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Spinefree gooseberry is a variety worthy of attention not only for beginners, but also for experienced gardeners. It bears fruit stably, is rarely affected by diseases and tolerates winters well.
Description of the gooseberry Spinefree
The description of the Spinefree gooseberry indicates that the variety belongs to late varieties. This is a tall plant, the photo shows that its powerful shoots reach a height of more than 1 m. The bush is moderately sprawling, the crown is spherical, the branches are arched. They have practically no or very few thorns, which greatly facilitates the harvesting process. The leaves of the shrub are light green, large.
The flowering of the Spinefree variety occurs in the month of May. Gooseberries ripen in late summer. Its large fruits in the process of ripening change color from green to dark red. The weight of one berry is more than 4,5 g. The gooseberry is dense, does not crack on the branches.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
Spinefree shrub easily tolerates the climate. The shoots and root system withstand temperatures as low as -34°C. The gooseberry survives the drought period well.
fruiting, productivity
The Spinfree variety bears fruit stably, the yield is above average. Gooseberries grow well in lit places, love the sun, so its berries do not bake under direct rays. During periods of prolonged drought, the fruits stay on the branches and do not crumble. Spinfree does not require special care and frequent watering.
Spinefree berries have a good dessert taste. Gooseberries fell in love with those who are tired of the sour fruits of other varieties. This variety is dominated by sweetness and a pleasant aftertaste.
The crop is universal, well transported, thanks to the dense skin. Gooseberries are used for fresh consumption, but they are also suitable for processing. Spinefree berries are used to make jams, jams, and jellies.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Spinefree gooseberry variety has many advantages over other varieties:
- fruits of universal purpose, excellent taste;
- shoots without thorns;
- bushes do not need shelter for the winter;
- the plant variety is easy to propagate;
- fruiting is stable;
- high transport characteristics.
However, there are downsides to Spinfree. These include the high growth of the bush, the need for bright lighting and the demands on the composition of the soil. Gooseberries will not grow on swampy and clay soils. There will be few fruits in the shade, they are crushed, the taste will deteriorate.
Features of reproduction
Spinefree gooseberry reproduces vegetatively. Its cuttings take root quickly. But the easiest way to propagate the variety is basal shoots. They easily give roots.
Breeding starts in early spring. Gooseberry shoots are tilted to the ground, pinned and covered with earth. Throughout the season, the layers are well looked after, by the fall Spinfree is ready for transplanting to a permanent place.
Planting and care
The best time to plant seedlings is early spring or late autumn. In the spring, gooseberries are transferred to a new place at the end of March or at the very beginning of April until the shoots have moved away from winter. In autumn, work is planned for the end of September or the first decade of October. It is during these periods that the young bushes of the Spinefree variety better adapt to new conditions.
The site for planting the Spinefree variety culture is chosen in advance. Preference is given to a well-lit area, where the bush will be protected on all sides from cold winds and drafts. The soil for Spinefree gooseberries should be fertile, loose. Heavy and acidic soils are not suitable for growing.
Prepare the soil 2 weeks before planting. It is dug up, weeds are selected and humus is introduced. Holes for gooseberries are also prepared in advance. If it is planned to plant several bushes, then the distance between them is left at least 1 m. Between the rows, it is enough to retreat 1,5-2 m. When the site is small, in order to save space, the Spinefree bushes are grown on a trellis or around each of them are installed supports. Then the distance between plants in a row is reduced by 20-30 cm. The size of the planting hole is 50 x 50 cm, the depth is about 60 cm.
Drainage and a mixture of soil with mineral fertilizers are placed in each hole. For 10 kg of rotten manure, you can add 1,5 tbsp. ash, 0,5 tbsp. superphosphate and 1 tbsp. l. limestone and potassium sulfate.
To get a good harvest of gooseberries, you need to not only prepare locally, but also choose the right Spinefree seedling when buying. You need to pay attention to the bushes about 2 years old. The optimal height of such a plant is not less than 30 cm, it has 2-3 powerful shoots. The root system plays an important role. Ideally, there should be 2-3 well-developed lignified roots, 10 cm long, and a large number of fibrous roots. During planting, all dry or damaged roots should be removed, and the aerial part should be cut to the level of 5-6 buds.
Growing rules
Growing a Spinefree variety is easy, water the bush moderately, as needed. During the ripening period of the berries, the water rate is increased, especially if the weather is dry. However, it is not recommended to water gooseberries of this variety more than once a week.
Spinfree responds well to top dressing. In the first 1-2 years of cultivation, they are not needed if the pit was filled in accordance with all the rules. Further, fertilizers are applied according to the scheme:
- in the first half of summer – nitrogen fertilizing, at least 80 g of ammonium nitrate or urea under a bush;
- after flowering they give liquid organic matter;
- in autumn, phosphorus-potassium supplements, ash, and humus are preferable.
In addition, before bud break, the bushes are treated with copper sulphate, which will get rid of wintering pests and serve as top dressing.
Loosening the soil under the bushes should be said separately. The root system of the gooseberry is demanding for good air exchange, so you need to carefully loosen the trunk circle. In order not to damage the surface roots, the tool should be deepened by no more than 5 cm.
Regular treatments for pests and diseases are not needed for the Spinefree variety, it is very resistant to powdery mildew and other misfortunes. It is enough to spray gooseberries with copper preparations in early spring and autumn.
Pruning a Spinefree bush is not much different from the rest. The bush is formed in early spring or late autumn after harvest. All root shoots are removed if there is no need for propagation or rejuvenation of the shrub. Leave only 3-4 well-developed annual shoots. Old branches that do not give good growth are also cut at the root or to a strong branching.
Special preparation for winter for the culture of the Spinefree variety is not required. It has high rates of frost resistance, therefore, water-charging irrigation is sufficient, which has a good effect on the state of the root system. 30-40 liters of water are added to one bush. The procedure is carried out before stable frosts. If the weather is rainy, then watering the gooseberries is canceled. In winter, you can additionally warm the trunk circle with snow.
Pests and diseases
The description of the Spinfree variety indicates that gooseberries are resistant to major diseases, which is confirmed by gardeners’ reviews. Bushes really practically do not get sick, do not need regular spraying and pest control. This makes it much easier to take care of them.
Conclusion
Spinefree gooseberry is a promising variety with sweet berries. They are pleasant to eat fresh and harvest for the winter, and the absence of thorns is a pleasure to harvest. Growing a plant is simple, but you need to consider its high growth and love of the sun.
