Unusual gumi berries: care and features of growing the crop

Where and how they grow

Gumi or Eleven multiflorum is a berry crop whose homeland is considered to be China, but the Japanese brought the medicinal and ornamental shrub to Russia in the mid-20s. last century. Here the plant is cultivated in the Far East, in the Altai Territory and Primorye, often called the longevity berry, miracle berry or silver cherry, which is due to both similar beneficial properties for the body and flowering characteristics.

The culture propagates in three ways:

• seed;
• layering;
• division.

The seed method is the most accessible for summer residents and amateur gardeners.

Gumi is considered a long-lived shrub. Under favorable conditions, it will bear fruit for 30 years.

Growing in the garden

For planting, choose a windless area. Swampy terrain is not suitable, but groundwater will not affect survival rate, since the fibrous roots of the shrub are located at the top layer of the earth.

Sowing work is carried out in early spring or late autumn, planting fresh seeds in open ground. The holes are made 35-50 cm deep at a distance of 20 cm from each other. The seeds are sprinkled with wood ash on top and covered with a film to protect them from frost.

For better survival, you can pre-stratify:

1. Separate the seeds from the peel and pulp.
2. Place them in a paper bag.
3. Moisturize periodically to prevent drying out.

During cold weather, the seeds are mixed with sawdust and placed in holes 25-30 cm deep, digging them out 30 days before the planned planting. The extracted seeds are placed in plastic bags with substrate and periodically moistened, after which they are planted in boxes that are kept on the windowsill until stable warm weather.

The berry crop needs watering. Annual bait is made from the following components:

• wood ash – 150 g;
• compost – 8 kg;
• double superphosphate – 30 g.

The soil is mulched. Shrubs are not pruned.

For the plant, choose neutral or slightly acidic soil. If the acidity level is excessive, it is limed.

Flowering oleaginus multiflora

Growing gumi in different regions

Gumi is a native of the East. But in recent years he has proven that he can live in the conditions of the Russian Non-Black Earth Region, in Siberia, the Baltic states and Ukraine. Let's consider the features of growing plants in different regions.

In the Moscow region and central Russia

When planting gumi on your site, you should choose the most sunny place. But even in this case, the timing of flowering and ripening of berries may be delayed by 2–3 weeks. And the young bush will begin to bear fruit a little later. But the most dangerous for it are the first frosts, when there is no snow yet. Therefore, the main task of the gardener is to cover the heat-loving plant for the winter.

In the northern regions

It is known that the multicolored oleaster manages to be cultivated even in Western Siberia, in the Tomsk region. Gumi bushes from a St. Petersburg nursery were planted there. Not all plants took root; some died after the first winter. But some specimens are alive and bearing fruit.

To preserve young gumi bushes in northern climates, some gardeners take them home for the winter

Particularly careful gardeners recommend transplanting young plants into a container in the fall and taking them into the house. At the same time, the gumi will not shed its leaves and may even bloom and bear fruit. And in the spring the bush is returned to the site. Attempts to grow gumi all year round as a houseplant have not been successful.

Video: Elf multiflora in Udmurtia

In the south of Russia and Ukraine

In warm regions, the problem of cold weather is not so acute. Although young gumi should be covered for the winter, like roses.

It is much more important to prevent the bush from dying from drought. It should be planted in partial shade so that the tree crowns provide coolness. Gumi can hardly tolerate heat and hot air. It prefers high humidity in summer. It is necessary to ensure timely and abundant watering of not only the roots, but also the crown of the plant.

Video: how gumi grows in Ukraine

In the Republic of Belarus, gumi is still a very rare plant. Nevertheless, local gardeners recommend covering it from frost in winter and protecting it from heat in summer.

What does a gumi plant look like?

The plant is a close relative of sea buckthorn, with which it is united by the oblong shape of the leaves and silvery pubescence in their lower part. The shrub reaches a height of 0.8 to 1.4 m. The length of the shoots of the pyramidal crown can be 2.5 m.

The leaves of the oleaginous multiflorum are hard, their edges are slightly raised. Depending on the time of year, the foliage changes color:

• in spring and summer it is rich green with a metallic tint;
• in autumn – bright orange.

The elongated shape of the berries is similar to dogwood. The fruits ripen unevenly, which gives the plant a decorative appeal. The weight of one berry is 1.5-2.5 g. Their peel is dense. There is a ribbed elongated bone inside.

