Raspberry seedlings Nantahala

Remontant raspberry variety Nantahala / Nantahala was bred in 2007 by breeders from the University of North Carolina (USA). The name of the raspberry is translated as "the land of the midday sun." The presented variety has a long growing season and is adapted to growing in mild climates. In less favorable climatic conditions, raspberries can develop and bear fruit in greenhouse conditions.

Cultivar Features

Nantahala bushes medium height – 1.5-1.8 m. Stems are slightly thorny, mainly in the lower part of the shoot. Fruiting occurs in the upper quarter of the stem, so the thorns do not cause inconvenience when harvesting.

The fruits of raspberries are dark red, large. The average weight of a berry – 3.5 gr., length – 2.4 cm. Raspberries retain their wonderful taste and aroma even after the first frost. The drupes of the fruits are tightly linked, therefore, when harvesting, the berries are easily removed from the bush, do not crumble and do not flow. Raspberries are well stored, endure transportation without losing their presentation. The variety is suitable for fresh markets, freezing and canning. Ideal for growing both for personal and commercial purposes.

As a refurbisher of the Nantahala produces two waves of fruiting per season. Due to the late ripening, the berries of the first harvest ripen in August, the second wave occurs in mid-autumn. Fruiting can last until the first frost. The variety can also be grown as a summer – harvest one but bountiful harvest per season.

The first option is more suitable for the southern regions with a long warm autumn, here "Natahala" will have time to give the entire crop and better show the properties of the tutimer. The second option is preferred for colder latitudes.

The yield of the variety, by the standards of the remontant, is above average – up to 4 kg of raspberries per 5 square meters of planting.

Planting and care

So that the raspberry variety "Nantahala" gave a full-fledged seasonal harvest, it is important to follow the recommendations of manufacturers for planting and caring for plants. In general, they coincide with the agricultural practices of growing most remontant raspberry varieties.

Landing. When purchasing Nantahala raspberry seedlings for cultivation, it is important to understand that the variety does not have increased frost resistance, because. bred and adapted to mild climate conditions. The maximum allowable negative temperature is 23°C. The late ripening of raspberries in regions with a short cool autumn will most likely not allow the second crop of berries to be fully harvested before frost. Farmers and gardeners in cold climates will have to think about organizing a raspberry shelter in the form of greenhouses or booths.

It is advisable to decide on a site for planting raspberries ahead of time. Free the one that is on the sunny side, sheltered from wind and drafts, without stagnation of groundwater or waterlogging after rains.

Also "Natakhale" are unlikely to like heavy, acidic soils with poor air exchange. The beds will not be allowed to develop normally after another raspberry, blackberry, pepper, eggplant, tomato, potato. It is better not to plant raspberries on such land for 5-6 years. For planting raspberries, neutral or slightly acidic loamy soil is best suited, where representatives of the legume family or cereals used to grow.

The soil on the site is prepared in advance. It is freed from weeds, the remains of the rhizomes of previous plants, enriched with organic matter, biohumus or humus, and potassium is added. The earth is being dug up. It is advisable to do this no later than 2-3 weeks before planting.

For raspberry seedlings prepare holes or trenches – the choice depends on the volume of landings and the possibilities of the site. A hole depth of 40-50 cm will be sufficient. Hole diameter – 0.4 m. In order for each bush in the raspberry tree to have enough light and air, as well as for the convenience of caring for plants and harvesting, it is necessary to leave a distance between the bushes – 60-80 cm, between rows 1.5-2 m.

Nantahala seedlings are placed in a hole and sprinkled with a mixture of earth and berry nutrient complex, while making sure that the root collar remains at ground level. After that, the planting is abundantly watered and mulched with straw.  The bushes «Natakhaly» need a garter, a trellis is best suited for this purpose.

Irrigation. For the formation and development of a tasty large berry, raspberries need to be watered on time and abundantly, avoiding moisture stagnation.

In moderately humid warm summer weather, one watering per week is sufficient. In a drought – the amount is increased up to 2-3 times in 7 days. In rainy weather – the water supply is temporarily interrupted. In closed ground conditions, the amount of precipitation affects the frequency of irrigation to a lesser extent. The organization of a drip irrigation system in the raspberry garden will be optimal.

Most of all, the variety needs moisture during flowering, ovary formation and fruiting. It is also necessary to water the plot abundantly in the fall.

Feeding. Enrichment of the soil with organic fertilizers: humus, manure, compost, it is enough to carry out before planting, and repeat in two years, when the soil begins to gradually lose its fertility. During the Nantahaloo season can support  fertilizers for fruit crops. In early spring, add a complex of minerals and vitamins for raspberries. Before flowering, as well as after harvesting, add potassium-phosphorus fertilizers, they will give raspberries taste and sweetness.

Pruning and wintering. Spring and autumn – two stages of pruning raspberries. Autumn pruning depends on the method of growing raspberries, as a summer variety or as a remontant.

In the first case, all fruiting shoots are cut off at the root, thereby helping the plant survive the winter without loss and leaving no chance for pests and bacteria, depriving them of a place for wintering. In the case of two-phase fruiting – at the end of the season, the shoots of the second year of fruiting are cut out, leaving the first years. Next year they will give the first summer harvest of raspberries.

In the spring, stems are cut that have not endured the winter well, with signs of frostbite and damage. For 1 m² plantings leave 5-7 strong  healthy shoots.

Preparing for winter. Shrubs cut at the root are mulched or covered with agrofiber before the onset of cold weather. So the raspberry will calmly survive the frost. Especially in areas with little snowy winters.

If the young shoots were left for the next season, they are bent to the ground and covered. In the spring, plantings are carefully inspected for signs of diseases and pests, and preventive measures are taken.

Selection of Nantahala raspberry seedlings

When purchasing planting material for your site, carefully check the root system and branches of raspberries. They should be free from signs of dryness, damage, any stains or growths. A big plus will be a closed root system, with a clod of earth from the places where the seedlings grew.  In this case, the roots will be less damaged during transportation and planting, and the plant will quickly adapt to the new soil.

In order to get exactly the variety that you planned, as well as to protect your site from  diseases and pests, we not recommend purchasing seedlings from individuals. Contact specialized nurseries or trusted agricultural firms for seedlings.

Preparations