Blackberry Black Satin

Recently, Russian gardeners are more likely to plant a crop that really deserves a lot of attention - this is blackberry. In many ways, blackberries resemble raspberries, but at the same time they are less whimsical, and the taste properties of its sister are much lower than that of the blackberries itself, and this really is its advantage. In addition, blackberries get a larger and better quality, bountiful harvest than they also surpass raspberries in terms of performance. Blackberry black satin is a variety on which we will dwell in more detail in this article.

Black satin blackberry: variety description, characteristics and breeding information

Blackberry Black satin: photo of the variety

Black satin is not a new variety among those presented on the domestic market. And the variety, in principle, is not outstanding and elite. But this does not prevent him from being one of the most reliable, time-tested varieties. And it really is very often found in Russian gardens and household plots, due to which this name is heard by many. It is for this reason that it is worth considering this variety in more detail, with all its features and characteristics.

The variety is very good-looking, but at the same time it is worthwhile to competently approach the plant and to care for it, follow the rules of agricultural technology so that the plant looks great and gives a bountiful harvest.

Blackberry black satin was bred by American breeders in 1974. The authorship of this variety belongs to D. Scott, who also became the creator of a large number of other varieties and plants. Parent crops of the plant are such as Darrow and Thornfrey. This one has adopted a large number of positive characteristics from the parent varieties, as well as, in some way, whimsical care. But if you follow all the rules and regulations, then even the gardener who does not even have experience in caring for plantings and growing blackberries on his personal plot will cope with these requirements.

Black satin blackberries have already received a huge and widespread distribution in various parts of the world. In appearance and characteristics, this variety is very similar to one of the parent varieties, which is called Thornfree. That is why this plant has so many similarities and characteristics.

Description of the variety

Blackberry Black satin: photo of the variety

Let's present a few common features of the variety to make it easier to understand which plant we are dealing with. Black satin is one of the semi-creeping varieties of blackberries, which has very strong and strong shoots. There are no growths or thorns on them. The shoots are dark brown in color, the length of the shoots ranges from five to seven meters.

Up to a height of one and a half meters, the plants stretch straight up, resembling kumanik. And then they become horizontal, move to the appropriate position, and thus already look like a dewdrop.

If the whips are not tied to the support in time, then under their own considerable weight they will gradually begin to bend directly above the ground, begin to creep, and this will not have the best effect on the plant itself and on the state of the berries. They will be lowered to the ground itself, and there they will not have sufficient lighting and those conditions for the berries to reach their maximum in their growth and development.

Shoots are characterized by active growth. Approximately at the beginning of the growing season, one shoot will gain up to seven centimeters a day, and this is absolutely not the limit for the growth and development of this culture.

Also, a large number of lateral processes depart from the bushes.If you do not constantly form a bush, do not monitor its condition and shape, this will lead to the fact that the crown will be very thickened, and the bush will not be able to feed itself with those substances and nutrients that are contained in the soil - the green mass will also suffer. The fruits will be tied, though abundantly, but in size they will be very small and tasteless. Also, with black satin berries, this will happen for the reason that they will not receive enough sunlight and nutrition. They will not even be able to ripen to the end in such circumstances, so care should be taken to pay special close attention.

The shoots of this variety are distinguished by their rigidity, they are very easy to break if the gardener attempts to bend these shoots. Even though there are no thorns on the plants, it is very difficult to tie or remove them from the support, it is also difficult to prepare for winter, for shelter. And here the gardener must have certain skills so as not to cause a lot of damage to the plant.

Blackberry black satin - main characteristics

Blackberry Black satin: photo of the variety

Leaves very large ones are formed on the bush, they are distinguished by a very fresh, bright green color. Each leaf consists of three to five segments, the edges of the leaves are jagged. Also, the base and tip of the leaves are pointed, they really look quite attractive and decorative. The variety does not produce overgrowth - this is an important remark that needs to be made just in the part where we describe this bush and its main characteristics.

