Description and characteristics of the Natchez blackberry variety, propagation, planting and care

There are a large number of varieties available on the seedling market. Among them, those that are easy to care for are popular. Natchez is one of the representatives of blackberries that does not have thorns on its branches. The bush bears fruit early. When the berries of other varieties are green on the branches, Natchez is ready to eat.

History of the development of the Natchez variety

Blackberries were introduced in America in 2007. The selection stages were carried out at the University of Arkansas for Science. Natchez is a young variety of blackberry.

Advantages and disadvantages of culture

Among the advantages are:

• extended fruiting period;
• absence of thorns;
• large berries;
• early ripening of fruits;
• storage in the refrigerator for up to 14 days;
• attractive presentation.

Disadvantages of the variety:

• cannot withstand severe frosts;
• loves direct sunlight;
• high probability of damage to branches due to fragility.

Despite the many advantages, for proper cultivation it is necessary to pay attention to the disadvantages.

general description

Natchez has appealed to many gardeners. It is included in the group of leaders along with other blackberry varieties. The original taste and beautiful appearance distinguishes the shrub from the European and Western assortment.

External characteristics

Natchez is similar in appearance to other blackberry varieties. After studying the main characteristics, you can distinguish the shrub from other representatives.

Berry

Large blackberries have a wonderful taste. The weight of one berry reaches 13 g. The seeds inside the pulp are small. The brush contains 15-30 fruits.

Bush and leaves

The shoots grow quickly and reach 4-6 m in length. Erect and without thorns. They break in the wind, so it is recommended to tie the branches to a support.

Root system

Well developed, close to the surface.

Immunity to diseases and pests

The shrub rarely gets sick, as it has a stable immune system.

Resistance to negative temperatures

In winter it cannot withstand cold temperatures below -14 °C. Requires shelter with the onset of the first frost.

Reproduction methods

A suitable propagation method is cuttings. The apical shoots take root. The survival rate is high; in rare cases, planting a new shoot is required.

Regions recommended for cultivation

Due to its low resistance to frost, the variety is grown in places with warm climates.

Flowering period and ripening time

On average, flowers begin to appear in mid-May. White with six petals. Ripening occurs at the end of June or beginning of July.

Fruiting dates and yield indicators

Characterized by extended fruiting. Lasts from 1 to 1.5 months. Up to 16 kg of blackberries are harvested from one bush.

Area of ​​application of berries

Blackberries are consumed fresh. It is an excellent basis for making juices, jams, wine and compotes. The berries are suitable for freezing and drying.

How to plant blackberries in the garden

Proper planting is the key to obtaining a healthy shrub.

Optimal timing

Blackberries are planted in April before the buds open. In autumn it is not recommended to plant the variety in the ground. Natchez will not survive the winter because it will not have time to establish itself.

Required soil composition

The shrub chooses loamy fertile soils. Drainage is required. Oxidation level is low or neutral.

Choosing a suitable location

The area where the bush is planted should be well lit. In the planting area, make sure that the blackberries are in partial shade. The site is also protected from strong winds.

Preparation of planting material

No special operations are carried out before planting the seedling in the ground.

Technology and planting scheme

Disembarkation instructions:

1. The place where the blackberries will grow is dug up. Weeds are removed.
2. The depth of the pit reaches 50 cm.
3. Most of the pit is filled with a mixture that includes potassium, superphosphate and humus.
4. A seedling is placed at the bottom of the hole and the root is straightened.
5. While filling the hole, the sprout is shaken to eliminate air gaps between the roots.
6. A hole is dug around the planted bush and 2 buckets of water are poured into it.
7. The area around the blackberries is mulched.
8. The final stage is pruning the seedling. There should be no more than 40 cm above the ground.

A distance of 1.5 to 3 m is maintained between the holes. Space is necessary for bushes, as they form long shoots. It is also taken into account that it is necessary to install a support.

Agricultural technology for growing blackberries

The result of caring for blackberries is noticeable in the quantity and quality of the harvest.

Irrigation

Natchez is watered once a week, adding 4 to 5 buckets of water. At the moment of formation of the ovaries and during the ripening period of the berries, the volume of water increases 3 times. Watering is carried out twice a week.

Fertilizer

Feeding is carried out 4 times per season:

1. In the spring before the buds open. The area of ​​land around the bush is covered with humus or ammonium nitrate, and then dug up.
2. Before flowering. Bird droppings or mullein are used as fertilizer. The mixture is diluted in water (10-12 l).
3. After fruiting. The surface of the soil is sprinkled with a mixture of superphosphate and wood ash. Then loosening is carried out.
4. Before wintering.

Feeding is mandatory, as it increases the resistance of immunity to diseases and gives the strength to bear fruit.

Trimming and tying to support

Natchez is a variety of blackberry that produces long shoots. The bush is pruned twice a year.It is recommended to remove branches in early spring before the buds swell. The suitable period is the end of autumn, when the bush has shed all its leaves.

Blackberries can be grown without tying them to a support. Under the weight of the berries, the branches bend toward the ground and may break. Therefore, it is better to grow Natchez using stakes or trellises.

Protection from diseases and pests

For the purpose of prevention, certain measures are taken to combat common diseases. Blackberry infection occurs through other fruit bushes and trees. Bordeaux mixture will help with rust. The affected leaves are removed, and the garden area is cleared of weeds.

Tobacco dust will rid Natchez of pests that love to attack the root system. The composition is mixed with water, after which all the bushes are watered with the liquid. This is how they fight mole crickets and Khrushchev.

Tobacco along with laundry soap is a good remedy against aphids. 250 g of ash is added to a bucket of water and left to infuse for 3 days. Afterwards, the liquid is filtered and mixed with the same amount of water.

The soap is grated and also added to the solution. The resulting liquid is sprayed onto the bushes. The time for the procedure is spring (before the leaves bloom) and summer (before fruiting begins). You can prevent the appearance of mites on branches using the mulching procedure.

Preparing for winter

Bare branches bend to the ground and are covered with insulation on top. It could be:

• vegetable tops;
• corn leaves;
• humus;
• hay;
• sawdust;
• straw.

Natchez is a variety of blackberry that is suitable for growing in the garden around the home and for commercial production. The berries are easy to pick, and gourmets will enjoy the aroma and taste of the fruit.Despite the fact that the variety was recently bred, it is a favorite among other representatives of the culture.