Appearance of edible honeysuckle

The appearance of edible honeysuckle may vary in size, density and yield depending on the variety chosen. Honeysuckle is a perennial shrub up to 2 meters high, often with a dense spherical crown.

The leaves of the bush are pointed, oval in shape with slight pubescence. Leaf length up to 7 mm. The bright green color of the outer side of the leaves gives way to a pale green color on the inner surface. Light yellow flowers are located in the axils of the leaves. They are funnel-shaped and small in size. They are well pollinated by insects, but there is also cross-pollination. Flowering begins early - already at the beginning of summer.

The root system of the shrub is taproot. The roots are branched, extending 70 cm into the ground.

The fruits of honeysuckle are elongated blue berries with a slight bluish bloom. The length of the berries is from 1 to 4 cm. The taste characteristics are high. The taste varies from sweet and sour to bitter and sour.
A full harvest can be harvested starting from the 4th year of the bush’s life. At this age, the shrub reaches a height of 50 cm. But the slow growth of the plant does not affect its fruiting. The yield of one bush is about 7 kg.

Berry ripening occurs unevenly. Overripe berries do not stick to the branches and begin to crumble. Therefore, harvesting is often done using the shaking method. To do this, a film or other material is spread under the bush, onto the surface of which ripe berries fall. The fruits have an average degree of density and do not tolerate transportation well.

Honeysuckle has early ripening periods, which is why it is loved by many gardeners. Honeysuckle grows well in central Russia, in the northern regions, the Far East and the Urals. It grows worse in the southern regions, since climatic conditions are not entirely suitable for this northern berry.

Honeysuckle has good winter hardiness and early ripening. In terms of vitamin and mineral composition, honeysuckle is superior to many berry crops.

Age of honeysuckle - planting outside

When growing berry crops, the age of honeysuckle when planted outside is of great importance. Seedlings 2-3 years old have the highest survival rate. Such bushes are about 50 cm high and already have several branches. Flexible young branches have buds and leaves. The root system is well developed and ready for planting in a permanent place.

Planting annual plants is permissible only in a greenhouse. Immature and poorly developed seedlings may not take root or have poor growth and productivity.

The seedlings must have a healthy appearance without damage or signs of disease. The branches and roots of plants should be well developed. In order to obtain high-quality planting material, it is best to purchase seedlings from a nursery. Modern technologies and growing methods make it possible to obtain healthy plants with a high survival rate. Such seedlings will require less effort and time, and the result will exceed all expectations. High-quality seedlings are less susceptible to diseases and have a high degree of productivity.

Planting is carried out in spring or autumn in fertile, slightly alkaline soil.

Tip: Spring planting should be carried out before buds open, and autumn planting before mid-October. For better pollination, it is recommended to plant several varieties at once.

Technique for growing honeysuckle

The technique of growing honeysuckle in a garden plot is quite simple, but has its own nuances depending on the chosen variety. Honeysuckle grows well in healthy fertile soil on a sunny, wind-protected side.

Sap flow in honeysuckle begins early, so it is advisable to carry out planting work in the fall. Honeysuckle grows slowly; the first harvest can be expected two years after planting. In the future, productivity will increase, remaining stable for several decades.

Honeysuckle is not very demanding when it comes to watering, so the plant needs moisture in moderation. In one season, honeysuckle is watered no more than 4 times, 10 liters per bush.

Important: Abundant watering at the beginning of summer will rid the berries of bitterness.

In the dry, dry season, the amount of watering can be increased. After watering, the soil is loosened and mulched. Young seedlings need timely weeding.

Honeysuckle responds well to sprinkling. The procedure is carried out when the growth of the bush is weak. Superphosphate, nitrogen and potassium are used as foliar fertilizers.

In the autumn, honeysuckle is fed with superphosphate, wood ash and compost. But this mixture must be used only once every 2 years, so as not to injure the roots of the plant.

Mature shrubs - from 10 years old - should regularly undergo anti-aging pruning. The procedure is carried out in the spring, removing dried and damaged branches. When pruning, decorative varieties of honeysuckle can be given the correct shape and the number of flowers can be increased.

Honeysuckle Blue spindle - variety description

Description of the honeysuckle variety Blue Spindle will be useful to those who are looking for a suitable variety for their garden plot. Since 1989, the Blue Spindle variety has been approved for cultivation in Russia.

The shrub is early ripening, vigorous - about a meter high with a sparse rounded crown. The shoots of the bush are erect with large oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are dark green in color with pointed ends.

The fruits are large - about 3 cm in length, elongated with tuberosity, blue in color with a slight waxy coating. The taste of the fruit is sweet and sour, and in the dry season with a slight bitterness. Fruiting begins in mid-June. The berries are rich in vitamin-mineral complex and have a healing effect for various diseases. The ripening of fruits is uneven, the shedding is strong.
The yield of the variety is high and depends on the age of the plant. Up to 2.5 kg of berries are harvested from one bush. The shrub has good winter hardiness and drought resistance. Not sensitive to many diseases and pests. The variety is self-sterile and requires planting of pollinating plants.

Cap honeysuckle - description

The description of capped honeysuckle is similar to other ornamental varieties, but has several differences. First of all, cap honeysuckle is distinguished by its small size. Unlike flowering vines, this type of honeysuckle is a low-growing shrub up to 30 cm. The main purpose of capped honeysuckle is landscaping the area and creating flower beds.

The shoots of dwarf honeysuckle have an arched shape and reach a width of up to 2 meters. The leaves of the bush are round, elongated, light green in color. They remain on the branches all year round, only slightly changing color. The flowers of capped honeysuckle are very fragrant, light in color with small red splashes. Flowering begins in late spring and is accompanied by a pronounced fragrant aroma.

The fruits of capped honeysuckle are inedible. They have a red-violet color with thin transparent skin.

The shrub is characterized by slow growth and ease of care. Can even tolerate shaded areas. The plant originates in China, where it is widespread in the central and western regions. Due to the beautiful appearance of the fruits and leaves, the shrub is used to create decorative compositions, flower beds and alpine gardens. Low climbing shoots create a kind of green carpet, which can be varied with flowers, shrubs or tall trees.