Cumberland black raspberry is still a rare plant in our country. The bush looks very unusual, many confuse it with a blackberry. In addition to beauty, the berry is appreciated for its taste and healing qualities. Despite the small prevalence in Russia, raspberries Cumberland conquers the hearts of gardeners, due to the unpretentiousness of the conditions of detention, and deserves a place of honor in every garden.
Raspberry cumberland
Raspberry Cumberland has a sweet and sour taste
The height of the raspberry bush is about 2.5 m
The story of the creation of the variety and the appearance in our gardens
Raspberry Cumberland in appearance resembles a blackberry. Homeland - North America, where this variety is not considered exotic, the inhabitants of America have been growing the bush for many years.
Creation time - 1888, the plant was brought to Russia 90 years later. But, despite the relatively long stay of the variety on our territory, summer residents are not in a hurry to engage in its cultivation on an industrial scale.
Reviews of gardeners claim that this is due to love for their bred raspberry varieties, and Cumberland is considered an overseas plant that deserves a separate place in the garden, but no more.
What are the characteristics of raspberry cumberland?
Black Raspberry Cumberland is the highlight of any garden, it is often grown not to get a large number of crops, but to decorate the site. The bush is very strong, hardy and tall. The berries bring a lot, they are all small in size, but have excellent taste.
The main external characteristics of the variety are:
- height about 2.5 m, and sometimes 3 m;
- not a sprawling bush, young shoots grow straight up, but with age bend, forming an arch;
- stem thickness 3 cm, the distance between the internodes on the stem is minimal, the stem with spikes;
- shoots at an early age of a bright green color, the lilac film that covers them is slightly visible, with age the branches turn brown;
- the leaves are complex, large, 5 leaf blades collected on one branch, serrated on the sides, smooth to the touch;
- the root system is fibrous, although it has several rod processes that help develop the fruiting process during drought;
- one berry weighs about 2 g, small in size, in an unripe state, the young berry is light pink in color, gradually, it turns red and then blackens;
- the fruits have a sweet taste with a slight acidity, they have a large number of seeds;
- according to the taste characteristics, the berries deserve a rating of 4 to 5 points.
Cumberland raspberries are very easy to distinguish from blackberries - at the time of harvest, the raspberries have the fruits easily torn off the legs, and the blackberries have problems with this. You can harvest blackberries only with the legs.
Why do gardeners love black raspberries?
Black Raspberry Cumberland has a medium ripening period and a high fruiting rate. Each year, the bush brings about 10 brushes with 10-15 berries, respectively, from 1 bush you can get 1 kg of the crop. Fruiting lasts 12-15 years.
The main characteristics for which summer residents love Cumberland raspberries:
- The variety is cold-resistant, perfectly withstands severe frosts. It survives at a temperature of -30 degrees Celsius, although some sources indicate -40 degrees.
- Strong immunity. Raspberry Cumberland is virtually unaffected. Pests also do not particularly like this variety.
- The roots do not grow too wide. Thanks to this, Raspberry Cumberland saves summer cottagers a lot of space for other plants and crops.
- Berries are appreciated for their taste and medicinal properties.
- The plant grows well in any climate and in different weather.
- The first crop can be obtained in the 2nd year after planting, the maximum yield is in the 3rd year.
- The average ripening period, the bush begins to bloom in the early days of summer, so frost is no longer terrible for frosts. Flowering lasts about 30 days, berries are harvested in the middle of summer.
- Raspberries do not bring crops several times during the season, bear fruit once, but the fruits do not ripen at the same time, so the harvest is delayed.
- Ripe berries do not crumble to the ground.
- Thanks to the strong skin, raspberries are easy to transport and store.
- The plant is not particularly demanding on the soil, so it can take root in any land.
- Berries are suitable for consumption not only fresh, but also as winter preparations.
- This raspberry variety is considered an excellent honey plant, it attracts insects to the garden, respectively, pollination will improve significantly.
