety grow very quickly, gaining height and density, so you cannot do without certain measures to care for them.

Support

In the second or third year of life, special supports are built around the seedlings and, as necessary, gooseberry branches are tied to its parts.

Additional fertilizing

In the first three years, the Amber gooseberry does not require additional fertilizer if a sufficient amount of organic matter and mineral fertilizers were planted during planting. In the future, top dressing is carried out during the whole season no more than 3 times, organic fertilizers are applied only in early spring.

Pruning of bushes

Pruning is a necessary and regular process when growing gooseberries. Produce it annually, mainly in the spring or after harvest.

Reproduction

Gooseberries can be propagated in two ways: layering and rooting cuttings of the current year. To obtain a large number of seedlings, the second method is more acceptable.

Preparation for winter

After harvesting, gooseberry bushes are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture. Then the earth around the bushes is dug up, combined with top dressing, and sanitary pruning is carried out. If weather forecasters promise a cold winter and long-lasting frosts, then they use an additional insulation – dense agrospan.

Pest and disease control

Gooseberry pests

Conclusion

Gooseberry Amber has excellent immunity against many of the listed diseases and pests, and the merit of this is our hardworking breeders. This variety has been gaining popularity among gardeners and farmers of agricultural enterprises for more than 50 years. We hope that many of you will like it too.

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