Finnish gooseberry

Introduction

Finnish gooseberry: photo of the variety

The gooseberry is a crop that gardeners have adapted to grow even in the harshest climates. This became possible after hybrid varieties were bred. They are considered to be true works of art, especially the Finnish gooseberry. Most of the modern varieties were created at the beginning of the last century. But then the plants were not so resistant and not so surviving. They were often sick, infected with fungal diseases. And all this played a very cruel joke with them. Thus, the breeders set themselves many challenges. One of them is to achieve in order to obtain special varieties that will be maximally resistant to a variety of infectious diseases. And also to low or too high temperatures.

The Finnish gooseberry is a variety that fully meets these requirements. As well as the most daring expectations of the gardeners themselves. Moreover, both experienced and those who are just starting to practice gardening. The Finnish gooseberry variety is a high-yielding species. Due to its high immunity, it can be cultivated literally in any territory. And with a harsh, and with a temperate and, of course, with a hot climate.

In this article we will dwell in more detail on the description of the Finnish gooseberry variety. We will also tell you about the features of the species. You will also find tips on how best to plant and care for your plant. And how to deal with pests that can periodically infect gooseberry crops.

Finnish gooseberry: variety description

Finnish gooseberry: photo

The Finnish gooseberry is a plant that is represented by several main varieties at once. Basically, they differ from each other in the color of the berries. The very first to create a classic Finnish gooseberry variety with green berries. And already on the basis of it, varieties were bred, the berries of which turned out to be either yellow or red. One way or another, except for the color of the fruits, they are almost indistinguishable from each other. Including varietal characteristics and taste properties.

All of them belong to the Finnish gooseberry, which has a medium-late fruiting period. Berries ripen even before frost sets in. They are easy enough to collect. They keep well. And withstand long distance transportation. Basically, the shrub is recommended to grow in the European part of Russia, in the very center. And also the Finnish gooseberry culture is very popular among gardeners in Siberia, in the Urals and within the Moscow region household plots.

Finnish gooseberry: photo

In general, the characteristics of the Finnish gooseberry can be summarized in several key indicators, each of which reflects specific traits and characteristics. These include the following:

• the plant is medium-sized. In height it can reach from one to one and a half meters. The bushes themselves are very neat and not spreading. Can be formed by numerous upright shoots. Which gives the shrub a very attractive and decorative look. Stems are perennial, dark gray in color. May also have a brownish tint. If we are talking about younger shoots, then they look much fresher - light green neat shoots.
• thorns are located on the branches along their entire length.They grow mostly at an angle of 90 degrees, quite thick. It is necessary to harvest the crop very carefully so as not to get hurt. Therefore, thorns can often become a real obstacle on the way to picking ripe berries.
• the deciduous cover of shrubs is very dense. Leaves can form from 4 to 6 at the end of each cutting. The leaf blade as a whole is quite typical in appearance, as for any other gooseberry plant. They are dark green, wide enough, and have wavy edges. Leaves, by the way, are also used by many gardeners to prepare any dishes, mainly in conservation.
• flowers during flowering are quite small, green with a slight yellowish tinge. They are formed in the form of a cone. Inflorescences can be found on each leaf node. The plant also belongs to the dioecious category.
• fruits, when they are tied and developed, acquire a rounded shape. Their surface is even. And the color, as we have already indicated earlier, completely depends on which variety the given plant belongs to. A slight waxy bloom can be found on the berries, as well as slight pubescence. The pulp is very juicy and dense inside. Small seeds can be found in it. The weight of one berry varies from 4 grams to seven grams. It all depends on what kind of care the gardener himself provides to the plant. And also in what climatic conditions it grows. By the way, it is worth noting that the Finnish gooseberry has a superficial root system. Therefore, after planting, the soil should be processed and moistened very carefully.

Green Finnish gooseberry: variety description

Green Finnish gooseberry: photo of the variety

Finnish green gooseberries grow to about 120 centimeters. Its crown is quite compact. It blooms every year, producing an abundant and very attractive bloom. Typically, Finnish gooseberries begin to bloom around the end of May. After the frosts no longer return, and there is no such threat anymore. The yield is high. With good care, up to about 8 kilograms of fruit can be harvested from one green Finnish gooseberry bush.

The berries of the Green Finnish gooseberry are oval. They have an excellent light green color. The pubescence of the fruit is weak, the weight of one berry reaches eight grams. At the same time, the rind is very dense, but thin. And the pulp is very juicy. A certain amount of small brown seeds can be found inside. The leaves on the bush are dull, dark green. But their dullness does not mean at all that the plant is more or more infected with parasites. This is only a feature of the variety. And the gardener needs to take it into account so as not to take unnecessary steps to fertilize the Green Finnish gooseberry and the soil around it.

