Gooseberry Date

Gooseberry Date (other names Goliath, No. 8, Green date) refers to varieties of Dutch selection. Russian gardeners fell in love with it for its very large sweet fruits, high yields and frost resistance. Weaknesses "Phenicia" – thorns and low resistance to the sphere library.

Characteristics of the variety

Shrub tall, up to 2 meters, sprawling with a powerful root system. Shoots are straight and slightly curved, covered with thorns. Foliage of medium or large size, plate – slightly wrinkled with serrated margins. The flowers are greenish-white, 1-2 pcs. in a brush.

Fruits round or oval, very large: 15-20 gr. Peel – wine-colored with a purple blush, dense, hairless. Pulp – green, juicy. Taste – sweet with sourness characteristic of gooseberries and berry aroma. Tasting evaluation– 4.5 points out of 5. Ripe berries do not crumble.

The purpose of the variety is universal. Gooseberries are eaten fresh with pleasure. Jelly, jam, wine, etc. are made from it. Due to the resistance to transportation and attractive presentation, "Phenic" became a bestseller at fruit and berry markets.

The yieldof the variety is high,  8-13 kg of berries per bush. Full fruiting begins 4-5 years after planting and continues for 20-25 years. Then the yield decreases.

The ripening period of gooseberries – late ripening. Berries are harvested in stages: for canning – at the stage of technical maturity (at the end of July – beginning of August), for fresh consumption – in the 2nd half of August.

Immunity. "Date" prone to infection with spheroteca (American powdery mildew). Its appearance is facilitated by unfavorable growing conditions, for example, a low-lying location, excessive thickening of the planting. Often only the upper part of the bush is affected by the fungus.

Growing conditions. Gooseberry variety «Date» frost-resistant (up to – 35 ° C). The plant reacts calmly to temperature changes. In regions with more severe winters, bushes are additionally covered. To prevent snow from blowing out of the site, they organize an artificial barrier, or plant bushes near the fence.

A drought-resistant bush. Insufficient watering is compensated by a developed root system that goes into the deep layers of the soil. For planting gooseberry seedlings, choose a sunny area on a plain or slope with light fertile soil and low groundwater.

Culture is self-fertile. It is not necessary to plant other gooseberry varieties for cross-pollination.

Beware of fakes and diseased planting material. Buy seedlings of gooseberry variety Date in nurseries and specialized stores.

Preparations