- Berries are not interesting to birds, so you should not worry about their safety.
In addition to the obvious advantages of the Cumberland raspberry variety, the plant has several disadvantages:
- Spiked stem resembling a rose.
- The bush is very dense with numerous branched branches, a small distance between internodes.
- A lot of seeds in the berries.
Preparation for landing
The first thing you need to pay attention to is choosing a place to land. The site should be open, sunny and calm. Do not plant Cumberland after varieties of red raspberries, potatoes and tomatoes. The soil for planting is prepared in advance, it must be moist and nutritious.
Planting season
Raspberry Cumberland can be planted in spring and autumn, but it is better to do this in the spring season. The main thing is to catch up to the sap flow and make sure that the soil warms up enough. Suitable temperature + 10 ... +12 degrees Celsius. Plant a raspberry seedling in April, during this period you can control the process of seed ripening and plant growth.
If you decide to plant raspberries in the fall, then do it in September. Shrubs take root well in the soil, although complications are not uncommon. This season is suitable for regions with a temperate and warm climate. In the spring, the snow melts, and the plant continues to grow quietly.
Place for raspberry
For planting raspberries, Cumberland is suitable place with the following parameters:
- the site should be the brightest and sunniest, on a shaded place the plant will not grow and develop;
- planting rows should be directed to the south side, then the plant will get more sunlight;
- pick the most fertile types of soil, but do not forget that the variety will be able to adapt to life on any soil;
- provide protection from the winds, they can easily dry the soil and break the bushes, it is better to plant a plant near the fence, it is impossible to completely isolate the bush from the winds, otherwise raspberries will begin to rot;
- follow the rules of crop rotation, try not to plant raspberries next to the blackberry, as they have the same diseases that will pass from one bush to another;
- the soil should be moderately acidic, look at the presence of clover or bindweed, the place where these plants grow is also intended for raspberries;
- Mandatory lack of soil water;
- stop the choice on a sunny site, but without direct sunlight, otherwise the bushes will burn;
- before planting, remove the place from excess grass, otherwise the formation of fungal spores on the bush can not be avoided.
If the site for planting Cumberland raspberries is improperly selected, no fertilizer, additional lighting or loosening of the soil will help the plant, the yield will be low or not at all.
Fertilizer plot
Raspberry with good care brings a harvest of about 14 years, in order to remove the berries regularly it is necessary to carefully prepare the site for planting. To do this, follow crop rotation rules:
- 1st year plant green manure.
- 2nd year - garlic, carrots, salads, marigolds or marigolds.
- 3rd year - fertilize the soil, and plant a raspberry seedling.
During planting in the fall, prepare the soil in spring: remove the roots of perennial plants, fertilize the soil with organic substances. Add 3 buckets of manure for every 1 sq. Km. m. Raspberry bushes should be planted exclusively in loose and nutritious soil.
If you decide to plant a seedling in the spring, then in the fall also make a sufficient amount of organic matter. Use humus, decomposed manure or compost as fertilizer. Stick to the norm - 15 kg per 1 sq. Km. m
Buying seedlings
It is very difficult to find a whole and healthy Cumberland raspberry seedling on the market, especially since this plant is not very common on our territory. Often, a seedling has traces of disease.
Pay attention to the closedness or openness of the root system: an open one performs much better during planting, a closed one rarely grows quickly. In the case of an open root system, landing can be done in the summer.
Raspberry planting instructions
It’s impossible to grow Raspberry Cumberland without a proper planting, you need to clearly make the algorithm and adhere to simple rules.
Algorithm for planting raspberries of the Cumberland variety:
- The root system of the variety is fibrous, so it needs a lot of space for planting, otherwise it will break. Dig the recesses with a pattern of 0.5 x 0.5 m.
- If the root system of a seedling is open, examine it more thoroughly. Trim unhealthy damaged or weak parts. Leave a healthy, non-dried seedling.