Finnish yellow gooseberry: variety description

Finnish yellow gooseberry: photo of the variety

The next cultivar we'll look at is the Finnish Yellow Gooseberry. It was bred specifically for cultivation in northern regions with a very harsh cold climate. In general, among all Finnish varieties, it is the Yellow Finnish gooseberry that has the most pronounced aroma and taste. Which, of course, acts as an advantage of this very variety.

The bush is quite dense, usually no more than one meter in height. It can give a very good increase if you properly care for it and provide all favorable conditions. Finnish Yellow Gooseberries are round. They have a pleasant amber color. The weight of one berry varies from three to 3.5 grams. On a fruit cluster, you can find from two to three berries. The pulp is very juicy. In addition to the typical gooseberry flavor, it also has an apricot flavor.

Red Finnish gooseberry: variety description

Red Finnish gooseberry: photo of the variety

In fact, among all the other varieties that we are considering here, the Red Finnish gooseberry is the highest. It can reach one and a half meters. But there is one more peculiarity here.The stud rate of these shrubs is also much higher than that of all other varieties. The spines are very thin and long, arched. You can get injured when pruning shrubs or when harvesting. So you should be careful and careful, work with gloves.

The berries of the Finnish Red gooseberry variety have a rounded shape. Very large - the weight of one berry reaches nine grams. The pulp has a purple hue, very dense and juicy. In fact, it is the red gooseberry among all the other varieties that is the most productive. Because the yield from one bush of the Finnish Red Gooseberry sometimes reaches as much as eleven kilograms. And this is really a record figure among all other varieties. Therefore, other selection experimenters have much to strive for.

Finnish gooseberries: features of all varieties

Finnish gooseberry: photo of the variety

Now it is important to analyze what are the main features of the Finnish variety as a whole, which will also apply to individual - green, yellow and red varieties of this culture.

Many experienced gardeners use Finnish barnacle varieties. Because these cultures very rarely get sick. They have a fairly high index of frost resistance. They also differ in that they have a stable level of fruiting. This means that regardless of weather and other conditions, the shrub will still produce a bountiful harvest. In accordance with the characteristics and volumes that were indicated in the previous part of our article.

All Finnish gooseberry varieties are quite stress-resistant. They have a high level of immunity. And also differ in that they are not capricious in their care, they are unpretentious. And they are adapted to unfavorable conditions, if suddenly there is no stability in the region where the plant grows.

Finnish gooseberry varieties have been specially bred so that the shrubs can grow safely. And to bear fruit even in those areas where there are long winters or short summer periods. Lowering the air temperature to -38 degrees, the gooseberry tolerates absolutely calmly. You don't even need to cover it with anything extra. If suddenly the shoots are damaged, then the shrub can fully recover in one season. At the same time, the level of fruiting will not decrease in any way. And this is a huge positive moment. Flowering occurs relatively late. Flowers are also not affected by frost, do not crumble.

Flowering and fruiting

The number of ovaries largely depends on the amount of flowering. And the Finnish gooseberry always has excellent abundance. With regard to drought tolerance, in this case it is more moderate than high. If the plant is deficient in moisture, this can adversely affect the quality of the fruit. And also on their taste. The berries become much smaller, wither. And the taste is more sour than sweetish, as is usually the case. The leaves also become very dull and may turn yellow. Vegetation processes are becoming slower. There is no sap flow and the formation of mineral substances. If climatic conditions exclude regular rainfall, then it is best to water the shrub as often as possible.

The Finnish gooseberry forms both female and male flowers. The variety is self-pollinated. Therefore, it is not required to plant any more plants next to the shrub so that they pollinate the Finnish shrub bush. Flowering begins around the end of May. And you can start picking berries in August. Fruiting occurs around the fourth year after the shrub has been planted in open ground. The average is 8 kilograms per gooseberry bush. And this is a fairly high indicator that you need to pay attention to.

If the Finnish gooseberry has enough sunny color and moisture, then the fruits are especially sweet and juicy.They do not bake, do not fade and, most importantly, do not fall off the bushes. Even if they have reached their ripeness, and the gardener has not yet had time to harvest. A fairly fresh and pleasant aroma emanates from the fruit. If the gooseberry experiences an excess of moisture, then it can crack. Therefore, you should pay special attention to soil moisture and planting care in general. The peel of the fruit is very dense. The berries can be stored in a suitable place for up to six days. At the same time, they do not lose their mass at all.

Finnish gooseberries can be grown on an industrial scale. He's great for this. Because it can carry transportation over long distances. Berries can be eaten fresh. And also add to some fruit preparations - jams, preserves. Drinks are also made from Finnish gooseberries. And the leaves are added to the curls for the winter. They are excellent as preservation additives, along with currant leaves.

