Blackberry - "Loch ness" – Rubus

**Blackberry - "Loch Ness" – Rubus Variety Description**

The "Loch Ness" blackberry is a particularly popular and recognized variety belonging to the Rubus genus. This blackberry variety stands out due to its exceptional flavor, high yield, and excellent versatility.

**Growth Characteristics:**
The "Loch Ness" blackberry is a medium to large-growing plant, typically reaching a height of 1.5 to 2 meters. The canes are strong and well-branched, ensuring the stability of the plant. The leaves are dark green and shiny, giving the plant an attractive appearance. The "Loch Ness" blackberry is thornless or minimally thorny, which makes harvesting easier, as the fruits are easily accessible.

**Fruit Characteristics:**
The fruits of the "Loch Ness" blackberry are large, juicy, and delicious. The berries are deep black in color and exhibit a glossy appearance when ripe. Their taste is sweet, with a rich aroma, making the blackberry an excellent choice for fresh consumption as well as for processing into jams, syrups, or desserts. Ripe berries typically weigh between 4 and 6 grams and are ideal for fresh eating, as they retain their shape and flavor well.

**Cultivation Requirements:**
The "Loch Ness" blackberry is a sun-loving plant, therefore it thrives best in sunny, well-ventilated locations. The soil should be rich in nutrients and well-draining. Loose, sandy, or loamy soils are ideal for the plant, as they promote root development. Regular watering and nutrient supply are also necessary to maintain the health of the blackberry and ensure abundant yields.

**Harvesting:**
Harvesting typically occurs during the summer months, between June and August. The ripeness of the berries can be determined by their color and taste; the sweetest fruits are usually deep black and properly ripe. Careful picking of the fruits helps minimize damage, as blackberries are particularly sensitive to mechanical impacts.

**Favorable Properties:**
The "Loch Ness" blackberry is especially resistant to diseases and pests, which reduces the need for chemical treatments. The average yield is 5-8 tons per hectare, making it an economical solution for fruit growers.

Overall, the "Loch Ness" blackberry is an excellent choice for any fruit grower looking to cultivate delicious, beautiful, and easy-to-handle fruits.