Description and characteristics of gooseberry variety Kolobok, planting and care

Gooseberries are a tasty and healthy berry, the popularity of which among summer residents is only increasing with each passing year. The only problem with the berry, which makes it reluctant to plant on the site, is the large number of thorns growing on the bushes. Unfortunately, not many people know that more than 40 years ago the gooseberry variety Kolobok, the bushes of which do not have thorns, was developed. Let's take a closer look at this miracle of selection and find out how best to grow it.

History of variety development

The gooseberry variety Kolobok first appeared in 1977, by crossing two popular crops at that time - Smena and Rozovyi 2. Due to its unpretentiousness and taste, it became popular throughout almost the entire territory of Russia. We should thank the famous breeder I.V. Popova for such a successful experiment, thanks to whose work many wonderful varieties of gooseberries were born, which are in demand to this day.

Description and characteristics of the Kolobok variety

When describing the gooseberry variety Kolobok, I would like to pay special attention to the following characteristics:

• appearance of the bush;
• taste and appearance of berries;
• productivity;
• ripening time;
• resistance to sub-zero temperatures;
• protection from diseases and pests;
• thornlessness.

Note! Kolobok is not considered the best representative among gooseberry varieties, but in terms of the totality of positive qualities it is not inferior to its competitors.

External parameters of the bush

In terms of the totality of external parameters, Kolobok has average indicators:

• height – average;
• the bush grows up to 1.5 meters in length;
• spreading - average;
• the degree of crown thickening is slightly above average;
• leaves are large, rich green;
• the petioles of the leaves are short, and they grow either individually or in small groups of 3-4 pieces;
• There are very few thorns, and those that exist are short and weak. It's very difficult to make jokes about them.

Keep in mind that shoots on branches grow quickly and the bush needs systematic pruning.

Taste and description of fruits

The taste of the berries is pleasant, with a slight sourness. They are equally pleasant to eat both fresh and as compote or jam. The berries are quite weighty and juicy. The weight of one varies from 4 to 8 grams. The shape of the berries is round and smooth. The skin is dense, with obvious signs of a waxy coating, and its color ranges from cherry to dark red.

Gooseberries of the Kolobok variety tolerate transportation well over long distances without losing their original appearance. Berries contain a large amount of vitamins, especially the following groups:

• WITH;
• E;
• AT 3.

In addition to vitamins, Kolobok is rich in potassium. There are about 250 grams of potassium per 100 grams of product.

Ripening time and yield

Regarding the timing of ripening and yield, experienced summer residents share the following figures:

1. From one bush, depending on the quality of its care, from 4 to 10 kilograms of product are collected.
2. According to the ripening period, it belongs to mid-season crops.
3. Most of the harvest is concentrated on branches between 1 and 2 years old.
4. The first fruits appear early.
5. The bush bears fruit systematically over many years of life.
6. The berries ripen in the first half of July, continuing until the end of summer.

Resistance to sub-zero temperatures and droughts

Frost resistance is good, which allows the crop to be grown even in northern regions. Problems can arise during sudden thaws that disrupt the life rhythms of the bush. If in your region the change of seasons occurs abruptly, without smooth transitions, think about purchasing a different variety of gooseberry.

Short-term drought is tolerated normally, but you should not leave the bush without water for a long time. Irrigate it periodically and a good harvest will be your reward.

Immunity to diseases and pests

It has a strong immune system and is not afraid of most diseases characteristic of the culture. It is particularly resistant to:

• powdery mildew;
• anthracnose;
• late blight.

Of course, you shouldn’t leave gooseberries to the mercy of fate. Check the plantings from time to time, removing damaged or infected parts. If you adhere to these principles, problems should not arise.

Advantages and disadvantages: is it worth growing in the garden?

Among the undeniable advantages experienced gardeners highlight:

• high immunity;
• good adaptation on the ground;
• early fruiting periods. With proper care, the bush begins to bear fruit from 3-4 years of age;
• good regeneration rates.

Flaws:

• sensitivity to prolonged drought;
• poor tolerance to sudden temperature changes. It is balanced by high regeneration rates, but there is a high probability of bush death;
• the need for systematic pruning and shaping.

