Description and characteristics of Kiova blackberries, reproduction and care
A variety of American selection - Kiova blackberry amazes the imagination with huge, juicy berries. Even the presence of thorns is forgiven for its excellent taste and massive fruiting. The Kiova blackberry is worth it for gardeners to pay special attention to and add to their garden collection.
Breeding history
Blackberry Kiowa appeared at the turn of the century. Its creators are scientists from the University of Arkansas, who, when crossing two experimental varieties, received a miracle berry of incredible size and juiciness. The Kiowa hybrid has a middle name - Kiowa, which is associated with the name of one of the Indian tribes. After receiving the first, vegetatively propagated seedlings, the variety was patented and since 1995 the first specimens have gone on sale.
Note: The blackberry hybrid is considered the owner of the largest berries. New varieties of blackberry are emerging, but it is still in the TOP 5 varieties with the largest fruits.
Description and characteristics of berry culture
The characteristic of the Kiova hybrid gives an idea of the plant and allows gardeners to decide on the choice of a variety, the possibility of growing it in a specific climatic zone.
Berries and bushes
Kiowa belongs to kumaniks, therefore its bushes are erect, up to 1.5 m tall. The bush is shrouded in a cloud of emerald foliage, under which numerous sharp thorns hide. White-pink flowers are collected in inflorescences-shields.
The berries, as they ripen, change their shade from green to red, and then to glossy black. The average weight of the berries is 12 g, and the giant specimens reach 20 g. The round-conical berries are quite dense. A slight sourness and aroma of wild berries are added to the sweet taste.
Main advantages
The valuable features of the Kiova hybrid include large berries and good transportability. These qualities make it possible to use the blackberry hybrid both in private households and on an industrial scale.
Flowering period and ripening time
Flowering time is at the end of May, and fruiting begins in July (in the southern regions). This limits the distribution of the plant, as the late-ripening hybrid does not have time to ripen in the middle lane and northern latitudes.
Yield indicators, fruiting dates
Blackberry Kiova has an extended fruiting period, which lasts 6 weeks. The berries do not lose their commercial qualities throughout the entire fruiting period. This is a late-ripening and high-yielding variety: 4.5-6 tons of black fruits are harvested per hectare.
Scope of berries
Kiova blackberries are a great treat and a great dessert. They are delicious fresh and retain their flavor after processing.
Jams, preserves, confitures, liqueurs, pies and pancake fillings will appeal to blackberry lovers.
Note: The fruits retain their appearance and do not lose their useful qualities after freezing. Thawed berries are not inferior in taste to fresh ones, preserving vitamins and minerals.
Disease and pest resistance
Due to its excellent immunity, the hybrid is resistant to fungal infections and is not afraid of pests if preventive measures are taken in a timely manner.
Advantages and disadvantages
The undoubted advantages of the Kiova variety:
- good winter hardiness;
- transportability;
- ability for long-term storage;
- strong immunity;
- tasty, large berries;
- resistance to fungal infections.
There are few disadvantages, but they spoil the ideal opinion about the variety:
- the presence of sharp thorns densely covering the branches;
- late ripening with a prolonged fruiting period.
For your information: Despite the large berries, the young and promising variety is not yet very popular. Its widespread adoption is just beginning. A lot of advantages are lost due to the presence of thorns, which complicate the care of the berry crop.
Features of growing Kiova blackberries
Planting a bush is carried out traditionally for different varieties of blackberries, but taking into account the characteristics of a particular variety.
Dates and place
For the Kiowa variety, spring and autumn planting is suitable. In the spring, the bush is planted before the start of sap flow, in the fall - a month before the first frost. The place is selected bright, closed from drafts and cold winds.
Soil preparation
Blackberry bushes grow well in fertile, loose soil enriched with nutrients. On heavy soils, peat and sand should be added. On sour - liming.
Selection and preparation of seedlings
A healthy seedling should be different:
- a well-developed root system (at least 10 cm);
- the presence of a growth bud;
- 1-2 leafy shoots.
The seedling is checked for infections. With a closed root system, they are guided by the state of the ground part.
Algorithm and scheme of landing
Kiova blackberry bushes are planted 1.5 m from each other. Planting sequence:
- drainage is created at the bottom of the planting pit;
- a layer of fertile soil is poured on top with a mound;
- the root system of the seedling is placed on it;
- to the root collar, they are covered with a layer of nutrient soil;
- watering and mulching the trunk circle.
The root collar is not buried; it is located above the ground. Shoots are cut to 30-40 cm.
Watering, weeding and mulching
The Kiova variety needs moderate watering. More moisture is required during flowering and fruit setting to form large and juicy fruits. Mulching is necessary to retain moisture and can reduce the number of waterings. Straw or peat is suitable as mulch. Weeding is carried out as needed.
Fertilizers and feeding
They start feeding Kiova blackberries from the moment of budding and continue until fruiting. Usually, complex fertilizers or organic components are applied no more than 1 time in 3 weeks.
Garter
Erect shoots can bend under the pressure of berries, so they are strengthened on a trellis, giving the shape of a fan. This procedure is also necessary for the convenience of harvesting fruits, since the branches are covered with thorns.It is much more convenient to prune tied branches.
Pruning and wintering
Pruning of Kiova blackberry-kumanik is carried out according to the following scheme:
- In the spring, diseased or damaged branches are cut.
- In autumn, new shoots are harvested if they are weakened. Fruiting branches of the 2nd year are removed.
- The bush is formed from 10 young, strong shoots, which are pruned to 1/3 part.
Thanks to pruning, the bush has a more compact shape and does not grow chaotically, scattering side shoots.
After the autumn pruning, the branches are removed from the trellis and bent to the ground. They are laid in trenches and insulated. Kiowa belongs to frost-resistant varieties, but the extra risk does not justify itself.
Disease and pest control methods
Preventive treatment with Fitosporin helps protect the blackberry bush from fungal infections, although the Kiova hybrid has strong immunity.
More often, damage to the blackberry crop is caused by pests, which are fought with folk remedies (with minor damage) and chemicals (with mass colonization).
Note: You should carefully study the pests that settle on blackberry bushes in order to know the "enemy in the face" and the main signs of the affected plant. This will help to avoid their mass distribution.
Breeding methods
Reproduction is carried out by rooting vegetative shoots. The tops of the shoots are pinned to the ground, slightly deepening and sprinkling with soil. The rooting site is watered and fed. The first roots are formed in a month. The seedlings are separated from the mother bush and transplanted to a permanent place next spring.
Collection and storage of Kiova blackberries
The berries are harvested in any convenient, light container at the stage of maturity, when they acquire a black glossy color. Lay them out neatly so as not to wrinkle. Suitable clothing is required for collection so as not to prick the thorns. The berry is stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days. It is frozen or used for processing.
Blackberry Kiova gives an excellent harvest of black fruits, subject to the necessary agrotechnical techniques. The quality and quantity of berries directly depends on proper care.
Large-fruited, unpretentiousness and yield are the most characteristic features of the variety.