When unfolding flowers blackberries of this variety are pinkish purple in color. About a few days after opening, the flowers burn out and become white in color. They are collected in large tassels, one brush can contain from ten to fifteen flowers, during flowering the bush looks very attractive and decorative. And it really looks like an ornate piece of any home garden.

Berries on the bush they are of medium size, on average, their weight is from three to four grams. At the tips of the shoots, the berries may be slightly larger. Their weight reaches eight grams. The berries of this variety are incredibly beautiful and decorative. They are round, have a deep glossy black color, and undoubtedly look very interesting and appetizing. But these berries are very poorly separated from the stalk, so because of this, some difficulties may arise in harvesting. Otherwise, berries have more advantages than disadvantages.

Concerning taste characteristics, then the opinions of gardeners and tasters are very different. The producer of this blackberry rated its taste characteristics at 3.8 points out of 5. But domestic gardeners, after testing the berries, concluded that this variety is completely unremarkable to its taste, and deserves only 2.65 points out of five. But, again, everyone has their own opinions, and until the gardener himself tastes the berries, he is unlikely to rely on the opinions of other people. Especially if he is a gardener who already has experience in growing black satin blackberries.

But there are other factors and reasons as well. The fact is that when a plant reaches the stage of its technical ripeness, the berries do not have any attractive taste. To put it mildly, they are "none" at all - ordinary berries with a sweet and sour taste and practically no pronounced aroma. But at the same time they remain very dense and strong, and they can be transported even over very long distances.

When Black Satin blackberries reach absolute maturity, they become much tastier and sweeter, they give off a very attractive and fresh aroma, but at the same time they become very soft.This suggests that they cannot be stored for a long time, let alone transported and transported to neighboring areas. The resulting crop will definitely not bear this. The berries ripen on the growth that remained from last year, this point should also be taken into account.

Let's talk a little about the characteristics of the variety. By describing them, we can give gardeners more information about this variety, about its specific and interesting aspects. So it will be much easier for a gardener to decide whether he wants to grow black satin blackberries in his personal plot, or if he would still like to choose another variety that will be more profitable, prolific.

The variety average level of frost resistance, and therefore it must be protected by covering it with the onset of frost.

Blackberry Black satin: photo of the variety

The advantage of this variety is that even if the bushes are damaged by frost, they recover quickly enough, and sometimes they do not even need help from the gardener for this.

Blackberry black satin does not tolerate drought periods well, she needs the gardener to constantly bring in moisture. Moistening should be as uniform as possible, and in general this condition applies to just any other blackberry variety and bush.

At landing the soil must meet the needs of the plant. Gardeners can face some difficulties in caring for a plant. They are mainly due to the fact that blackberry black satin demonstrates very rapid growth and is capable of forming a huge number of lateral shoots. Sometimes the gardener himself simply does not keep up with the plant, does not have time to form it. Adult lashes are difficult to cover and protect from frost. And in the spring, these same lashes are rather difficult to tie to supports, since they are completely not flexible, and it is very easy and simple to damage them, break them.

The easiest way to care for the bushes is if they are at a sufficient distance from each other. Excellent only unripe berries are transported of this variety. Ripe fruits are not at all transportable, so you need to keep this in mind and be sure to remember this rather elementary condition.

Bloom Black satin blackberry bushes begins at the end of May or at the very beginning of June, everything will depend only on in which region and in what climatic conditions this variety grows. It is distinguished by its elongation, sometimes you can see buds on one fruit brush, followed by green berries, and here and there you can see ripe berries - this is one of the characteristics of this plant variety, which distinguishes this variety from many others.

If we compare two varieties - thornfree and black satin, then it should be understood that even despite their family ties and the fact that the varieties are very similar to each other, nevertheless blackberry black satin ripens about one and a half to two weeks earlier than a relative - thornfree.

Fruiting falls around the end of July or the beginning of August. Here, again, a lot will depend on the region in which this variety grows, what climate is established in the area, and whether this climate will contribute to the early ripening of blackberries. Fruiting lasts until late autumn. Sometimes the berries ripen even on the eve of the first severe frosts.