The shallow root system is well branched and has no suckers.

The gumi plant bears fruit 3-4 years after planting. Over the years, its yield increases: a 6-year-old crop produces up to 8-9 kg of berries, a 10-year-old crop produces up to 15 kg. The berries tolerate long-term transportation well without releasing juice.

Known varieties

In the homeland of Elaeaceae multiflorum, plants are not selected. In Russia, scientists have developed 7 varieties of gumi, adapted for cultivation in harsh climates. Among them:

1. Krillon is a late winter-hardy variety that grows on Sakhalin. The pulp is juicy, sweet, aromatic. The bottom and branches of the plant are covered with speckled growths-thorns.
2. Taisa is an early frost-resistant variety bred in the Moscow region and suitable for cultivation in central Russia. The branches are weakly spread. The crown is smooth, dark brown. The leaves are glossy. The berries are sweet and sour.
3. Sakhalin first - the variety is distinguished by a spherical crown and red-brown coloring of the branches, the bottom of which is studded with thin light thorns. Leaves are matte. Sweet and sour fruits ripen early.
4. Moneron is a universal variety that is resistant to frost and pests. The fruits are slightly tart and delicately sweet.
5. Shikotan (Tsunai) – resistant to low temperatures. Rarely gets sick. It is distinguished by its barrel-shaped shape and large mass of fruits (from 1.7 to 2 g).
6. Yuzhny is a compact plant densely covered with large tart-sweet berries weighing more than 2.3 g. The yield of this viable variety is average.
7. Kunashir is a tall variety, distinguished by large berries (weight up to 2.5 g). The thorns are darker than the bark and are located at the top of the bush. The berries are sweet with a slight sourness.

The gumi variety Yagodka, bred by Donetsk breeder Vladimir Mezhensky, is also found in garden plots in Russia. The berries of the low-growing plant are sweet and sour, their weight is 1.5 g.

Diseases and pests of gumi and measures to combat them

Gumi is distinguished by excellent health and strong immunity. But still sometimes he gets sick or succumbs to pests.

Phyllosticosis (brown spot) is a fungal disease. Large brown spots appear on the leaves, then they crack, forming holes. The leaf dries out and the berries die.

Treatment consists of removing all affected shoots. Then the bush is treated with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture, copper sulfate or fungicides: Rayok, Skor, Strobi, Zato, Tercel.

Brown spot threatens not only the appearance, but also destroys the crop

In rainy summers, gumi berries can be affected by moniliosis, or gray fruit rot. This fungal disease is easier to prevent than to cure.

For prevention, in early spring and late autumn, treat the bush and the soil around it with a 2-3% Nitrafen solution. Before flowering, it is useful to spray the plant with any fungicide or 1% Bordeaux mixture. Rotten “cherries” must be removed and destroyed so that the disease does not spread further.

Gray mold is difficult to fight, it is better to prevent it

Of the pests, only aphids are terrible for gumi. This small insect settles on a plant in colonies, multiplies rapidly and can destroy the entire crop.

Now there are many drugs against aphids: Iskra, Inta-vir, Tanrek, Aktara, Commander, Aktofit. Treatment is carried out before flowering and immediately after it, before fruit sets. Berries sprayed with chemicals are allowed to be eaten only after 5–6 weeks.

Aphids are one of the rare insects that gumi is afraid of.

Composition and beneficial properties

The energy value of 100 g of gumi berries is 34 kcal, but they contain sugar, so it is not recommended to consume the product in large quantities when dieting. The chemical composition of the fruits of Elaeaceae multiflorum is distributed as follows:

The plant is rich in vitamins and essential amino acids. Their benefits to the body include the following effects:

• stimulation of brain activity;
• strengthening bone tissue;
• strengthening nail plates and hair follicles;
• cholesterol withdrawal;
• regulation of water-salt balance;
• improving the transport of oxygen in the blood.

Gumi berries improve stomach function and are a means of preventing rheumatism, tuberculosis, and diarrhea.

Benefits of berry bush

The berry has a large number of amino acids, 7 of which are simply necessary for the human body. The fruits are so healthy that they are given to children as a vitamin supplement. The berry contains 9% tannins and pectin, sugar, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as 8% ascorbic acid. Because of this, it has tonic and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it possible to use gumi fruits for cardiovascular diseases and stomach problems.

