Blackberries are rare in gardens. They are less popular than strawberries or raspberries. However, their taste and nutritional properties are comparable to their competitors. The Black Satin variety is one of the best blackberries. The berries have a unique flavor that combines juiciness, sweetness, and tartness.
Blackberries have a rich, balanced composition. They contain glucose, ascorbic acid, fructose, copper, potassium, manganese, and many other equally beneficial components. Eating blackberries reduces the risk of colds and strengthens the immune system.
Description and characteristics of the variety
A distinctive feature of the "Black Satin" blackberry variety compared to other bushes is its height. Its robust stem can reach over 5 meters in length. Initially, the stem grows vertically, then after about 1.5 meters, the shoot begins to "creep" and assumes a horizontal position. The trunk is virtually thornless. Green leaves are located along the entire length of the bush.
During flowering, light purple inflorescences appear on the bushes. When the inflorescences fall, the berries form. Ripe blackberries are an intense black color with a glossy sheen. A single cluster produces 12-15 berries, each weighing 5-7 grams. Ripening continues from late July to mid-August.
'Black Satin' is grown in open ground in the southern and central parts of the country. Planting in northern regions is also permitted, but the shrub will require additional care to avoid winter frost.
Blackberries can produce a bountiful harvest. At peak season, a single bush can yield up to 12 kilograms of ripe berries. Blackberries are grown for sale; they have a beautiful appearance and certainly won't sit on the shelves for long. The berries are used to make preserves, including jams, syrups, smoothies, and berry purees. Blackberry leaves are sun-dried and added to tea; their stunning aroma will evoke summer.
Growing and care tips for Black Satin
To grow berry bushes, you'll need seedlings. These can be purchased at gardening fairs in early or mid-spring. Before planting, the seedlings must be treated to remove any potential harmful microorganisms from the roots. To do this, add a few crystals of potassium permanganate to a bucket of water until they turn pink. Prepare the solution just before planting, then soak the blackberry roots in the bucket for a couple of minutes and immediately plant them in the soil.
The soil for planting should be dug up in advance. Potassium sulfate, humus, and superphosphate are added to the soil. This rich composition of elements will provide nutrition to the roots and accelerate the growth of the bush. Blackberries have a deep root system, so planting holes are dug 50-60 centimeters deep. The distance between adjacent bushes should be at least one and a half meters.
Immediately after planting, begin shaping the bush. Three to four of the most developed buds should be left on each shoot. If new branches are not removed promptly, the bush will grow in length and width, and the berries will be few. Water the soil generously. Sprinkle the hole containing the seedling with mulch—peat or compost.
To grow blackberries, you need to create a trellis. Sticks or stakes are inserted into the ground and wire is stretched between them so that the blackberry bushes are sandwiched between the wire on both sides. As the bush grows, the trellis will support the stems and prevent them from bending.
Water the bush 2-3 times a week during the summer. During rainy periods, watering should be delayed for a week. Blackberries tolerate mild drought and heat well, but excess moisture in the soil adversely affects the bush's root system.
During the first year after planting, blackberries will not bloom or bear fruit; they are just getting used to their new location and gathering strength for the following summer. However, if the summer is warm and sunny, a small number of berries may form.
In the second year after planting, after the blackberries have finished blooming, a full harvest appears in the second half of summer. The berries may not be as large, but the highest quality harvest is observed in subsequent years of cultivation. Blackberries are easy to pick; they detach easily from the stems and do not bruise. The berries are picked once every two days. Unripe berries are not picked until they turn dark or black. The picked berries are washed, dried with a towel or napkin, and stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days.
To ensure a bountiful harvest in future years, blackberries require proper care. Overwintering is especially important. Since blackberries can be sensitive to severe cold temperatures (branches can freeze, and in the worst case, the bush can die entirely), the bushes need to be prepared for frost. In mid-September, remove leaves, dry shoots, and overgrown branches from the stems. Form small bunches from the remaining branches and tie them together with rope. The branches are then bent toward the ground. The blackberries can be covered with plastic or warm material.
In spring, the bushes are untied and straightened. Any frozen branches are removed. All shoots are cut back by about ¼. The blackberries are ready to bloom again.
Advantages of the Black Satin variety
- sweet and large berries of regular shape;
- presentation;
- general purpose;
- achieving high yields;
- extended fruiting period;
- drought resistance.
Gardener reviews of Black Satin
Alla from Tuapse says: "Black Satin blackberries are exactly what I was looking for. They're sweet, but not cloying. I freeze some of them so I can make smoothies or add them to baked goods in the winter."
Irina from Oryol writes: "Blackberries are a healthy berry. They quench thirst perfectly and have a tonic effect. The benefits come not only from the berries, but also from their leaves. I love making blackberry jam. It has a slightly tart and sweet taste."