Description of the Kirzhach raspberry variety and its cultivation features

The long-established raspberry variety "Kirzhach" is particularly popular. It has been known to experienced gardeners since the early 1990s and has proven itself to be an excellent choice for planting. This undemanding shrub is grown in both the northern and southern parts of the country. The berries are sweet and transport well, without bruising.

Raspberries are often made into jam, ground with sugar into preserves, or eaten fresh. They can also be frozen. In winter, you can make a berry smoothie or bake a raspberry pie.

Raspberries have anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve minor illnesses and colds. They can even help relieve headaches and reduce fever. Raspberry leaves are also beneficial, as are the berries themselves. The leaves are widely used in folk medicine. A decoction or infusion is often used to treat cardiovascular conditions and a number of gynecological disorders.

Characteristics and description of the Kirzhach variety

'Kirzhach' produces upright, long stems reaching nearly 2 meters in height. The bush is trained twice a year: before winter and in mid-spring. If the bush is not trained, the number of berries significantly decreases. Fruiting begins in mid-summer and continues through August. During this time, up to 3 kilograms of berries ripen on the bush; in commercial cultivation, the yield reaches 100 centners per hectare.

The berry itself grows to a medium size of about 2 centimeters and weighs 3-4 grams. It is characterized by a burgundy-red color and a blunt, conical shape. Due to its composition, it contains fruit acids, along with its sweet taste, it also has a slight tartness. This prevents the berry from being cloying.

The bush's branches are covered with green, waxy leaves and sharp, small thorns. Raspberries are resistant to common berry diseases, including spider mites and anthracnose. They can be grown near similar shrubs or trees.

Growing raspberries

To grow raspberries, you'll need young seedlings. Seedlings already have a developed root system, which will facilitate planting and the establishment of the bush in its new location. The planting site should be selected in advance. Raspberries shouldn't be planted in soil previously occupied by potatoes or nightshades. The soil should be neutral, with a pH of 6.5-7. If the soil is excessively alkaline, acidify it. Boric acid can be used for this purpose; it does an excellent job of neutralizing alkalinity in the soil. Once the pH returns to normal, the soil for the future plantings is dug over, breaking up any clumps of soil. Horse or cow manure, well-rotted compost, and river sand are added. Porous, well-aerated soil is the key to growing delicious berries.

Before planting, dunk the raspberries' roots in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and immediately plant them in the soil. This is done for each bush. The bushes are planted in a single row, making them easier to care for. After planting, water the soil with warm water. After two weeks, apply the first fertilizer; any plant growth stimulant will do. Superphosphate or potassium fertilizer is often used.

Raspberries usually don't bear fruit during the first summer after planting. The exception is the southern regions of the country. The bush can be planted for the winter, which will cause flowering in the spring and berries to appear in the summer.

This variety requires little care; simply water the bushes as the soil dries, weed, and loosen the soil. Harvest begins in the second half of summer. After the raspberry blooms, a berry ovary forms in the place of the flower. It grows in size daily, eventually turning a rich red color. Each bush produces several ripe berries at a time. Raspberries are harvested every two days, with only ripe, red fruits being picked. This variety transports and stores well. Berries should be stored for no more than two days. Due to the sugar they contain, raspberries begin to spoil quickly, and eating spoiled fruits is strictly prohibited. Harvested raspberries make delicious jam for the winter. You can make syrup from the berries, or even homemade wine or liqueur. All preparations are natural, and the raspberries retain their healing properties.

After summer ends, raspberries need to be prepared for the coming winter. It's best to do this early, while the bushes are still flexible. With the onset of cold weather, the stems stiffen and cannot be bent without damage. The remaining leaves are cut off the bushes. Dry branches and new shoots are carefully trimmed. The cut area is treated with brilliant green or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Then the bushes are bent toward the ground and secured together. As the weather cools, plastic film is placed on top of the folded stems. Once snow falls, the bushes will be reliably protected from freezing temperatures. When growing raspberries in warm climates, no further sheltering is required. The raspberries simply need to be pruned and left to await spring.

With the arrival of spring, the bushes are uncovered. After 2-3 weeks, dry and excess shoots are pruned again. The raspberry bush is ready to bear fruit again. The bush grows and produces fruit for several years in a row.

Advantages of the variety

• High taste qualities and moderate aroma.
• Resistance to frost and heat.
• Disease resistance.
• Early fruiting.
• Cultivated for many years in a row.

Reviews of the raspberry variety "Kirzhach"

Ekaterina speaks highly of the variety: "I first encountered this raspberry variety a long time ago. I've been growing the bush for four years now. The raspberries ripen by midsummer, and I use the berries for preserves and marmalades."

Grigory from Samara says: "The raspberries have a good flavor and hold their shape without bruising. The bushes overwinter well, even without cover. The soil needs to be watered sparingly to avoid overwatering. Otherwise, growing raspberries requires little attention. I recommend trying this variety."