- Dip the root in a clay mash with infusion of mullein.
- Fertilize the soil in the prepared pit. You can add ash (4 cups) and 1 bucket of rotted humus.
- Fill the pit with water - this is an important process before planting.
- Sprinkle the top with fertile soil, and after that, thoroughly loosen all the contents.
- Set the seedling on the resulting slide after fertilizing.
- Spread the root system. Fill the bushes with soil, and ram it tightly around the seedling.
- Pour the bush with 2-3 buckets of water and mulch. As mulch, you can use straw or peat.
How to grow raspberry cumberland?
Any berry bush brings a large amount of yield only with high-quality and regular care. Without proper care, a good result cannot be obtained.
Watering frequency
The frequency of irrigation also depends on many natural factors. These include:
- soil characteristics;
- place of raspberry;
- weather.
Sandy soils in sunny open areas require more frequent watering than shady areas.
The first couple of years you should water the plant, avoiding drought or waterlogging. The plant will begin to retain moisture. In the first years of plant life, up to three years, regular watering is required. The rest of the time - only as needed.
Pruning
The first time after planting, raspberries do not need to be formed, it is necessary to give her the opportunity to grow first, and then to trim it. The first pruning is carried out in the summer when the plant reaches 2 m in height. The lateral branches are cut to allow the axillary buds to release the processes. Truncated branches should grow and strengthen before the onset of frost.
The second time pruning raspberries in the fall. New lateral shoots are shortened to 0.5 m. And also, in the autumn completely remove weak and broken branches, if any. For the next seasons, leave only 5-7 thick and large branches.
Shoot garter
Raspberry Cumberland grows very quickly, and reaches a height of 2-3 m. Immediately after planting a seedling, you need to make a garter, this will greatly simplify the collection of berries, make raspberries a decorative corner in every garden.
The most relevant and effective way to garter is trellis. It is installed a year later, after the planting of black raspberries Cumberland. Garter algorithm:
- Insert columns every 8 meters along the seat.
- Connect the posts in 3 or 4 rows. The first of them will be at a height of 0.5 m, the second at the same distance from the first, and so on.
- Shorten the shoots also wire.
You can not do the pruning of the bush, over time, raspberries will grow up to 3 meters and bend naturally. You will need to insert the rods on which the bush will begin to lean. It will turn out a beautiful arch from plants with berries.
Soil fertilizer
Cumberland Raspberries need additional nutrition. Fertilizers must be applied 3 times per season (fertilizing should be followed by subsequent watering, so that nutrients are better absorbed into the soil):
- Before flowering (rarely before planting).
- During the onset of ovary formation.
- After ripening, the crop is harvested.
Organics can be alternated with minerals that are equally important for Cumberland raspberries. This method will have a positive effect on the growth of the plant, as well as its ripening and fruiting. Options for fertilizer infusions:
- 15 g of urea + 30 g of superphosphate. Mix these components and add warm water, stir, let it brew. This tool is suitable only for adult bushes.
- Mullein solution. The composition includes manure, in a ratio of 1:12 with water.
- Boric acid: 10 g per 1 liter of water. Pour the soil with the resulting mixture so as not to harm the leaves and the stem. Used before picking berries for about a month.
Nobody forbids the use of prepared useful substances for raspberries, they can be purchased on the market or in the store. Just be extremely careful, because a violation of the consistency indicated in the instructions leads to burns or damage to raspberry bushes.
Mulching
Mulch is a special layer that performs several functions: protection against weeds, warming the beds and water retention in the soil. To achieve a better effect, a layer can be combined from several materials:
- leaves and dry grass;
- peat;
- hay;
- humus.
Dried mulching materials contribute to good root ventilation: they will breathe better. Mulching from heavier materials will help protect against rain and low temperature.