Pros and cons

Finnish gooseberry: photo

The Finnish gooseberry variety has both positive and negative aspects. Gardeners themselves usually pay attention to them. Since it depends on this to a greater extent whether this or that variety will be chosen or not. Among the advantages of the Finnish gooseberry, the following should be highlighted:

• stable fruiting, which remains at the same high level as in the fourth year of cultivation, as in the tenth;
• high rate of resistance to frost;
• high level of shrub immunity to various common diseases;
• the palatability of fruits on a five-point scale is estimated at 4.7 points;
• berries do not wither and do not bake, do not crack. They can stay on the bush for a long time. Even after they are finally ripe, but the gardener has not yet had time to remove them from the bush;
• Finnish gooseberries can also be grown in regions with a good climate. And in regions where the climate is unstable, frosts may occur;
• the crop can be stored for a long time. And also to transport over long distances. This does not affect the taste and appearance of the fruit in any way. Which is undoubtedly a huge plus.

If we are talking about the disadvantages of the Finnish gooseberry variety, then these include the poor drought resistance of the varieties. And also the fact that the branches of the bush are almost entirely covered with very prominent thorns. This makes it difficult to care for the plant as well as to harvest. But many gardeners work with gloves. And this can hardly be noticed. So this disadvantage is rather relative and rather subjective.

Planting Finnish gooseberries

Finnish gooseberries can be propagated in two ways - either generatively or vegetatively. Each method has its own characteristics. And gardeners choose them in accordance with their interests and capabilities. The seed method is used mainly in breeding work. And it helps breeders to develop new gooseberry varieties and crops with new characteristics. On the site, it is best to propagate gooseberries by cuttings, layering or dividing the bush. So they take root better. And it is much easier for a gardener to care for a plant. But, again, it all depends on the capabilities of the gardener and on his interests in growing the plant.

It is best to plant Finnish gooseberries in the spring, when the soil has already warmed up, and there is no threat of recurrent frosts. For central Russia, the average planting period usually falls in autumn - in September. Before the frosts come, it is better for the shrub to root well so as not to lose vitality and energy.

The place for landing is chosen open, sunny, you can choose a place where there will be a slight darkening. The soil needs to be non-acidic, fertile. It should be well ventilated, and moisture should not stagnate inside it.The planting material should have at least two formed stems, leaves and buds. There should be no visible damage on it. The root system should also be without visible deviations and transformations.

Finnish gooseberry is planted according to the following algorithm:

• before planting, the seedling must be lowered into a growth stimulator for several hours;
• organic matter, sand, peat, soil - all this is mixed, wood ash is also added to a uniform mixture;
• a hole must be dug with a diameter of at least 40x40 centimeters, and the depth must be up to half a meter;
• a drainage layer is lined at the bottom;
• part of the prepared nutrient substrate should be poured directly onto the drainage;
• the bush descends to the very center, the root system straightens out;
• the root system is filled up with the remnants of the nutrient mixture, the pit is filled to the top with soil, compacted and watered. It is also necessary to close the root trunk with mulch - sawdust mixed with peat or any other mixtures that are suitable for mulching the soil.

Finnish gooseberry care rules

There are several rules for growing Finnish gooseberries. They also need to be followed in order to get a sufficiently successful and productive result. So, in the spring, gooseberries are best fed with a product that contains a large amount of nitrogen. When the gooseberries begin to bear fruit, it's best to switch to organic fertilizers. Watering should be organized in such a way that there is no excessive waterlogging or excessive dryness. To do this, you should follow the weather forecast, as it is extremely important. The bush can be formed, for this dry branches and shoots should be cut, observing the technique of sanitary and formative pruning. In order to prevent the branches from falling under the attacks of small rodents, it is best to spread some chemical agents around the gooseberry bushes that will scare away rodents or completely destroy them.

The Finnish gooseberry variety is ill quite rarely. Generally, both green, yellow, and red gooseberry varieties have a high level of disease and pest resistance. Stress resistance and immunity are especially manifested in cases where the gardener complies with all agrotechnical rules. For prevention, the bushes are sprayed with Bordeaux liquid, you can also water the bushes with hot water. Thus, the variety is ideal for growing in different regions, even in those that do not have a stable and suitable climate.

It is necessary to follow the rules of agricultural technology, take into account the peculiarities and periods of planting, observe the irrigation schedule and take into account that in dry weather the plant needs more moisture, otherwise this will affect the quality of the fruits and their taste. Finnish gooseberries are also periodically processed as a preventive measure, fed with the necessary mixtures.