Olavi (Hinnonmaen Punainen) high-yielding, cold-tolerant gooseberry

On the beds of gardening lovers and experienced summer residents, gooseberries are sure to be found. This small shrub gives tasty and nutrient-rich berries that are eaten raw, making compotes, jams and jellies from them. The Finnish frost-resistant gooseberry Olavi is suitable for growing even in Siberian conditions, it quickly takes root and bears fruit for 20 years.

Description of the gooseberry variety Olavi (Hinnonmaen Punainen)

Another name for Olavi's gooseberry is Hinnonmaen Punainen. Due to its resistance to cold weather, the variety is grown in the climatic conditions of the North-West region, in the Urals and in Siberia. Medium late plant - fruits ripen by mid-August.

History of origin and distribution

The plant was bred by Finnish breeders and entered into the State Register in 1999. Scientists have tried to develop a variety that will be frost-resistant and fruitful.

The shrub turned out to be universal - it easily resists frost, and the berries have a pleasant taste.

Shrub characteristics

Olavi has medium-sized bushes with a dense crown. Branches of medium thickness are directed upward and to the sides. Growing shoots of green color turn light gray after lignification. The shrub is abundantly covered with thorns: they are located along the entire length of the shoot, but the main amount falls on the base. The kidneys are small and elongated.

Leaves are medium, green, without fluff, with a slight sheen on the surface, large teeth are located along the edges. The leaf is 3-5-lobed with poorly developed basal lobes, large, medium and rounded lateral lobes. Attaches to the shoot on a light green petiole of medium length with a weak down, directed obliquely upwards.

Widely bell-shaped, pale-colored flowers with oval sepals are located freely and are combined into small brushes. The ovary is oval without pubescence.

Resistant to temperatures

The Olavi variety is frost-resistant, the plant is not damaged at temperatures down to -30 .C. Feels good in the heat.

Moisture and drought resistance

In the hot season, the shrub does not require much moisture and does not need additional watering. Does not tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, where moisture quickly accumulates, it is better not to plant gooseberries.

Disease and pest resistance

The shrub is immune to diseases (septoria, anthracnose) and harmful insects.

Features of fruits

The berries are round, medium in size, each weighing 4.4 g. The skin is thin, dense, characterized by a dark cherry color and lighter venation. Fruits without pubescence, slightly covered with a waxy coating. The average number of seeds is 26 pcs. on the berry. The pulp is juicy with sourness, almost no aroma. Tasting score - 4.5 out of 5 points.

Reference. Olavi fruits taste like white grapes.

The chemical composition of the berries:

• dry matter - 11.9-17.0%;
• sugar - 5.9-11.9%;
• titratable acidity - 2.5–3.6%;
• ascorbic acid - 20-39 mg / 100 g.

The productivity of the variety is up to 13 kg of berries from one bush.

Olavi gooseberries are universal: they are eaten fresh, frozen, added to jams and compotes.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Olavi differs from other varieties in such advantages:

• high yields with proper care;
• frost resistance;
• fast survival rate;
• self-fertility up to 46%, which allows not to use pollinating varieties;
• lack of tendency to shedding fruits;
• immunity to diseases and harmful insects;
• universal purpose of fruits;
• good transportability of the crop;
• fruiting up to 20 years.

Disadvantages of culture:

• shoots are covered with thorny thorns;
• the fruits often crack in rainy weather.

Growing technology

Features of the place and conditions for planting a shrub determine the success of its cultivation.

Optimal conditions

The plant needs plenty of sunlight and protection from the winds. The best place is a hill, protected by a fence or a building wall.

The soil should not show signs of waterlogging and excessive acidity (pH greater than 5.5). Sour soil is treated with ash or lime. The structure of the soil is different - from sandy loam to clayey.

Terms and rules of landing

Planting dates directly depend on climatic conditions: either in autumn or spring.

Before planting, the roots of the plant are soaked for a day in a solution of sodium humate. This will help the shrub to take root in a new place faster.

The planting hole is made 40 cm deep and 50 cm in diameter. To fill the space in the pit, half of the soil is mixed with a bucket of humus, adding 4 tbsp. l. "Nitrofoski" and 1 tbsp. ash. If the site is dominated by heavy loam, sand is added.

Plants are planted at right angles. The roots are straightened, and the soil is compacted.

Important! The root collar is buried by 5-6 cm.

Excess shoots are cut off and 6 viable buds are left. The soil is mulched with peat or humus.

Further care

Gooseberries are watered no more than 1 time in 10 days (during a drought period, the frequency of moisture is increased). Water is taken moderately warm. Before direct harvesting, the bush is not watered so that the fruits are not too watery.

The first 2 years the culture is not fed - it has enough nutrients from the planting pit. Next, the plant is fertilized with urea (2 tablespoons per 1 bucket of water) and potassium-phosphorus agents.

Possible problems, diseases, pests

The shrub is rarely affected by septoria and anthracnose. The risk of fungal diseases increases when the air humidity exceeds normal. In this case, the fruits are covered with a dense gray film. For treatment use the drug "Topaz". From plant rust process bordeaux liquid.

In the fight against aphids the bushes are sprayed with a solution of laundry soap (300 g per 10 liters of water), "Aktellik". Anthills are removed from the landing site. For spider mites use "Metaphos", "Phosphamide", "Fitoverm".

Wintering

An adult shrub does not need shelter from frost. In the fall, Olavi are huddled to preserve the root system. Sawdust or dry peat is additionally placed in the trunk circle.

In the spring, the excess soil is removed, the soil is loosened and fresh mulch is laid out.

Reproduction

Layers are the main breeding method for gooseberries. In May, a shoot is placed in a moist soil and sprinkled with loose earth. By the fall, several layers will appear in this place, which will be ready for transplantation.

Variety multiply and cuttings. In the summer, 15 cm long green shoots are cut and placed under a film. To stimulate the formation of the root system, the soil is watered abundantly.

Features of cultivation depending on the region

The period of Olavi planting depends on the climatic zones. In the northern regions, this is done in the spring, before the buds open and after the soil warms up, in the southern regions - in the fall, mainly in October.

Pollinating varieties

Since Olavi is a self-fertile variety, he does not need to plant an additional pollinator. In rare cases, a Lefort seedling is planted nearby to increase yields.

Conclusion

Olavi gooseberry does not require special care and special agricultural techniques.It is resistant to common diseases, harmful insects and is not afraid of frost. Due to its fruitfulness and high yield, it will provide the whole family with tasty vitamin berries.