Preparing for the winter
This raspberry variety is considered cold-resistant, can withstand temperatures from -30 to -40 degrees Celsius. In the south, where winter conditions are warm and as favorable as possible, Cumberland raspberries are grown without special shelter. But in this case it is better to use a thick layer of mulch. If the stem and shoots of the plant deteriorate during wintering, the root will certainly remain alive, and by spring the bush will sprout again.
When growing in cold regions, remove the black raspberries from the garter and press firmly to the ground, fixing it in this position with an iron wire. The shoots that have grown this year bend much better than the stems of the second year.
If winters are snowy in your region, then snowdrifts will densely cover and warm the plant. If there is no snow, you will have to cover the bushes on top with a non-woven fabric. The main thing is that he be moderately insulated. You can use agrofiber, this material has proven itself for this purpose.
Harvesting and freezing crops
Cumberland raspberry berries are very juicy, tasty, do not crumble from the branches immediately after full ripening. The berries have strong stalks on which they are held, but are easily detached.
During the season you can collect about 10 kg of berries, and sometimes it turns out more, it all depends on the growing conditions. The crop is also well preserved during freezing, berries become much more useful, all valuable substances are absorbed into the pulp. They are stored during freezing for a very long time.
To freeze berries, try to adhere to a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius. This temperature is maintained in the freezer of a standard refrigerator.
Propagation Raspberry Cumberland
Raspberry Cumberland breeds in four ways. The most popular - with the help of seeds, but other options are effective: layering (horizontal), rooting of the apex and green cuttings.Let's consider them in order.
Rooting
Breeding varieties by rooting is one of the rarest and time-consuming processes. Only an experienced gardener can use this method, it will be very difficult for a beginning summer resident to understand all the nuances. It is necessary to be as careful as possible, since the method often harms plants, and rooting goes bad.
Algorithm of propagation by rooting of the apex:
- Gently bend the stem of the plant, pressing it to the ground. The main thing is that he fit snugly enough.
- Dip it with earth, fix it in this position. The tip of the stem should stick out from the ground for a few centimeters (approximately 15). For greater security, you can pin it.
- For faster root formation, cut the plant under the bud.
- In the spring, carefully separate the emerging shoots from the mother plant, and transfer them to a new place.
Propagation by rooting the top is one of the most irrelevant methods, but it is worth considering as one of the options for propagating raspberries.
Horizontal layering
Reproduction by horizontal layering is not the easiest way, but it is effective.
The algorithm for the propagation of raspberries horizontal layering:
- In spring, cut all the branches of the plant to a length of 15 cm. They will grow and develop in the summer, and already in the fall - in mid-September - the bush will gain quite strong and powerful shoots.
- Place them in specially prepared places, grooves, where they will grow.
- Fix them in three places, when the adventitious and lateral roots grow in the plant, sprinkle them with soil so that only the leaves and buds remain open.
- Mulch in the fall.
- In spring, the branches will become independent shrubs. Trim the branch connecting the new plant and the mother.
This method of propagation will help to create a large number of new raspberry seedlings, but its use for more than 2 consecutive years is unfavorable - the mother plant gradually weakens and dies.
Green cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out only in a regulated and efficient greenhouse. In it, temperature differences, light and humidity are not permissible, otherwise reproduction will not bring the proper result. Most of the success of the job is to choose the right time for the process. The best moment for reproduction is the period of the appearance of root shoots.
The propagation algorithm of raspberries with green cuttings:
- When the shoots reach a length of 30-40 cm, cut them from the mother plant. Divide into several parts so that each of them has 2 leaves and 2 kidneys.
- Immerse the finished cuttings in the preparation for root formation for 10-12 hours.
- Plant them in ordinary sand so that one leaf and a kidney remain above the ground. This will be their constant place of germination.
Seeds
Propagation by seeds can be carried out two times - after harvest (in September), and in spring in April.
Raspberry seed propagation algorithm:
- In autumn, plant the seeds in the soil to a depth of 2 to 3 cm, it all depends on its density.