It is also worth focusing on the fact that in the northern regions about 15% of the crop simply will not have time to ripen precisely because of the prevailing climatic conditions. Even if the gardener makes every effort and does everything possible for ideal agricultural technology, part of the crop will still be lost, and this fact should only be reconciled.

If the frost came earlier than the gardener expected, and the berries ripened, then the branches with fruits and inflorescences can be cut off and gently dried. In winter, this dryness can be added to tea.They can also be brewed as a medicine for colds or other ailments. The vitamin supplement will become more delicious and will be very attractive even for the smallest blackberry lovers. In addition, dried berries and flowers contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals, which are really incredibly useful for human health and immunity, especially during the harsh winter season.

Yield this variety, as many gardeners confirm, is at a very high level. When the bush reaches the age of four to five years, then from it you can collect from ten to fifteen kilograms of berries. If the gardener followed all the rules of agricultural technology and properly looked after the plants, then a record 25 kilograms can be collected from the bush. At the same time, the berries will be excellent, tasty (to the maximum taste that black satin berries can give, but sometimes they exceed some of the expectations of gardeners).

Blackberry Black satin: photo of the variety

As for the larger-scale, industrial-scale use of this variety, it is very problematic. Berries that have not yet ripened have a rather mediocre taste, and when they ripen, they become very soft, and it is almost impossible to transport them over short distances, let alone transport them to other regions.

Besides, blackberries should be picked very often - every three days, as the fruits ripen unevenly and not at the same time. If this is not done, then the berries will be infected with rot. And this is such a disease that can very quickly spread to other, healthy parts of the plant, affecting them and causing irreversible processes that entail the death of shrubs.

For gardeners and farmers, this factor is not of the greatest importance, since, in principle, in small farms, they manage to harvest on time and control the ripening processes. But on large farms it is impossible to do this, so the blackberry black satin there does not enjoy any demand and popularity at all.

Berries of this variety great for use, but only when the berries reach their ripeness. In order to fully enjoy the aroma and appreciate the taste of black satin blackberries, you need to grow them yourself, since the berries are not fully ripe in retail chains, and therefore they do not have time to fully show all their characteristics and taste. But if we talk about blanks, then from this variety, unlike some others, they are simply excellent. There is no unnecessary sugaryness, the berries are in perfect harmony with some other berries and fruits.

Like any other varieties, black satin also differs in that these bushes disease resistant and attacks from pests. Only berries from the bushes must be picked regularly, every three to four days. Otherwise, the berries begin to overripe, rot, corresponding spores form on them, which affect the plantings, making them very vulnerable. But in general, if you follow agricultural techniques, you can fully reveal all the advantages of this variety. We will talk about the advantages and, of course, disadvantages further.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of blackberry black satin

Blackberry Black satin: photo of the variety

To begin with, I would like to list some of the advantages of the black satin blackberry. Of course, blackberry Black satin belongs to the varietal category that does not cause any particular delight among gardeners. But at the same time, this variety is very widespread and in demand all over the world, and the question immediately arises: why is this so? After all, farmers in different parts of the world cannot simply forget about other preferred varieties and grow only black satin, which is very poorly stored and transported, and the taste characteristics of this variety are, to put it mildly, mediocre.

Let's describe in more detail some of the positive and negative qualities of this strain in order to understand it even better. So, dignity black satin varieties are as follows:

• the productivity of this variety has the highest level. If the gardener observes all the rules of agricultural technology, then he can collect about 25 kilograms of high-quality fruits from one bush. This is taking into account the fact that the bushes can be very tightly adjacent to each other, which is generally not very recommended from the point of view of agrotechnical properties;
• there are no thorns on the shoots, and even with extended fruiting, it will be quite convenient to harvest the crop often - once every three days;
• from blackberries of this variety, you can make delicious and high-quality blanks. The consumer quality of products and preparations - wine, preserves, juices and jams - is really much tastier than from other varieties of berries. They do not have any kind of cloying, so that they can be used by both children and adults;
• well-groomed bushes look incredibly decorative and attractive, so that planting not only gives a bountiful and tasty harvest, but it can also decorate any home garden. And that means a lot for some particularly fastidious gardeners;
• Blackberry black satin has a high level of resistance to pests and bacteria, to diseases, and therefore it fits perfectly into any conditions. But it is worth noting that, in general, most of the blackberry varieties are distinguished by this very positive property - high immunity and stress resistance;
• there is no root growth in the black satin variety, so it becomes much easier for the gardener to care for the plant in order to obtain the desired decorative and fertile result.

But the variety has limitations, to which you cannot just close your eyes. After all, it will largely depend on them whether the gardener wants to plant this variety on his site at all, or he will choose other, more profitable varieties. By the way, he has every right to do this, since black satin has enough disadvantages.

• the variety is practically not resistant to frost;
• shoots are not flexible at all, they do not bend. It is difficult to handle them both when tying, and when hiding a blackberry bush for the winter. If you apply force to the branches, then under mechanical stress they will simply break, and this is far from the result that a gardener would like to achieve in caring for plants;
• fruiting is elongated, and some of the berries simply do not have time to even reach technical maturity before frost sets in. For this reason, part of the crop is initially doomed to the gardener losing it;
• low resistance of fruits to rot;
• the need to harvest very often - about once every three days;
• berries are not transportable at all, since when ripe they become soft and spoil very quickly;
• the taste of the berries is not distinguished by anything, it is mediocre. So for this quality this variety definitely does not receive any praise and high tasting marks;
• the variety cannot be propagated with the help of root shoots, since it is simply absent, and in this case, the methods for breeding Black satin blackberries are noticeably narrowed. And many other methods are simply inaccessible to gardeners due to the fact that they do not have such a wide experience and knowledge in this matter.

The question immediately arises as to what can be done conclusions for a given variety. Black satin blackberry can ideally be grown in heated greenhouse conditions, as well as in rather warm regions where the air temperature does not drop below -12 degrees in winter. You don't have to try to cover the variety there for the winter, and in general it will have time to give up all parts of the crop, even those that have come under extended fruiting.

But in general, there are questions about whether this variety is suitable for growing it on a personal plot.Here the gardener must independently make this decision and independently weigh all the pros and cons of this variety. Experienced gardeners also have different opinions and opinions. One way or another, we will tell you about the intricacies of planting this variety, as well as how to further care for black satin blackberries.

Blackberry Black satin: planting and caring for a studless variety

Blackberry Black satin: photo of the variety

Blackberry Black satin does not give absolutely any root growth, but at the same time it differs in rather long whips, which can reach seven meters under normal conditions. Many young and strong plants can also be obtained from cuttings and also from the top shoots. True, it should be borne in mind here that the shoots of the blackberry grow thick and completely not flexible, respectively, for the reproduction of the Black satin blackberry, the selected lash must be very carefully bent to the ground as it stretches.

You should not wait for the moment when the whip reaches the required length. Indeed, due to a sharp movement, there is a high risk that the gardener will simply break it, and therefore storage will not work at all. So you should immediately take measures so that the lash grows in such a way that then it can be neatly bent and covered. Then she will definitely be protected and will not die in severe frosts.

Basic rules and stages of planting

Planting garden blackberries Black satin according to its rules and characteristics does not differ at all from other varieties of blackberries. But if we are talking about planting in private lands, then it is recommended to place the bushes away from each other so that the blackberry has more free space for growth and development. But this condition should be maintained only if there is enough space on the site.