Accordingly, if there are no sudden temperature changes in your region and you can devote time to pruning the bush, there are no obstacles to growing gooseberries in the garden. With proper care, it has a presentable appearance that does not spoil the overall landscape.

Growing Tips

Experienced gardeners who have been growing this crop for a long time recommend paying attention to the following things when growing:

• choosing a landing site;
• compliance with planting deadlines.

Both points have a great influence on the formation and development of gooseberries. Take them seriously if you want to get a positive result.

Soil and choice of site for planting

When choosing a landing site, focus on:

• The planting site must have good access to the sun;
• Gooseberries love open spaces.

Favorable soil:

• loamy;
• sandy loam;
• clayey.

Not suitable for breeding:

• wetlands;
• podzolic soils;
• soils with high acidity.

If there is no other choice, the acidity of the soil is reduced by adding:

• chalk;
• dolomite flour;
• limestone.

Note! Additives to reduce soil acidity are applied at least 1 year before planting.

A month before planting, the soil is plowed, all weeds are removed, after which the surface is leveled with a rake, and large clods of earth are broken up.

Planting dates and scheme

Planting gooseberries of the Kolobok variety is carried out either in spring or autumn. For spring planting, choose the second half of March, the beginning of April. Autumn planting is carried out in September. This will allow the plant to adapt to the new location and prepare for wintering. If possible, choose an autumn option. It will make the plant’s adaptation process easier, and you will have to spend less effort caring for it.

The bushes are planted in specially prepared holes, the diameter and depth of which is at least 45 centimeters. The following planting schemes are used:

• 2 x 1.5 meters;
• 1.7 x 1.7 meters.

It is not worth planting any closer. Severe tightness will affect future harvests.

Rules of care

Gooseberries are not a very demanding plant, but minimal care rules are still required. It is worth paying attention:

• loosening the soil;
• irrigation and fertilizing of bushes;
• pruning and shaping;
• combating diseases and parasites;
• preparation for wintering.

All these actions will not take much of your time, but will guarantee the safety of the crop and high yields.

Loosening the soil

Loosening the soil is necessary after:

• application of fertilizers;
• irrigation.

This will allow water and nutrients to better penetrate the soil. If the ground around the bush is covered with a layer of mulch, the frequency of loosening can be reduced, but this activity is definitely not worth abandoning. In such cases, loosening is carried out while replacing the old mulch with a new one. In addition, during the loosening process, weeds that interfere with the normal formation of the bush are removed.

Frequency of irrigation and fertilizing of the bush by season (table)

In the first years of life gooseberries are picky about feeding and irrigation. If you decide to plant it for the first time, pay attention to the following table.

Irrigation of gooseberries must be carried out constantly, avoiding severe drying out of the soil or stagnation of moisture. A long drought threatens the following consequences:

• the skin on the berries will begin to burst;
• the bushes will begin to dry out.

Excessive moisture threatens rotting of the roots and death of the crop.

The first spring feeding is carried out in March, the second in May. Both mineral and organic fertilizers are suitable. Summer feeding is carried out once at the end of June, beginning of July. Autumn feeding is carried out in the second half of September or early October. Fertilizers with a high content of phosphorus and potassium are suitable.

Pruning and shaping the bush

It is best to prune gooseberries in early spring, in the first half of March. This way you will give the bush a beautiful shape and stimulate growth. The problem is that the growing season starts very early. If you did not have time to prune before the first leaves appeared, postpone pruning until autumn.

In autumn, first of all, old and horizontally growing shoots are removed. During the summer, it is allowed to remove damaged or pest-infested branches.

Disease and pest control

Despite the immunity to common gooseberry diseases, there are several types of pests that can cause significant damage to it. These include:

• aphid;
• glassware;
• spider mite;
• sawfly;
• gooseberry moth.

To destroy them, “folk remedies” are enough, and in advanced cases, chemicals sold in specialized stores will come to the rescue.

Preparing gooseberries for winter

Preparing a bush for wintering consists of the following steps:

• the branches are gathered together, after which they are carefully tied with rope in several places;
• the soil around is dug up and fertilized;
• the ground around is mulched;
• young bushes are covered with any covering material.

In severe frosts, you can pour as much snow as possible onto the planting site. This will give the bushes additional protection.