Raspberry variety Giant Moscow
Raspberry called Giant Moscow is a very mysterious variety, the seedlings of which are sold by almost every self-respecting nursery grower, and its characteristics are simply amazing. In particular, it is promised to obtain berries of fantastic size and weight, with excellent taste and excellent transportability, and the total yield from the bush is several times higher than the usual varieties.
At the same time, the author of this miracle of selection is not mentioned anywhere, and the form itself is not listed in the State Register of Registered Varieties. The latter fact, however, the sellers explain by its novelty, noting that for official registration it is first necessary to pass a long-term state test. The novelty, however, did not prevent our hero from acquiring a number of synonymous names, including "Moscow giant" and "Gigantella", and some especially enterprising breeders do not shy away from selling two, or even all three "varieties" at once.
We will not make any assumptions about the existence of the Moscow giant in nature, but will only try to collect bit by bit the information about this raspberry that is in the public domain. Readers, especially those who have had a chance to cultivate it on their plots, are invited to share their experience in the comments.
Agrobiological properties
The growth force of the bushes is very high, the plants can reach a height of two meters, and according to some reports, even this figure is not the limit. The shoots are powerful, but at the same time without thorns, which greatly facilitates the work of the gardener during the care of plants and during the harvesting process. Long stems without fail need to be tied to the trellis, or other supports installed near the bushes. It should be noted that it is especially convenient to tie one-year-old shoots to one side of the trellis, and two-year ones to the other. This is done for the reason that Moscow Gigant is a semi-renovated variety, in which the main fruiting occurs on the stems of the second year of life, which are removed after collection. Young growth can also form berries at the end of summer, but their volume in the domestic climatic conditions, characterized by a relatively short frost-free period, will be small. The activity of the formation of replacement shoots is quite high - up to 8-10 every year, but the root shoots appear with an average intensity of about 4-5 for each plant. The latter circumstance makes it possible, without excessive efforts, to maintain the cleanliness of the row spacings on the plantation, and at the same time always have planting material for the propagation of our hero.
The compound leaves are large in size, three- or five-leafed, bright green in color, placed on long petioles. Their surface is bumpy or wrinkled, the texture is loose. Fruit twigs are formed on biennial stems practically along their entire length, they branch strongly, due to which they are literally covered with giant berries. They often themselves require a tie to a support to prevent breaking off under the weight of a ripening crop. On the strongest replacement shoots closer to the apex, laterals can also form, which have time to give an additional late summer harvest.
The variety is considered self-fertile,
Such a huge productivity is ensured by the equally fantastic large-fruited variety. So, the first ripe berries can reach a height of 40-45 mm and weigh up to 22 grams. The mass of raspberries gradually decreases with each subsequent harvest, but even the average weight of a berry of 10-15 grams is amazing. The shape of the fruits of the Moscow Giant is conical, while it can be moderately or noticeably elongated. Drupes are large and firmly adhered to each other. The surface of the berries has an attractive sheen, and the color changes, depending on the degree of ripeness, from bright red to dark crimson. The pulp is relatively dense, due to which the fruits keep their shape well, but at the same time juicy when eaten. The taste is pleasant, very sweet with a barely noticeable sourness in the aftertaste. The aroma is typical raspberry, quite intense. The seeds are very small, as a result of which they practically do not have a negative effect on the gastronomic qualities of the variety. On the basis of all these parameters, the form deserves the highest tasting ratings.
The harvested crop is distinguished by its versatility of applications. First of all, this raspberry, wonderful in all respects, will certainly enjoy success when consumed fresh. It should be of interest to commercial farmers. The giant fruits of great taste are sure to make a splash in the market, and absolutely will not lie on the shelves. In favor of growing this variety for sale is also evidenced by the high transportability of the berries, which allows them to be moved over relatively long distances without losing the marketability of their appearance and the risk that the fruits will flow. In individual farms, the form can become a decoration of the site and the pride of its owners. The productivity of only three to five bushes will be enough not only to meet the family's needs for fresh berries, but also should be enough for making home preservation. In processed form, the fruits of the Giant of Moscow are no less magnificent than fresh. They make compotes, preserves, fruit drinks, confiture excellent in taste, color and aroma.
The economic parameters of our hero are also very good, and, despite the outstanding large-fruited, the bushes do not have any particular effeminacy or whimsicality. They are able to grow on a variety of soil types, however, due to the large removal of nutrients from the soil with abundant yields, they need an increased level of fertility. Sufficient soil moisture is another important factor that allows plants to fully realize their large-fruited potential. The abundance of sunlight illuminating the bushes is responsible for the good taste of the berries. In shaded conditions, the gastronomic properties of the fruit will naturally decrease. Overwintering shoots can withstand temperatures as low as minus 30 ° C. The variety has high resistance to common diseases and pests of raspberries.
Agrotechnical measures
Due to the almost ideal, according to the sellers of the planting material, the characteristics of the Moscow Giant, its cultivation and obtaining high yields can be quite within the reach of even an inexperienced gardener.
First of all, it will be necessary to find a place suitable for raspberries on the plain, or on a gentle slope, protected from through winds blowing snow from the site in winter. Excessively damp and waterlogged soils, as well as places with high groundwater levels, should be avoided.The land should be cultivated, free of perennial root-suckering weeds.
Planting is carried out in the fall after leaf fall, or in the spring, at the first opportunity to go out into the field. The pits are dug in large volumes and are abundantly filled with organic and mineral fertilizers. The planted bushes are watered abundantly.
On a fruiting raspberry tree, watering and feeding plants is regularly carried out, the aisles are weeded, removing, among other things, unnecessary root shoots, and the stalks and large fruit twigs are tied to the trellis. After the end of fruiting, the shoots of the second year of life are cut out at the root and destroyed. If necessary, during the growing season, treatments are carried out against pests and fungal diseases.
The berries of this variety are amazing in their size, but a good harvest can be obtained from a bush if, as the author writes, the shoots are tied to the trellis. If this is not the case, then the berries will be small and they will be of the usual size. In fact, it is not difficult to build a support, but this procedure greatly complicates the life of a gardener - I absolutely do not like tying up raspberries, since they have fragile shoots. The berries are tasty, but they are often affected by pests, so that this does not happen, in early spring, as soon as the leaves begin to appear, I process the raspberry bushes with a strong ammonia solution.
And, what, they are small without a garter?