Description and characteristics of the English yellow gooseberry variety, planting and care

Gooseberries are a berry that is popular among summer residents; the English yellow variety attracts with its taste and ease of care. The berries are suitable for storage and contain all the necessary vitamins. Used for preservation for the winter and for fresh consumption.

General information about the English Yellow variety

Shrub 1.5 meters high, slightly spreading. The English gooseberry variety has a high degree of resistance to low temperatures. The origin of this variety is unknown, but breeders note the yield and taste of the fruit.

The berries have the following description: medium density, yellow flesh, do not crumble after ripening. The average weight of the berry is 5 grams, however, with high yields, the weight of the gooseberry can be up to 7 grams.

Gooseberry shoots are covered with single thorns, the leaves are small and dark green in color. The inflorescences are white, with brown sepals.

Pros and cons of gooseberries

The culture has advantages and disadvantages that need to be taken into account when growing.

A crop with good taste, which makes it popular among gardeners. Gooseberries have an attractive appearance and are used for winter preparations.

Basic landing rules

To obtain a harvest, gooseberries require compliance with certain planting methods, which will not only reduce the risk of disease, but also improve taste.

Dates and place of landing

Gooseberries are a type of crop that can be planted in autumn and spring.In spring, the bush is planted in the soil after the snow has melted and before the buds begin to open. In autumn, the shrub is replanted from mid-September to mid-October. In the period before frost, the crop takes root and the plant is less susceptible to disease.

English gooseberries are undemanding to soil, but for normal development of the crop it is necessary to choose soil with neutral acidity. The planting site should be sunny and not shaded by nearby trees. It is not recommended to use places for planting in which soil moisture is increased, in which case the plant is susceptible to diseases such as rot.

Site preparation

The planting site for English gooseberries is prepared 4-5 weeks in advance so that the soil has time to settle. The area where gooseberries will be planted must be cleared of grass and roots of other plants. If a crop is planted in a garden, a distance of at least 2 meters must be maintained between the planting site and other crops.

Before digging the soil, you need to prepare the mixture:

• humus - 10 kg;
• wood ash - 150 grams;
• superphosphate - 2 tablespoons;
• potassium - 2 tablespoons.

A depression is made, the soil from the hole is mixed with the previously prepared composition and placed in the prepared hole. This will saturate the area with the substances necessary for root development.

Important. Gooseberries should not be planted after plants such as raspberries and strawberries. In this type of soil, the plant will not be able to take root and develop to obtain the required yield.

Selection of seedlings

When choosing a seedling for planting gooseberries, you need to pay attention to the following features:

• The root should consist of 4-5 shoots at least 10 cm long.
• The shoot must have no external damage. The presence of several shoots is allowed; this occurs if the seedling is over 2 years old.
• The length of the shoots should be 20-30 cm.

To reduce the time it takes for a plant to adapt to a new location, it is recommended to give preference to seedlings that have root protection in the form of a clod of earth. However, bare roots can be used if there is no visible damage.

Step by step process

Gooseberries must be planted according to the following algorithm:

• a hill is formed in a previously prepared place;
• the seedling is placed on a hill and all the roots are straightened;
• the seedling is sprinkled with soil on top;
• the neck of the gooseberry should be immersed to a depth of at least 10 cm;
• the soil is compacted and watered with a bucket of warm water;
• the planted plant must be pruned; if this procedure has not been performed previously, only the 5 lower buds are left.

When planting gooseberries in large quantities, it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 1 meter between the bushes.

Rules for caring for English gooseberries

An adult bush, like a seedling, requires a certain type of care. Timely application of fertilizers and watering of the crop will contribute to the development of shrubs and the annual harvest.

Watering and fertilizing

The gooseberry variety tolerates moderate drought, the English yellow variety is susceptible to root diseases in the presence of excessive moisture. Watering the crop is carried out in several stages, among which it is necessary to highlight:

• the first is carried out on the 20th of May;
• the second watering is carried out a month later;
• the third is after the harvest.

In dry weather, the shrub needs to be watered every three weeks. Watering is carried out in the following way:

• measure a distance of 60-70 cm from the root of the bush;
• make a ditch 10 cm deep around the bush;
• water is poured into the ditch.

Up to 30 liters of water must be used per adult plant.

Fertilizers are applied to the soil according to the following scheme.

It is recommended to apply fertilizer in the evening after sunset.

Trimming

In the second year after planting, it is necessary to leave 2-3 strong shoots. Every year it is necessary to form a bush, while old branches are removed and young shoots are left in place.

Pruning is carried out in spring and autumn; all damaged and small shoots must be eliminated. Branches that are intertwined in a large number of places are also removed. In order for the bush not to outgrow fruiting, it is necessary to shorten the shoots by one third annually.

Sheltering shrubs for the winter

After the leaves fall, it is necessary to prepare the shrub for the winter:

• clear the soil around the crop from leaves, dig it up and add humus;
• collect the branches of the bush and tie them with a strip of fabric;
• treat the branches with a solution of Bordeaux mixture (1%);
• Wrap the branches with burlap.

Digging the soil is necessary to eliminate pests that may be hiding in fallen leaves and branches.

Harmful insects and their control

English gooseberries can be affected by the following types of insects:

1. Gooseberry aphid - the pest forms seals on burgundy-colored leaves. The pest feeds on the sap of leaves and causes them to turn yellow. To eliminate aphids, the substance “Sumicidin” is used.
2. Spider mite - appears as light-colored spots on the leaves. Can lead to a decrease in yield and death of the crop. It is necessary to treat the plant for mites before the buds open. The substance used is Wofatox.
3. The moth is an insect that penetrates the berries and causes them to rot. To eliminate the pest, it is necessary to use “Karbofos”, which is sprayed onto the bush before the inflorescences appear.

Treatment against possible pests must be carried out after the snow melts in April.

Protection against gooseberry diseases

Gooseberries are resistant to diseases, but the following types of diseases may appear:

• Powdery mildew - appears as a gray coating on the leaves. The disease causes leaves to curl and turn yellow. To prevent the disease, it is necessary to treat it with a solution of vitriol before the buds open.
• Anthracnose - affects the shoots, leading to cracking of the bark, causing the plant to dry out. This disease is of the fungal type and can affect the plant, starting from the root system. To combat the disease, spraying with Cuprozan is used before the buds of the crop begin to open.
• Rust - manifested by the appearance of brown spots on leaves and shoots. To prevent the disease, the drug “Nitrophen” is used.

Affected shoots must be removed from the bush, otherwise the disease will progress.

Reproduction methods

Most often, propagation is used using two-year-old cuttings. To do this, the shoot is bent down in the ground. After the cutting takes root, pruning and replanting are carried out. Bush division can also be used, during which the bush is divided into two parts and planted in different places. This procedure is carried out in the fall.

Harvest and storage

Ripe berries are yellow with a honey tint. The fruit tastes sweet and aromatic. English gooseberries ripen at the end of July.

After harvesting, the berries are placed in a box in a thin layer and placed in a cool place. Gooseberries can be stored for up to 5 days. In order to increase shelf life, it is recommended to pick 2-3 days before full ripening, however, such berries have a less intense taste.

English gooseberries are famous for their taste, which is unlike other varieties. The crop also has high yields and attractive berries. The shrub adapts to a new growth location and does not require excessive watering.