Raspberry variety SOVIETSKAYA is a mid-early variety developed at the All-Russian Research Institute of Horticulture and Nursery. The bushes are medium-sized, slightly spreading, with moderate shoot formation ability and weakly pruned biennial canes. The berries are medium-sized, weighing 2-2.5 grams, red in color with a tart-sweet flavor and firm drupelets. The variety is characterized by medium yield of about 80 centners per hectare and stable fruiting. It requires fertile soils and high agronomy, and needs to be bent over for winter due to medium winter hardiness. The variety has a universal purpose, suitable for growing in gardens and vegetable gardens in various climatic conditions.
SOVIETSKAYA raspberry has good resistance to diseases, which facilitates care and improves crop quality. For successful growing, it is recommended to choose well-lit areas, as lack of light reduces plant resistance to pests and diseases, and also worsens berry quality. The soil should be well-drained and moisture-retentive, with sufficient water reserve, especially during the onset of berry ripening. To preserve moisture, it is useful to use mulch from sawdust or straw. Raspberry planting is done in spring, deepening seedlings by 2-3 cm below the previous level, with a distance between plants of about 30 cm and between rows of 1.5-1.8 m. To support canes and facilitate harvest, installation of supports is recommended.
In addition to taste and agronomic characteristics, raspberry is valued for its useful properties. Berries contain ellagic acid, which has a powerful anti-cancer effect, promoting programmed death of malignant cells and preventing the formation of new tumors. Raspberry is also an effective anti-inflammatory agent and is beneficial for the prevention of various diseases with regular consumption. To extend the season of fresh berry consumption, it is recommended to grow several varieties with different ripening periods.
