The prince's berry needs careful care
The prince's berry is a representative of the pink family. This is a plant that prefers the cold and temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Because of its place of growth and appearance, the crop is often referred to as arctic raspberry. What the prince's garden berry looks like can be seen in the photo below.
The prince's berry: general characteristics
The leaves are often used for brewing tea as they have many positive qualities.
Other names for the princess berry:
- khokhlushka;
- raspberry;
- meadow;
- drupe;
- mamura.
At the end of flowering, fruits are formed, which are harvested at the end of August. The berries of the princess remind blackberry, raspberries or cloudberries. The harvest is always small, about 150-250 g per square meter.
Proceeding from the fact that the plant is northern, in cold regions the prince ripens better than in the southern ones.
Since ancient times, the princess has been in demand among the northern peoples as a remedy against scurvy. In addition, the berries were used to treat colds, rheumatism, and also if there were liver problems.
For coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases, the most effective is a decoction of dried or fresh fruits of the princess. A similar product is also used to rinse the mouth and throat.
All parts of the plant are valuable. The princess's leaves are used to make compresses. They are effective in combating allergies.
The princess has found its application in cooking. It is included in numerous desserts, and is also used to prepare drinks.
Soil for planting
An important event for the full-fledged cultivation of the princess is the choice of a place for planting. The site should be well warmed up by the sun, and also be dry, because the plant does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil.
The work is carried out in the following sequence:
- make a depression for two bayonets of a shovel;
- lay drainage at the bottom of the dimple (mix crushed stone with sand);
- then put a small layer of soil and sprinkle with water;
- after laying the drainage, place the seedling in the dimple and sprinkle with soil;
- then mulch with fallen leaves.
The composition of the soil should be loose and rich in nutrients. For these purposes, garden soil is mixed with peat, sand, compost... It is also recommended to add a little wood ash to saturate the substrate with potassium. This component is very important for this plant.
Landing time and pattern
The plant is best planted in a checkerboard pattern. There should be a distance of about 25 cm between the specimens.As for the length of the beds, the optimal indicator is 50 cm.
It is best to plant several varieties of the princess on the same bed so that they are pollinated.
The princess planting is carried out both in spring and autumn. But, before proceeding with this procedure, it should be remembered that the air temperature should not be lower than +50 C. Even with minimal frost, the seedlings will not take root.
Growing and caring for a plant
In order for the bush to quickly please with flowering and berries, it is necessary to plant it correctly. It is also recommended to pay special attention to care.
Weeding the soil, loosening it and watering it
Regular weed removal, weeding, watering and loosening the earth is the key to a beautiful and healthy plant.
As for irrigation, it is necessary to carry out it regularly, especially during the hot season. If the indicators of the thermometer are moderate, then watering is carried out only when the topsoil dries well. Weeding and loosening should be done every three days.
Top dressing
They begin to fertilize the plant only a year after planting. Different formulations are used as dressings. Best of all, this type of berries reacts to organic and nitrogen preparations.
Pruning
Like any shrub, the princess needs pruning. It is worth removing spoiled and dried branches. This procedure will help new shoots develop faster. It is best to do pruning activities in early March or late November.
Preventive measures against diseases and pests
Diseases and pests often attack the princess. They have a detrimental effect on her development and growth. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the appearance and condition of the bush. To prevent the attack of pests and the occurrence of diseases, the plant is sprayed with special formulations that are sold in any specialized store.
The berry is picked when it becomes red. Often, this procedure is carried out in several stages. Fruits are harvested in mid-summer until early September.
It is necessary to pick the berries in the afternoon, when it is warm and dry outside.
Plant propagation
You can grow a young plant by dividing the rhizome or by seeds. The second option is more complex. However, if you know all the details, you will be able to grow a beautiful and healthy bush.
Seed planting rules:
- Grains are sown in winter in special containers. For their rapid germination, flowerpots should be kept warm for some time, and then taken out into a cold room. These actions are carried out within a month.
- The seeds are planted in containers, which are buried in the ground under the trees. Thus, the seeds will undergo natural selection over the winter, and in the spring you will get even and high-quality seedlings. The most important thing is to monitor soil moisture.
To grow a young plant by dividing the root system, it is necessary to separate a part from the mother bush, and then plant it in a new hole.
The princess or arctic raspberry is a very beautiful bush that has an original color. The berries of this plant have a high taste, are rich in various vitamins and minerals. If you adhere to all the rules for growing and caring, then you can collect a bountiful and high-quality crop.