- Do the mulching. According to statistics, by the spring more than half of the seeds will germinate, more precisely - 60%.
- Form small pits in the soil drawers in the spring. The distance between adjacent ones should be at least 5 cm, and the depth should be 1-2 cm.
- Pour plenty of water into the pits and plant the seeds the next day. After sowing, move these boxes to a room with a low temperature (+5 degrees Celsius). Keep them in this room for 2 months.
- Without stratification, the seeds will sprout in the spring of next year. Watering is carried out depending on the level of humidity in the greenhouse. Do not over-moisten the crops, but do not wait for the soil to dry completely.
- After 2 months, transfer the boxes to the greenhouse or greenhouse. Carry out all the necessary procedures again: loosen the soil, water and fertilize.
- In the fall, ready-made seedlings 15-20 cm long are transplanted to a permanent place.
What insects attack raspberries and how to save the plant?
Cumberland raspberries are famous for their strong immunity, but still some insects can attack it. You need to know exactly which pests she is afraid of, how they manifest themselves and how to deal with them correctly:
- Stem gall midge. Gall midge is a small, two-winged insect. It settles on raspberries at the beginning of ripening (April-May). Lays up to 15 eggs at the base of the stem. Larvae make their way inside, eating the juice of the plant. The main symptoms: bloating on the shoots, fungal diseases and slow withering of the plant.
The algorithm for combating stem gall midge:- Remove sluggish and damaged shoots.
- Treat the bush with karbofos and Bordeaux liquid.
- As a preventative measure, regularly inspect the greenhouse or open area for small insects, try to get rid of them in time.
- Shoot aphid. It is a small insect that swarms raspberries. The first "settlers" are placed on the shoots or on the underside of the leaf. With the help of proboscis, water and nutrients are sucked out of the plant. Over time, raspberries fade. During this period, the plant becomes vulnerable to most diseases. The pest acts before or during flowering. May go unnoticed all spring and summer.
The algorithm for combating shoot aphids:
- Destroy all damaged shoots, leaves and branches.
- Treat the plants with special tools: Nitrofen or Kilzar.
- Use infusion of chamomile and yarrow as a prophylaxis.
- Raspberry fly. It looks like an ordinary fly, characterized by a yellow color. The abdomen is down, transparent wings extend from it. The fly reaches a length of 1 cm, lays larvae at the base of the stem. Larvae pupate and seriously damage the lower layers of the stem. Of the symptoms, lethargy and yellowing of the tips of the shoots can be distinguished.
Larva flies lay in late autumn, and wake up in early spring during flowering.
Raspberry Fly Fight Algorithm:
- Destroy all unhealthy shoots, leaves and branches.
- Treat the plants with special tools: Karbofos and Spark.
- Use infusions of herbs as a prophylaxis.
- Spider mite. The spider mite reaches a length of 2 mm. Male insect of different colors: beige, green, yellow and others. Females lay eggs, from which larvae hatch soon, sucking water and nutrients from raspberries. The main symptoms: leaf wilting and the presence of a small web.
The spider mite acts throughout the period of ripening of berries before harvesting.
Spider mite control algorithm:
- Burn all damaged shoots, leaves and branches.
- Treat plants with special tools: Fufanon and Antio.
- Use folk remedies, for example, treatment with a solution of water and medical alcohol (96%).
- Kidney moth. The pest lives in groomed raspberries. In appearance, they resemble a small two-winged insect, reaching 2 cm. Sexually mature individuals harvest eggs, from which larvae hatch soon. This happens at the end of winter, when the plant is ready to dissolve the buds. In addition to the buds, the larvae can harm the stem and leaves.
Kidney Moth Algorithm:
- Cut and burn all damaged shoots.
- Dig the soil thoroughly in the fall.
- Spray soil with nitrofen solution.
What diseases is raspberry susceptible to and how to cope with them?
