Raspberry Cleopatra: description and photo of the variety, cultivation, reviews

Summer brings the urge to indulge in fresh berries! Raspberries are one of the most popular berry crops. They're often found in gardens. Raspberries have a sweet flavor and a stunning aroma that whets the appetite. Berries contain a large number of vitamins and microelements. They have a beneficial effect on the body, restoring its energy balance.

Raspberries can be eaten fresh and freeze well. They are often used to make jam, preserves, and jellies. Raspberries pair beautifully with other berries, such as currants, strawberries, and blackberries. Therefore, several varieties of berries can be used in jam.

Characteristics and description

The robust bush reaches a height of 1.5 meters. The stems are covered with thin, sharp thorns. The raspberry leaves curl slightly toward the center and are green.

The variety begins bearing fruit in the second year after planting. The berries weigh 4-5 grams, are spherical, and dark red in color. The pulp contains small seeds. The flavor is sweet, but not cloying, complemented by a slight hint of tartness.

When grown correctly, the bush bears fruit well and is capable of producing 9-10 tons of berries per 1 hectare of planting or 3 kilograms per bush.

The "Cleopatra" variety was developed by domestic breeders with Russia's diverse climate in mind. Its immune properties were taken into account during breeding, making it resistant to most diseases and insects. The variety is also frost-resistant, surviving winter well and not prone to freezing.

Growing and caring for the Cleopatra raspberry variety

Raspberries are planted in the fall or spring. Raspberries require seedlings to grow. These are planted in open ground. The soil for raspberries should be slightly acidic or neutral. It's best to choose a planting site away from potato, tomato, or strawberry plants. These crops can transmit various pests and diseases to raspberries. The planting site should be in a sunny area, but some shade is acceptable. Direct sunlight in summer is strong and can dry out the berries and leaves. A fence near the raspberry bushes will provide protection from strong winds and sun.

To plant green seedlings, dig holes in the ground approximately 40 by 50 centimeters. The roots of the seedlings are treated with a concentrated mixture of water and mullein and then lowered into the hole. Only the roots are exposed to the soil; the root collar of the bush remains above ground. Add ¼ cup of ash to the soil during planting. Sprinkle the soil with fertile soil. Leave a distance of about 1 meter between adjacent bushes.

Another planting method is trench planting. Dig a trench in the ground 50 centimeters wide and deep. Fill the trench with a nutrient mixture made from cow manure, superphosphate, and compost. Plant the bushes in the filled trench, spacing them 50-70 centimeters apart. Once all the bushes are planted, moisten the soil thoroughly and mulch with peat or compost.

Raspberries thrive on moisture, so they need to be watered 3-4 times a week, especially during dry periods and periods without rain. However, if the soil is still moist from the previous watering, there's no need to water. Excessive moisture can cause rot. Water raspberries with a hose or watering can. A drip irrigation system is also recommended, as it's water-efficient.

During the active growth period, raspberry bushes are tied up. A trellis staking system works well. This requires driving several stakes into the ground and stretching wire between them. The raspberry bushes should be positioned inside the wire. They are then tied up at a slight angle.

In late May or June, white flowers appear on raspberries. This indicates that the bush will soon bear fruit. The more flowers the bush produces, the more berries it will produce. Raspberries are unlikely to bloom or bear fruit in the first year of planting, but if the bush is grown in the south, it's quite possible that a few berries will appear in August.

In the second year after planting, berries appear on the bushes in midsummer. Initially, they are pale yellow, but then the color deepens, and the berries become noticeably larger. The peak yield is observed in late July or early August. At this time, all the bushes are laden with berries. Harvesting is carried out daily. The berries are picked carefully to avoid bruising or crushing them. If overripe berries remain on the bush, this reduces the yield and slows the growth of new fruit. Therefore, it is important to harvest raspberries in a timely manner.

After the berries are picked, they are washed and dried. If possible, raspberries are eaten or prepared immediately. The maximum safe storage time for ripe berries is two days (in the refrigerator). After this time, raspberries may ferment or turn sour.

After harvesting, the bushes are prepared for the coming winter. This should be done no later than the end of September, before the onset of frost. Excess shoots and green foliage are trimmed from the bushes. Any branches that will remain for next year are also shortened slightly. Now the stems of the bush should be bent downwards, toward the ground. They can be secured in this position by tying them. If winters in the region are harsh (temperatures drop below -20 degrees Celsius), the raspberries should be covered with material or film for the winter. This will ensure the bushes survive the winter well and will be ready to bear fruit again the following spring.

Advantages of the Cleopatra variety

• sweet taste with a hint of sourness;
• medium sized berries and beautiful color;
• frost resistance;
• unpretentiousness in breeding and care;
• winter planting options;
• high yield rate.

Gardeners' reviews of the Cleopatra raspberry

Alena says of the variety: "The Cleopatra raspberry is my favorite summer berry. It's been growing well for three years in a row, and I've pruned the bushes every spring. I use the berries to make jam, and we also love eating them fresh."

Alexandra from the Krasnodar region wrote: "This variety is truly excellent and doesn't require excessive attention. Timely watering and pruning are all that's needed for successful cultivation. I have five raspberry bushes, but the harvest is plentiful. There are enough berries to make jam and simply enjoy."