Description and characteristics of blackberries of the Jumbo variety, its planting and cultivation

The peculiarities of growing Jumbo blackberries are useful to know for those who are planning to plant the plant on their plot. If you follow the advice of experienced gardeners, a good harvest is guaranteed. The variety was developed quite recently, but quickly became popular not only among private owners, but also in farms that are engaged in mass cultivation of berries. Large fruits have a bright taste.

Characteristics, description and origin of the variety

Blackberries came to Europe from America 3 centuries ago. The Jumbo variety was bred by breeders from France only in 2007.

The bushes grow quickly, adding 0.5 meters per year. After 3 years, it is recommended to install supports for the branches. Jumbo has no thorns. The fruits are large, the weight of each berry reaches 30 grams. In appearance they resemble both raspberries and mulberries.

Pros and cons of Jumbo blackberries

Each variety has certain advantages and disadvantages. Jumbo is no exception.

The benefits of Jumbo blackberries outweigh the minor drawbacks.

Landing Features

To plant on a personal plot, it is necessary to take into account the agrotechnical characteristics of the crop and follow cultivation tips.

Deadlines

Jumbo blackberries can be rooted in the ground during 2 seasons. In spring, bushes are planted when the heated layer of soil reaches 40 centimeters. If the autumn period is chosen for planting, then all work is advised to be completed half a month before the onset of the first frost.

Selecting a location

Blackberries will not cause any trouble if you choose the right place to place the bushes. The variety is classified as a heat-loving plant.It is better to plant the crop in an area protected from drafts and well lit.

High humidity and proximity to groundwater will also not benefit the French hybrid. The best option for Jumbo would be to place it on a slope or in a sunny part of the garden.

Selection and preparation of planting material

Shoots for planting are chosen carefully. Defective material will not take root on the site. Characteristics of seedlings:

1. For rooting, choose plants that are not 1.5-2 years old.
2. The presence of a basal bud and 1 or 2 branches is required.
3. Healthy appearance of the trunk and roots, without damage or signs of deterioration.

Selected seedlings are kept in biogrowth stimulants before being placed in the ground. Many gardeners use Kornevin for these purposes. This method of preparation will help the plant more easily survive entering new conditions.

Planting scheme

The compact size of Jumbo blackberries allows plants to be planted more densely than other varieties. Shrubs are placed a meter apart from each other, and sometimes the distance is reduced to 70 centimeters. About 2 meters are left between the rows.

Drainage made of crushed brick or gravel is placed at the bottom of the hole. And then the fertile layer is covered. Ash, manure and phosphate fertilizers are added to garden soil. It is important to ensure regular watering and not allow the soil to dry out.

How to care for a plant

Agronomists recommend not to neglect tying up bushes. The chaotic tangle of branches prevents ventilation. As a result, blackberries can be affected by fungal bacteria.

Watering

The variety tolerates heat and drought well. But watering is organized 1 or 2 times a week. A flowering plant especially needs moisture. Irrigation must be carried out during the period of berry formation.The irrigation schedule depends on the weather and climatic conditions of the area. You should also not get carried away with arranging shower sessions for the plant. Over-watering is more harmful to Jumbo blackberries than lack of water.

Trimming

The branches of shrubs are pruned twice during the year:

1. At the beginning of spring, shoots that are broken and frozen in winter are removed. The procedure is carried out after removing the material with which blackberries are insulated during the cold season.
2. Before frost, cut off old branches. Healthy trunks are shortened by 20 centimeters.

Sanitation of shrubs is carried out throughout the season. Get rid of pest-affected shoots and broken parts of the plant.

Top dressing

As a fertilizer in the spring, it is recommended to enrich the soil with manure and add up to 50 grams of urea. In hot weather, Jumbo blackberries benefit from phosphorus and potassium supplements. Complex feeding should also not exceed 50 grams per bush.

Preparing for winter

Before winter, shrubs are insulated using different materials. Suitable for this purpose:

1. Cardboard.
2. Straw.
3. Agrofibre.
4. Ruberoid.

Preparing for frost will be easier if, when tying to trellises, young shoots are separated from last year's ones. Old branches are cut out, and the remaining ones are rolled up to hide under the insulation.

Protection from pests and diseases

Jumbo blackberries are resistant to most diseases inherent in fruit and berry crops. The greatest danger is caused by pathogenic microorganisms of the fungal type. With timely treatment with preparations containing copper, the risk of infection is minimized.

Bush propagation methods

For There are 2 ways to propagate blackberries:

1. The simplest one is to sprinkle with soil and secure an annual shoot of a bush.The branch is rooted at the end of summer, and transferred to another place at the beginning of the spring season.
2. In the fall, cuttings are cut from strong trunks, which are dug in and left to overwinter under cover. In spring, seedlings are renewed and placed back into the soil.

Such methods allow you to preserve all the properties of the mother plant.

Cleaning and storage

Jumbo blackberries ripen in the second half of summer. Harvesting is facilitated by timely tying of bushes to supports and smooth branches without thorns. As the berries ripen, they change color from green to brown. Gradually, the fruits acquire a crimson hue; ripe blackberries are always black. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for a week. The popularity of Jumbo blackberries is due to the plant's unpretentiousness in care. A good harvest is ensured if a minimum number of conditions are met.