Raspberry Cumberland rarely suffers from diseases, but they need to be known in order to understand why ailments attack the plant and how to deal with them:
- Verticillosis. The source of infection is unsuitable soil for growing plants. The main symptoms: leaf wilting, bright dark blue or purple stripes on the shoots. The first signs appear in spring or summer. Verticillosis is an incurable disease, so it is impossible to save the plant, you must immediately dig up the bush and burn it until the disease has passed to other plants in the garden.
There are two methods of preventing the disease: regular preventive measures, including herbal spraying, loosening the soil and its fertilizer, and also growing only resistant varieties of raspberries to verticillosis. Cumberland Raspberries are 50% stable. - Anthracnose. The disease manifests itself in this way: small (2-4 cm) spots of red-violet or purple hue appear on raspberry leaves. Soon, spots increase and affect young shoots. If the treatment has been delayed, juicy fruit this year is not worth the wait. Next year, the plant will die. The disease is most active from early spring to mid-summer.
As methods of combating anthracnosis, spray plant shoots with Bordeaux liquid (1%). Remove and burn infected branches. Spray in early or late spring. - Didimella. The main symptoms: bright purple spots and cracks in the shoots. They appear due to pests, cold or incompatibility of plants with the composition of the soil. If left untreated, the disease will infect plants every year. The most active phase: from late spring to mid summer.
- Botritis. The main symptoms: the appearance of dark gray or black spots on the shoots. In the first year of the disease, the plant will not bear good fruit. The next year, the affected shoots begin to fall away, and the plants die. Signs appear in early spring a few days after the onset of the disease, so it is not difficult to recognize the ailment, the main thing is to notice it on time.
Bordeaux fluid helps fight the disease. Remove and burn infected shoots and berries. An alternative is the use of anti-rot medicine. - Stem cancer. Main symptoms: gray spots begin to appear on the leaves. In the future, they multiply, and the plant dies. Most often, traces of the disease are found on leaves and buds. Stem cancer affects the bush immediately after the flowering period.
As a fight, spray the plants with Bordeaux liquid or an alternative. Burn the infected parts of the bush. You can do a few sprinkles, the last after picking berries. - Mosaic. The main symptoms of the disease: the appearance of dark and light green spots on the shoots. The leaves lose their shape, the stalk fades, and the shoots die off. The plant dies 2 years after the start of the mosaic. The disease manifests itself in early spring or mid-summer.
This disease is not treated, but do not rush to pluck raspberries right away, the first year will still be harvested. After collecting it, you can uproot the plant. Timely plant care procedures and a thorough inspection of planting material will help to cope with the disease prematurely. - Viral Curl. The main symptoms: the leaves begin to dry and lose their shape, they are painted in a dark bronze color. Shoots become lethargic, sour berries and small. The disease can begin during the ripening of the berries.
It is difficult to deal with curly hair, it is much easier to prevent its appearance. All rules for plant care must be observed, and planting material should be inspected regularly. If the disease attacked raspberries, then spray the bushes with George or Vlisuha. Thoroughly fight the carrier of the disease - aphids.
Gardeners reviews about the variety
Maryana, 57 years old, teacher, Tula. I have seedlings from a neighbor, she decided to share with me. At first I was scared of the difficult care, but in the end I reconciled. In fact, it turned out that everything is extremely simple. Sometimes I can even leave for a few weeks, nothing happens with raspberries, the crop both brought, and now brings. Berries really like - delicious and juicy.
Sergey, 56 years old, gardener, Naberezhnye Chelny. I got the berries by accident when I was on a business trip. Since I love everything new, I immediately planted them in my yard. I carry out all the procedures according to the rules, I follow all the recommendations of experienced gardeners. The bush looks great against the background of my picturesque fence.
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Raspberry Cumberland has not only excellent taste, but also an excellent decorative look. The berry is unpretentious, and the harvest is amazing every year. Despite the fact that the variety was created in the century before last, it still enjoys relevance among gardeners.