Gooseberry Amber

Gooseberry Amber - this is such an unusual variety that was bred by Russian breeders. Imagining the fruits of this wonderful plant, each of us will surely think about the incredible color of the berries. And you will be right. This gooseberry really has berries that shimmer in the sun so that they resemble pieces of amber. However, it is precisely because of these properties that the variety received such an exquisite name. Growing Amber gooseberries is easy enough, so be sure to read our article and you may discover something new for yourself.

Gooseberry Amber: the history of the creation of the variety

Gooseberry Amber: photo of the variety

As we noted earlier, the Yantarny gooseberry variety was bred by Russian breeders in the middle of the last century. However, it was never registered in the State Register.

Despite such a long history of breeding the variety, many gardeners still grow these plants in their personal plots, and the amber fruits of this gooseberry are exported to many countries.

As you understand, this variety deserves our attention. The exquisite taste and unusually pleasant appearance of the berries should be especially emphasized. This variety is time-tested. Therefore, you should at least get acquainted with its description.

Gooseberry Amber: variety description

If we talk about the Yantarny gooseberry variety, it should be noted that this variety has quite developed shoots, the bushes are tall, but very compact. Usually, Amber gooseberries do not grow above one and a half meters. Therefore, the harvest is very convenient to harvest. The foliage is very dense and spreading. Therefore, the gooseberries will often need to be tied up.

As we have already noted, the berries of the Amber gooseberry are bright orange. Round in shape, slightly oval. The average weight of one such berry usually reaches 5 grams. In addition to its unrivaled appearance, gooseberry fruit has an excellent aroma and amazing taste. Usually gooseberries are sweet, with hints of sourness.

If speak about pluses and cons, it should be noted that the variety has a lot of advantages.

This variety bears fruit for a very, very long time, so you can forget about planting new plants for several years. Berries, as they ripen, remain on the branches for a very long time. Therefore, you can harvest when you have time for this. Be calm, the berries will not crumble.

Amber gooseberries can be transported over long distances, the fruits will be whole, the berries will not lose their presentation. Fresh, this gooseberry is also stored for a long time. You can make jam, compote, jam from it, and also just freeze. These berries will be loved by both adults and children.

However, the variety has its own and limitations... Due to the fact that the shoots of the bushes are quite dense, you will need to frequently carry out sanitary pruning. This is done so that extra shoots do not interfere with the development of the plant, and all the fruits are evenly illuminated by the sun.

In addition, when the air circulates well on the site, the plants get sick less, and the fruits do not rot. Of the minuses, it should be noted that there are still a few thorns on the gooseberry branches. Therefore, you should harvest with gloves in order not to damage the delicate skin of your hands.

As you know, there are no comrades for taste and color. In general, it should be noted that there are still more advantages in growing this variety than disadvantages.

Gooseberry Amber: photo of the variety

Amber gooseberries reach a height of one and a half meters, so it is very convenient to harvest from a bush. The berries are large, tasty and aromatic. If we talk about the timing of ripening, then it should be noted: the variety is classified as early maturing. Therefore, with proper care, you can enjoy fragrant berries already at the beginning of summer. The gooseberry variety Amber is quite resistant to diseases and pests.

Carry out preventive examinations in a timely manner and fight pests on the site. The yield of the Amber gooseberry also depends on the choice of habitat for plants. As we have already noted, this gooseberry variety is quite drought-resistant and winter-hardy. Plants tolerate frost well even in very harsh winters.

But remember, in order for the root system not to freeze, the bush must be well covered with snow. Sick branches and old ones must be cut regularly. Gooseberry Amber has a high natural immunity. Therefore, this gooseberry practically does not suffer from powdery mildew, fungal diseases.

For many years of cultivation, this variety has established itself only on the positive side. The only thing you need to take care of is to prevent gooseberry aphids from appearing on the site. Since these pests often eat green leaves. Carry out preventive examinations and sanitization in time.

You can enjoy the first berries in early June. But if your region has a cool climate, then you can harvest until the beginning of autumn. The gooseberry bears fruit actively, and the berries ripen together. However, the yield largely depends on natural conditions, since year after year and the weather in the same region is different.

If we talk about the cultivation of Amber gooseberries on an industrial scale, the berries are usually harvested about a week before they are fully ripe. It is during this period that the peel of the berries is the most dense, so such a product can be transported even over long distances.

Do not worry, on the way the Amber gooseberry berries will certainly ripen, and the fruits will remain whole and attractive.

Gooseberry Amber: how to plant and care for the variety

Gooseberry Amber: photo of the variety

To obtain a bountiful harvest, the Yantarny gooseberry variety needs to be well looked after.

