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Norwegian raspberry is one of the trade names for a crop that was obtained in Norway through many years of selection of the best seedlings. According to the creators, the harsh climate of this country contributed to the development of a frost-resistant variety of culture that is able to fully grow and bear fruit in adverse conditions. Description and reviews of Norwegian raspberries are very contradictory, so you should figure out what kind of plant it is, what are its advantages and disadvantages.
Description of the Norwegian raspberry
Norwegian raspberry is a shrub 1 m high. Its rhizome is creeping, which grows rapidly and captures new territories.
The shoots of the semi-shrub are erect, which become woody only at the base, and the upper part is covered with green bark throughout the season. The foliage of the Norwegian raspberry is pinnate, oval-lanceolate in shape, reaching a length of 3-8 cm, with characteristic teeth along the edge of the leaf plate. All shoots are densely covered with needles.
The flowers of the Norwegian raspberry are white, consist of 5 petals and reach a diameter of 4 cm. They are bisexual and can be single or collected in small inflorescences. Flowers are located on the tops of the shoots. The flowering period of Norwegian raspberries begins in the second decade of June and continues until frost. Therefore, the plant can have berries and flowers at the same time.
The fruits of this variety of culture are large in size – from 3 to 5 cm, with a pleasant seductive sheen. The coral red berries are round or elliptical in shape and are easily picked off the shoots. Their taste is sweet and sour with an unobtrusive aroma. The sweetness of the fruit is achieved only when they are fully ripe, so it is not recommended to collect at the stage of slight redness. Seedlings begin to bear fruit at the age of 3-4 years.
Pros and cons of Norwegian raspberries
Before you plant Norwegian raspberries on your site, you should study its advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantages:
- high commercial qualities;
- stable immunity to diseases and pests;
- abundant and long-term fruiting, subject to the rules of agricultural technology;
- unusual refreshing taste.
In addition to the obvious advantages, this type of culture also has certain disadvantages. This explains its low popularity among gardeners.
Cons of Norwegian raspberries:
- an abundance of thorns, which makes it difficult to harvest;
- fruiting in the 3-4th year;
- increased demand for care;
- bushes grow strongly, so planting must be limited.
Planting and caring for Norwegian raspberries
Norwegian raspberries need increased attention from the gardener, and you should immediately realistically assess your strengths. With insufficient care and nutrition, her fruiting is poor and short. Therefore, it is worthwhile to study in advance all the intricacies of planting and the secrets of further care so that the experience of growing this type of crop does not become sad.
The photo shows Norwegian raspberries, which are in the fruiting stage. Such a crop can be obtained no earlier than the plant reaches the age of 3 years.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
This variety of culture prefers to grow in sunny open areas. When seedlings are placed in partial shade, the shoots are extended, and the number of flowers is significantly reduced.
Planting Norwegian raspberries is carried out in the spring. To do this, you must first prepare the site by digging it on a shovel bayonet with careful removal of weeds. The plant develops well on light nutrient soils, but can also grow on loam and black soil. In this case, the acidity level should be in the range of 5,7-6,5 pH.
At the beginning of spring, it is necessary to prepare planting pits measuring 40:30:30 cm. It is recommended to place seedlings at a distance of 80-90 cm in a row, and the row spacing should be at least 1,5 m. For the full growth and development of Norwegian raspberries at the initial stage, it is necessary Fill the planting holes with nutrient mixture.
To prepare it, you need to mix the following components:
- 2 parts of the top nutrient layer of the earth;
- 1 part humus;
- 40 g of potassium sulfide;
- 25 g superphosphate;
- 1 part peat.
The preparation of the site for planting Norwegian raspberries must be carried out in advance: 10-14 days in advance, which will allow the soil to settle during this period.
Rules for planting Norwegian raspberries
Norwegian raspberry has the ability to grow rapidly and in a few years it will fill all neighboring areas. Therefore, before planting, slate or plastic should be dug around the planting hole, which will not allow the plant to spread uncontrollably.
Landing procedures.
- Spread the root processes of the seedling, remove the damaged areas to healthy tissue.
- Place the plant in the center of the planting hole.
- Sprinkle it without deepening the root collar.
- Compact the soil with your hands at the base.
- Water abundantly at the rate of 5 liters per plant.
The next day, loosen the soil at the base of the seedling and lay peat mulch in a layer of 3-5 cm.
Watering and top dressing
For 2 weeks after planting, it is necessary to constantly monitor the soil moisture so that the roots do not dry out. Watering during this period is recommended to be carried out 2 times a week, pouring 5 liters of water under each plant. After the seedlings get stronger and grow, watering should be carried out as needed 1 time per week.
In the first year, you should not fertilize if a nutrient mixture was applied during planting. Next spring, the first top dressing should be carried out during the active growing season with nitrogen fertilizers and during flowering with potash fertilizers.
Trimming
There is no urgent need for pruning Norwegian raspberries, since with the advent of frost, the aerial part of the plant dies off completely. It is enough to carry out sanitary cleaning of bushes during the season, removing broken, damaged and weakened shoots.
Preparation for winter
Norwegian raspberry is a frost-resistant crop, but in a snowless winter, its surface roots can freeze. Therefore, it is worth in the fall after the death of the upper part of the plant to cover the soil with a layer of peat or humus 10 cm thick.
In the Northern regions with a particularly harsh climate, it is recommended to spread agrofibre on a plot with Norwegian raspberries.
Harvesting
The fruiting period for this variety of culture occurs in late June – early July. Picking berries is recommended as they fully ripen. The readiness of the fruit can be judged by how easily they are separated from the receptacle.
Reproduction
Norwegian raspberry propagates purely by dividing the bush. When sowing seeds, the resulting seedlings do not retain their species properties.
It is recommended to separate plant segments in the spring, when new, stronger shoots appear. It is not advisable to do this in autumn, since growth processes slow down during this period.
Diseases and pests
Norwegian raspberries are highly resistant to pests and fungal diseases. But if the rules of agricultural technology are not followed, the immunity of seedlings is reduced. Also, a provoking factor in the lesion can be increased humidity and thickening of plantings.
Possible problems:
- Mučnistaâ rosa. For treatment, treatment with “Topaz”, “Soon”, copper sulphate is used.
- Chlorosis. For elimination, it is recommended to use iron chelate.
- Root cancer, yellow mosaic. These viral diseases are not subject to treatment, the affected seedlings are uprooted and burned.
- Weevil, raspberry beetle. For pest control, it is recommended to use Karbofos.
Conclusion
Description and reviews of Norwegian raspberries are very diverse. Some gardeners claim the benefits of this type of culture, while others share sad experiences. The lack of truthful information leads to the fact that this plant has not received wide popularity in Our Country. But if you follow the recommendations for growing a crop, you can achieve the desired result, and then a generous harvest of unusual berries will be a reward for your efforts.
