Description and characteristics of blackberries of the Kiova variety, propagation and care

An American variety, Kiowa blackberry, amazes with its huge, juicy berries. For its excellent taste and massive fruiting, it is even forgiven for the presence of thorns. Blackberries of the Kiova variety are worth gardeners paying special attention to and adding to their garden collection.

History of selection

Blackberry Kiowa appeared at the turn of the century. Its creators are scientists from the University of Arkansas, who, by crossing two experimental varieties, obtained a miracle berry of incredible size and juiciness. The Kiowa hybrid has a second name - Kiowa, which is associated with the name of one of the Indian tribes. After receiving the first vegetatively propagated seedlings, the variety was patented and the first copies went on sale in 1995.

Note: The blackberry hybrid is considered to have the largest berries. New varieties of blackberries are appearing, but it is still one of the TOP 5 varieties with the largest fruits.

Description and characteristics of berry crops

The characteristics of the Kiova hybrid give an idea of ​​the plant and allow gardeners to decide on the choice of variety and the possibility of growing it in a specific climatic zone.

Berries and bushes

Kiowa belongs to the brambles, so its bushes are erect, up to 1.5 m tall. The bush is shrouded in a cloud of emerald foliage, under which numerous sharp thorns are hidden. White-pink flowers are collected in corymbs.

As the berries ripen, they change color from green to red, and then to glossy black. The average weight of the berries is 12 g, and giant specimens reach 20 g. The round-conical berries are quite dense. The sweet taste is complemented by a slight sourness and aroma of wild berries.

Main advantages

The valuable features of the Kiova hybrid include large berries and good transportability. These qualities make it possible to use the blackberry hybrid both in private farms and on an industrial scale.

Flowering period and ripening time

Flowering time occurs at the end of May, and fruiting begins in July (in the southern regions). This limits the spread of the plant, since the late-ripening hybrid does not have time to ripen in the middle zone and northern latitudes.

Yield indicators, fruiting dates

Kiowa blackberries have an extended fruiting period, lasting 6 weeks. The berries do not lose their marketable qualities throughout the entire fruiting period. This is a late-ripening and high-yielding variety: 4.5-6 tons of black fruits are collected per hectare.

Area of ​​application of berries

Kiowa blackberries are a wonderful treat and a great dessert. They are tasty fresh and retain their flavor after processing.

Blackberry lovers will enjoy jams, preserves, confitures, liqueurs, fillings for pies and pancakes.

Note: The fruits retain their appearance and do not lose their beneficial qualities after freezing. Thawed berries taste just as good as fresh ones, retaining vitamins and minerals.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Thanks to its excellent immunity, the hybrid is resistant to fungal infections and is not afraid of pests if preventive measures are carried out in a timely manner.

Advantages and disadvantages

The undoubted advantages of the Kiova variety:

• good winter hardiness;
• transportability;
• ability for long-term storage;
• strong immunity;
• tasty, large berries;
• resistance to fungal infections.

There are few shortcomings, but they spoil the ideal opinion about the variety:

• the presence of sharp thorns densely covering the branches;
• late ripening with an extended fruiting period.

Note: Despite the large berries, the young and promising variety is not yet very popular. Its widespread use is just beginning. A lot of advantages are lost due to the presence of thorns, which complicate the care of the berry crop.

Features of growing Kiowa blackberries

Planting a bush is carried out traditionally for different varieties of blackberries, but taking into account the characteristics of a particular variety.

Dates and place

The Kiowa variety is suitable for spring and autumn planting. In the spring, the bush is planted before the sap begins to flow, in the fall - a month before the first frost. Choose a place that is bright, protected from drafts and cold winds.

Soil preparation

Blackberry bushes grow well in fertile, loose soil enriched with nutrients. On heavy soils, peat and sand should be added. On acidic soils, apply liming.

Selection and preparation of seedlings

A healthy seedling should be different:

• well-developed root system (at least 10 cm);
• the presence of a growth bud;
• 1-2 leafy shoots.

The seedling is checked for infections. With a closed root system, they focus on the condition of the above-ground part.

Algorithm and landing scheme

Blackberry bushes of the Kiova variety are planted 1.5 m apart from each other. Landing sequence:

• drainage is created at the bottom of the planting hole;
• a layer of fertile soil is poured on top as a mound;
• the root system of the seedling is placed on it;
• cover up to the root collar with a layer of nutritious soil;
• water and mulch the tree trunk circle.

The root collar is not buried; it is located above the ground. Shoots are cut to 30-40 cm.

Watering, weeding and mulching

The Kiova variety requires moderate watering. More moisture is required during flowering and fruit set so that they form large and juicy. Mulching is necessary to retain moisture and reduces the number of waterings. Straw or peat are suitable as mulch. Weeding is carried out as necessary.

Fertilizers and fertilizers

Kiowa blackberries begin to be fed from the moment of budding and continue until fruiting. Typically, complex fertilizers or organic components are applied no more than once every 3 weeks.

Garter

Erect shoots can bend under the pressure of berries, so they are strengthened on a trellis, giving the shape of a fan. This procedure is also necessary for the convenience of collecting fruits, since the branches are covered with thorns. Trimming tied branches is much more convenient.

Pruning and wintering

Blackberry pruning-kumaniki Kiova is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. In spring, cut off diseased or damaged branches.
2. In autumn, new shoots are removed if they are weakened. Remove fruit-bearing branches of the 2nd year.
3. The bush is formed from 10 young, strong shoots, which are pruned by 1/3.

Thanks to pruning, the bush has a more compact shape and does not grow chaotically, spreading side shoots.

After autumn pruning, the branches are removed from the trellis and bent to the ground. They are laid in trenches and insulated. Kiowa is a frost-resistant variety, but the extra risk is not worth it.

Ways to combat diseases and pests

Preventive treatment with Fitosporin helps protect the blackberry bush from fungal infections, although the Kiova hybrid has strong immunity.

More often, damage to the blackberry crop is caused by pests, which are combated with folk remedies (in case of minor damage) and chemicals (in case of mass infestation).

Note: You should carefully familiarize yourself with the pests that settle on blackberry bushes in order to know the “enemy in person” and the main signs of the affected plant. This will help avoid their mass spread.

Breeding methods

Reproduction is carried out by rooting vegetative shoots.The tops of the shoots are pinned to the ground, slightly buried and sprinkled with soil. The rooting site is watered and fed. The first roots form within a month. The seedlings are separated from the mother bush and transplanted to a permanent place in the spring of next year.

Collection and storage of Kiowa blackberries

The berries are collected in any convenient, lightweight container at the ripe stage, when they acquire a glossy black color. Lay them out carefully so as not to wrinkle them. For collection, suitable clothing is required to avoid getting pricked by the thorns. The berry is stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days. It is frozen or used for processing.

Kiowa blackberries produce an excellent harvest of black fruits if the necessary agrotechnical practices are followed. The quality and quantity of berries directly depend on proper care.

Large fruit, unpretentiousness and productivity are the most characteristic features of the variety.