Plant best plants with a developed root system. Choose one-year or two-year-old seedlings, they adapt best to new conditions. It is recommended to plant Amber gooseberries either in the fall or in the spring. Sometimes seedlings are planted in the middle of summer. However, the highest percentage of plant survival is in seedlings planted before winter.

The fact is that during the winter period the root system adapts well to new conditions. And as soon as the ground warms up in early spring, the first buds of the gooseberry will begin to bloom. The landing site should be well lit and protected from the wind. Drafts do not like gooseberries.

If we talk about the level of acidity of the soil, then it should be noted: the gooseberry does not tolerate an acidic environment. If acidity is increased in your area, then it is recommended to add wood ash or chalk to the soil. The soil should be chosen fertile and loose.

It is best to plant Amber gooseberries near buildings or fences on the south side. This will protect the plants from the wind. Observe the distance between the seedlings. Remember, there should be at least two meters between the rows of gooseberry bushes.

When planting, keep in mind that even seedlings have thorns. Therefore, be sure to wear gloves or mittens, preferably rubberized. Gooseberry variety Amber grows quickly enough, and its shoots turn green right before our eyes. However, the seedlings need to be looked after.

After the bushes get stronger, it is desirable near the plants install support, and then tie up gooseberry shoots to her. This is done so that the fruits do not touch the ground, and the berries are well illuminated by the sun throughout the season.

To increase yields, it is recommended regularly feed gooseberry amber. In the early years, no fertilization is needed in the soil. However, in the fourth year, gardeners note: regular application of organic matter is simply necessary. You need to feed the gooseberries no more than three times per season, so do not overdo it with fertilizers.

As we noted earlier, the gooseberry has a fairly dense crown. Therefore, regularly prune bushes are a must. This is usually done either in spring or late autumn, before the start of sap flow. Prune annually.

Breeds gooseberries Amber cuttings, or layering. In order to get as many new seedlings as possible, it is better to use the first method.

Before wintering, gooseberry bushes are recommended to be sprayed with Bordeaux liquid. In late autumn, you also need to feed the bushes, remove all old and diseased branches. If the winter is too cold in your region, and there is not so much snow, then it is best to cover the bushes with a dense agrospan.

Do not allow moisture to accumulate under the film, as this negatively affects the development of the plant.

Pests and diseases

Gooseberry Amber: photo of the variety

Amber gooseberries are quite resistant to diseases and pests. However, every gardener should know about the signs and methods of treating diseases, as well as methods of pest control.

Plants are often affected powdery mildew... A white bloom appears on the leaves, over time it darkens, and the fungus affects both ovaries and fruits.

If we talk about anthracnosethen it should be noted that this disease mainly affects the leaves. The spots covering the foliage are smooth, brown. For the treatment of plants, the bushes are treated with Bordeaux mixture several times over the summer.

Often on the Yantarny gooseberry variety appears goblet rust... If your plants show yellow growths with an orange tint, then this is it. In order to get rid of this disease, you also need to treat the bushes with Bordeaux mixture.

If spots with a yellow tint appeared on the Amber gooseberry, and the leaves began to dry out, then this mosaic... Unfortunately, this disease cannot be cured. Therefore, the affected plants must be dug up and disposed of. And the site should be disinfected.

Talking about pests, it should be noted that aphids, leaf-gnawers, fire flies and some other pests often settle on gooseberries. Most often, pests are harvested by hand, and the leaves and stems of plants are also treated with fungicides.

Some gardeners recommend using traditional methods. However, it is safer to contact a specialized agricultural store. Fortunately, chemical and biological products are now in abundance on the shelves.

Gooseberry Amber: reviews of gardeners about the variety

• Ekaterina Dmitrievna, Saratov region: “For me, Amber gooseberries are a time-tested variety. Having planted him on his site more than 10 years ago, he has never let me down. Amber gooseberry practically does not get sick with powdery mildew. And from one bush you can collect up to 10 kilograms of ripe berries. The gooseberry variety Amber is also very frost-resistant. If you regularly water, prune and feed the plants, the yield will be more than high. "
• Anastasia Vadimovna, Sverdlovsk region: “I chose the Yantarny gooseberry variety for growing because of the extraordinary color of the berries. I liked that during harvesting, the fruits do not crumble and can remain on the branches for a long time. However, from my own experience, I was convinced that if you cook the berries of the Amber gooseberry for a long time, then they lose their integrity and boil. Because of this, not all jam recipes are suitable for this variety. Despite the fact that Amber gooseberries are very sweet, they still have a slight sour taste, so you may not like it. "