Landing has its own sequence of actions, it is recommended to follow it so that the result is excellent and of high quality:

• For a blackberry bush, a pit is prepared in advance, two-thirds of the pit is filled with a prepared nutrient mixture. And also the pit is completely filled with water. Allow this pit to settle for ten days so that the soil is saturated and adapted.
• In the very center of the planting hole, a small hill is formed, around which the blackberry roots are neatly straightened. In general, when planting, it is better to work not alone, but with another gardener. One will support the bush, and the second will straighten the root system and monitor its integrity.
• The seedling of the bushy blackberry Black satin is covered with a nutritious soil mixture, constantly compacting it so that air pockets do not form near the root system. The root collar is insignificantly insulated - by about two centimeters, no more.
• Black satin blackberry should then be watered abundantly, and the trunk circle should be mulched. Humus or sour peat are perfect as mulch, as they are ideal for these purposes, protect the newly planted plant and saturate the soil.

In most regions of our country, it is recommended plant blackberries in spring period, since in this regard, the bush will take root much faster and have time to get stronger before the onset of severe frosts. If we are talking about growing Black Satin blackberries in the southern part, then, in principle, this can be done and in the fall, since during spring planting, blackberry bushes may suffer due to a sharp temperature drop and the onset of too much heat.

It is best to plant blackberries in well-lit areas where there are no sharp gusts of wind or too strong drafts. Black sateen can also thrive in light shade. But at the same time, this shading can be organized exclusively in the south.

In the north, the plant will freeze and lose its decorative effect. The wood will not ripen, and, accordingly, wintering for a plant can result in losses.The berries will also not have time to ripen, in which case the percentage of the crop that has not reached will increase to 30-40%, so you should take care of the planting site in advance so that you do not face unforeseen difficulties later.

Boardless landing is not recommended blackberry black satin nearby with crops such as raspberries or strawberries, other berry bushes, as well as near nightshade crops, as they are very susceptible to various diseases, and they can also infect blackberries. Although it is worth noting that, in principle, the blackberry crop is not so attacked by pests, and because of the high immunity, the plant does not at all and often get sick.

Blackberry black satin refers to crops that are not so whimsical when it comes to the condition of the soil and its composition. But still soil it is worth improving a little before planting a bush in it. Organic fertilizers, phosphorus and potassium, top dressing based on these substances are added to the planting pit. Then the soil becomes more saturated and, accordingly, will become the source from which the plant will absorb all the necessary components and trace elements in order to grow and develop.

Blackberry black satin is very difficult to plant in sandy soil, and therefore it must be well fed with organic matter, and if the blackberry was planted on heavy loam, then here it is better to dilute the soil with sand.

The soil for garden blackberries Black satin is desirable slightly acidic, if there is a neutral or alkaline reaction, then the soil can be manually adjusted - for this, high-moor peat is added to it (in other words, it is also called red peat). If the soil shows an overly acidic reaction, then it is worth muffling it with lime, because if you do not do this, then the plant will show with all its appearance that it does not like it.

TO the choice of planting material it is also necessary to be treated with great responsibility, since the health of the blackberry bush, as well as the harvest of this plant, will depend on this procedure in the future. The seedling must be very strong, the bark must be smooth, without damage, and the root system must also be free of damage and rot.

Black satin bushy blackberry seedlings are purchased in specialty stores or nurseries. It is also worth keeping in mind that if you buy seedlings in an untested place, then there is a high probability that the gardener will receive a wrong variety that he would like to receive. And in his hands will be a low-quality and overpriced forgery.

So it is best to contact trusted retail chains and nurseries, because there specialists will be honest and will be able to help you choose high-quality seedlings, strong and fresh, viable, without damage or any drawbacks.

Blackberry Black satin: how to care

Blackberry Black satin: photo of the variety

Compared to other varieties, the care of Black Satin is a bit tricky. They are due to the fact that the bush is necessary constantly form, and at the same time, the gardener is also faced with the task of not causing any damage to the shoots, which are very thick and refuse to bend in any direction.

Without garters it is impossible to grow a high-quality and fertile bush. Although there are no thorns on the lashes, they still differ in their huge size, length, and without trimming, they will grow upward, and then begin to spread. In the big picture, all this does not look so attractive. So it is worth keeping in mind that what will happen to the plant after planting, and whether it will be as healthy as it can be, largely depends on the gardener.

