Planting and caring for blackberries in the Moscow region, the best varieties and cultivation techniques

Planting and caring for blackberries in the Moscow region is of interest to many gardeners. This popular berry boasts excellent flavor. To grow a strong and vigorous bush, it's important to carefully select a variety that takes into account the region's climate. Strict adherence to planting guidelines and agricultural practices is also crucial.

The specifics of choosing garden blackberries for the Moscow region

When choosing a variety for growing in a dacha in the Moscow region, it's important to consider the region's climate. It's characterized by relatively short summers. Winter temperatures can reach -30 degrees Celsius. This area also has a high water table.

Depending on the type of growth, the following popular varieties of blackberries are distinguished:

1. Kumanika is a bush with strong, straight shoots reaching 4-5 meters.
2. Sundews are creeping shrubs that grow up to 5-6 meters. They produce tastier fruits but are less frost-resistant.

For cultivation in the Moscow region, it is recommended to choose early-ripening varieties of the crop, which are characterized by straight stems.

The best varieties

Blackberries are shrubs with perennial roots and shoots that live for two years. To grow them in the Moscow region, it's important to choose the right variety.

Early ripening

Early varieties include plants that produce fruit in late June. The fruits have a mild aroma and a tart flavor. The berries are ideal for jam. The best varieties in this category include:

1. Medana Tayberry is a high-yielding variety grown commercially. This hybrid requires winter protection.
2. Giant – This variety produces a bountiful harvest and is disease-resistant. Berries weigh 7 grams.
3. Black Beauty is a new variety that produces a good yield. Fruits weigh 12-23 grams.
4. Eldorado is a disease-resistant plant. It should be covered for the winter.

Mid-season

These blackberries ripen evenly. The berries have a pleasant aroma and sweet flavor. The best varieties include:

1. Lawton is disease-resistant. A single bush can yield up to 10 kilograms of fruit.
2. Tupi is a variety characterized by excellent transportability and is virtually disease-free. Each berry weighs 10 grams.

Late-ripening crops

These bushes produce a harvest in early autumn. The berries are perfect for preserves. Popular blackberry varieties include:

1. Black chokeberry – yield parameters reach 5 kilograms.
2. Texas – produces a medium yield and is characterized by high disease resistance.
3. Izobilnaya (Izobilnaya) – has a moderate yield and weak frost resistance. The bush requires winter protection.

High-yielding

These varieties are characterized by abundant fruiting. The most productive crops include:

• Agawam;
• Flint;
• Ufa local.

Frost-resistant

Frost-resistant varieties are ideal for the Moscow region. These are primarily hybrids, but thorny varieties are also available.

Polar

This winter-hardy plant has straight, thornless shoots. The fruits weigh 11 grams and have a pleasant, sweet flavor. The plant is highly resistant to pests.

Darrow

The plant can withstand temperatures down to -35 degrees Celsius. It is characterized by a strong, thorny trunk. The berries weigh about 4 grams.

Gazda

This variety is characterized by vigorous bushes with small thorns. Fruiting begins in the second year. The harvest is in early autumn.

Agawam

This is an ideal choice for the Moscow region. Blackberries can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius. They don't require shelter and have a strong trunk.

Remontant

The bushes are compact, but require staking when the fruit ripens. Harvesting occurs twice a season.

Black Magic

This variety isn't known for its excellent frost resistance. Therefore, it's recommended to bend it down to the ground or cut it back completely.

Ruben

This is one of the most well-known varieties, growing up to 2 meters. It is characterized by large fruits weighing 14 grams and frost resistance.

Prime Jim

The variety is characterized by straight, thorny shoots. The fruits have a sweet and sour taste and are elongated.

Prime Yan

The plant is characterized by straight, medium-sized branches. The fruits have a sweet taste and an apple-like aroma.

Prime Arc Freedom

This thornless plant is considered very easy to grow. It boasts excellent flavor and large fruits.

Thornless

This variety of blackberry is very popular among gardeners. Harvesting it is quite easy.

Columbia Star

This variety is characterized by its thornlessness. It produces sweet fruits weighing 15 grams. The plant is considered a high-yielding plant.

Kiev

The crop is characterized by large fruits and produces a good harvest. Fruiting is prolonged, lasting 6 weeks.

Chester

This is an excellent variety that is frost-resistant, able to withstand temperatures as low as -26 degrees Celsius.

Natchez

The berries are characterized by early ripening. The fruits are large in size and have excellent flavor.

Bush blackberry

This type of blackberry is compact in size, making it very easy to grow. The branches require staking. Popular varieties include:

• Agawam;
• Lawton;
• Black chokeberry.

Creeping

These bushes are distinguished by long shoots that trail along the ground. The berries begin to rot, making harvesting difficult. The fruits are large. Common varieties of this species include:

• Black Beauty;
• Texas;
• Giant.

Blackberry growing technology in the Moscow region

To achieve success in growing blackberries, it is important to carry out all agricultural practices correctly.

Optimal timing for planting crops

Early spring is considered the ideal time to plant blackberries. Planting in the fall is not recommended, as they won't have time to adapt to the new conditions before the frost sets in.

Preparing the site and planting hole

Blackberries are best planted on south- and west-facing slopes. These locations provide protection from northerly winds, which can damage berries and leaves. It's important to ensure the area is well-lit. Before planting, clear the bed of weeds and dig it over.

When planting crops in sandy or loamy soil, drainage is recommended. In carbonate soils, magnesium and iron are added before planting.

Technologies and seating schemes

If the bush has long vines, plants should be planted in rows, spaced 2 meters apart. For upright plants, a distance of 1 meter is sufficient. A distance of 2.5 meters should be maintained between rows.

Further care

For the plant to thrive, all agricultural practices must be strictly followed. This includes timely watering, fertilizing, and loosening the soil.

Irrigation

First-year seedlings are recommended to be watered frequently—twice a week. From the second year onward, water the soil only when necessary and during fruit set.

Loosening and mulching the soil

Regular soil loosening is recommended. This is best done after watering. Weeding is also a good idea. Mulching is also important. This will help maintain the soil's looseness and prevent active weed growth.

Fertilization

To increase yields, it's worth adding organic fertilizers. Use 5 kilograms of humus or compost per square meter.

Seasonal pruning

After harvesting, the bush should be pruned. All shoots are removed, leaving 6-8 of the strongest.

Garter

Some high-yielding blackberry varieties require staking. This will help prevent branch breakage and preserve the berries.

Shelter for the winter

This procedure will protect the plant from the cold. To achieve this, it's recommended to bend the bushes to the ground and cover them with spruce branches or a special material.

Blackberries are a popular plant that can be grown in the Moscow region's climate. However, choosing the right variety and providing it with proper care are crucial.