Zmeur remontant foarte aromat - Rubus idaeus 'Zefa'

Rubus idaeus 'Zefa' is a raspberry cultivar in the Rosaceae family, renowned for its large, red berries and intense aroma. This remontant (repeat bloomer) variety produces fruit twice a year, making it ideal for fruit gardens, borders or even large pots, due to its productivity and hardiness. It is a popular choice for gardeners due to its excellent taste and versatility.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are compound, with 3-5 ovate leaflets, serrated edges, medium green, with a slightly rough texture. The foliage is deciduous, falling in winter, and forms a dense background for the fruit.
• Flowers : The flowers are small, white, with 5 petals, grouped in clusters, appearing in May-June for the first harvest and in August-September for the second. They are discreet, but attract pollinators such as bees.
• Fruits : The fruits are large, compound drupes of vibrant red color, with a firm texture and a sweet-sour, aromatic taste. They appear on the stems of the previous year (spring) and on the new ones (autumn), being suitable for fresh consumption, jams or desserts.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Reaches 1.5-2 m tall and 1-1.5 m wide, forming an erect shrub with thorny stems.
• Vigor : Fast growing, with sturdy stems that require support (trespass or fence). It is productive and vigorous.
• Type : Deciduous, remontant, evergreen shrub with double annual production.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun (6-8 hours/day) for optimal fruiting. Tolerates partial shade, but produces fewer fruits.
• Soil : Grows in fertile, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5). Add compost or well-rotted manure when planting.
• Watering : Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, especially during fruit formation. Water deeply during dry periods.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 4-8 (down to -30°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Protect roots with mulch in severe winters.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : Resistant to cold and common diseases, but can be affected by aphids or botrytis. Inspect regularly and treat with organic methods. Tolerates wind and moderate drought well.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in spring and a fertilizer high in potassium in summer for fruiting. Avoid excess nitrogen.
• Pruning : For a double harvest, cut the stems that fruited in the fall to the ground, saving the new stems for the following spring. For a single large harvest (fall), cut all stems in the spring, to 10-15 cm.
• Propagation : Propagate by root cuttings or division of the bush in spring. It can also produce new shoots from the roots.
• Warning : Thorny stems may cause scratches. The fruits are edible and safe.

Rubus idaeus 'Zefa' is ideal for fruit gardens, borders or large pots. Its red, aromatic fruits are perfect for fresh consumption, jams, juices or desserts. It combines well with other berries or low ornamental plants. It attracts pollinators, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Rubus idaeus is native to Europe and Asia. The cultivar 'Zefa', developed in Europe, is a remontant variety selected for its large fruit and high productivity, making it popular in modern horticulture.

Pot diameter: 11-15 cm (varies depending on batch and season)
Height with pot included: approx. 50-60 cm (varies depending on batch and season)

In the cold season the plants are shortened and leafless.