If the blackberry bush is in disrepair, then it will be very difficult to put it in order. So it is best to practice shaping, pinching and pruning from the very beginning, in order to then maintain the bush in a normal state.

Shoots can also be taught in advance to be placed on a trellis so that they twine around it. It is worth starting when the shoots reach 35-40 centimeters in length. Shoots rise to the support even when their length is slightly more than one meter. Then there is a possibility that the plant will take the necessary form on its own.

It is necessary to accustom the lashes to lifting on a support, as well as to shelter for the winter, exactly from the very moment they appear. When the shoots reach a length of twenty centimeters, then they are carefully bent to the surface of the earth and pinned, fixed.

When the lashes grow up a little, it will be much easier to tie them up, and it will also be easier to cover them for the winter period. In general, there are many procedures, following which you can simplify the care of the plant in the future, so it is worth considering these circumstances, which will only play into the hands of the gardener.

For blackberry culture, use only those fertilizers, in which there is no chlorine and similar additives and impurities. When the plant enters the fruiting stage, it is also possible to organize additional feeding, which is done with mullein tincture or herbal tincture.

The proportions depend on the age of the plant and on its size. Foliar dressing is also useful. You can add a certain amount of humate, chelates to them, since thanks to them the taste of the berries becomes brighter and more juicy, and the plant also receives absolute protection from chlorosis. With all this, these substances are completely safe for the human body. The main thing is to follow the instructions and proportions, and then everything will be just fine. At the very beginning of the autumn period, the variety can also be fed with a small amount of potassium monophosphate.

In spring, as well as in autumn, a bush is required loosen. When it enters the flowering stage, as well as the fruiting process, then the trunk circle is also recommended to promulgate. Thanks to mulch, moisture will evaporate more slowly from the soil, and mulch is generally an additional top dressing that protects the root part from overheating, which can occur in extreme heat and no precipitation for a long time.

Instead of loosening, you can mulch the soil using humus or sour peat for this. Harrow soil can, and this procedure is carried out after the shoots are planted on the supports. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the gardener will cause some damage to the planting during harrowing, and this is completely undesirable in this case.

Fruit is best use fresh immediately after they have been picked from the bushes. You can also add berries to baked goods for making desserts. Berry blanks are too sugary and sweet, so it is recommended to mix with other fruits and berries. Excellent juices, preserves and even wines will be guaranteed for the grower and chef.

For winter garden blackberry variety Black satin should be started prepare or in September, or in October, it all depends on the region and area in which the variety grows. During this period, young shoots are not yet fully ripe, they are flexible enough to form them under cover.

They are carefully bent to the ground and fixed, and a shelter can be made right before the frost hits. As a shelter, you can use spruce branches or straw, agrofibre, dry corn stalks. Black satin studless blackberry has a low level of frost resistance, therefore, for safety, it is worth installing a layer of agrofibre or spunbond on top of this structure, which are sold in any gardening store or in a hardware store.

Concerning diseases, then blackberry black satin is very rarely exposed to them. Also, pests rarely attack the plant.If unwanted crops do not grow nearby (we have already said what kind of crops and plants they are), then in general it will be enough to treat the plant in spring with preparations that contain a large amount of copper.

The only problem is that if the berries are not removed in time, then gray rot affects them. In this regard, the fruits must be removed every three days, but it is worth remembering that all of them will not ripen anyway, so about 15% of the harvest will still be lost.

In general, in conclusion, I would like to say that the reviews of gardeners and their opinions about this variety differ and are full of contradictions. Someone says that this variety does not have any peculiarities, and that it is generally best not to purchase Black Satin blackberries, as this is a complete disappointment.

But there are those who praise the bushy blackberry Black satin, hinting that the unpretentiousness of the plant covers all its shortcomings, and the bush itself, when flowering and with proper agricultural technology, looks just wonderful. So planting this variety or not is the business of every gardener, who can independently decide for himself whether this planting is worth their efforts or not.