The leaves of the plant are brewed and then drunk as tea. They are rich in vitamin C and successfully treat colds. 100 grams of berries contain about 100 mg of vitamin C, which is much more than apples.

Gumi berry flavor

The bright red fruits grow on long stalks, making them easy to pick. In terms of taste and astringent properties, they are similar to persimmons. Also, the juicy sweet and sour pulp is compared to pineapple and overripe cherries.

Depending on the variety, gumi fruits can be sour and have varying degrees of sweetness.

Gumi berry leaves contain more vitamin C than black currants.

Features of the plant and photo

Gumi is a self-fertile plant. However, self-sterile forms also occur. Unlike other plants, the shrub is characterized by resistance to diseases and pests.

Growing shrubs is not only about harvesting, but also from an aesthetic point of view. The bush will become a real decoration of the site.

Despite the fact that gumi is a deciduous plant, it contains signs of evergreen. Old leaves coexist perfectly with new ones for 3 years. However, in summer the bush may shed its leaves and go dormant.

With good care, the culture grows very quickly. First, one large shoot appears, then the bush branches and, when the harvest appears, branches off to the side. Then new shoots appear. The shape of the plant is harmonious, formative pruning is not needed. The leaves are shiny and leathery, reminiscent of laurel leaves.

The bush is especially good during fruiting. The color of the berries changes from green to red. In appearance they resemble dogwoods. The shape can be cylindrical or spherical.

Picking berries is a pleasure. They do not release juice during transportation. During storage, the fruits do not dry out, but rather wither.

The root system of the bush is powerful and branched, extending beyond the boundaries of the bush. The roots are fibrous, they lie to a depth of 40 cm. The roots have nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Beginners often mistake them for root cancer and tear them off, but in vain. Without nodules, the plant will die. Growing gumi involves applying fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers are especially good; thanks to them, the fruits increase significantly.

Application

Decorative and medicinal crops are used in such areas as:

1. Gardening. Gumi saturates the soil with nitrogen, which contributes to a good harvest of planted crops.
2. Beekeeping. The honey plant attracts insects with the sweet aroma of its flowers.
3. Ethnoscience. Compresses with a decoction of gumi leaves are effective for rheumatism.
4. Landscape design. The shape and flowering characteristics of the shrub make it attractive for the design of summer cottages, alleys and city parks.

But gumi berries have gained particular popularity in cooking and canning. Sweet fruits are eaten raw, boiled and dried, added to jams, compotes, confectionery, as well as side dishes and sauces of Asian cuisine.

Gumi berry liqueur

You can make a sweet homemade liqueur based on the valuable fruits. To prepare it you will need:

• Granulated sugar – 1 kg;
• Gumi berries – 0.5 kg;
• Vodka – 2 l;
• Water – 2.5 tbsp;
• Lemon zest, cinnamon - to taste.

Cooking steps:

1. Cook sugar syrup with the addition of selected spices and herbs.
2. Pour syrup over berries. Let it cool.
3. Pour vodka into the container.
4. Close the lid tightly and infuse the drink for 3 weeks.

Strain the infused drink through cheesecloth and pour into bottles.

Benefits of Eleven multiflorum

The valuable properties of multi-flowered oleaster strengthen the body and improve the condition of many ailments. Medicinal plant:

• increases immunity and protects against viruses and colds;
• has a tonic effect and gives energy;
• reduces temperature during influenza and ARVI and eliminates general intoxication of the body;
• strengthens the cardiac system and makes the walls of blood vessels more elastic;
• reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and prevents the development of atherosclerosis;
• accelerates the healing of wounds and cuts when applied externally;
• improves digestion and intestinal motility;
• may help treat diarrhea due to its fixative properties;
• has a calming effect and relieves stress;
• helps with increased nervous excitability and insomnia;
• improves blood circulation and stimulates brain function;
• eliminates muscle pain and migraines.

Decoctions and infusions of the multifloral oleaster have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They can be used for ailments of the musculoskeletal system; the products relieve swelling and pain, and return normal mobility to joints.

Multi-flowered oleaster is used in complex treatment for intestinal parasites

Benefits of gumi berries

The beneficial properties of the berries of the gumi bush are valued most highly in folk medicine. The fruits not only have a pleasant taste, but also act on the body as a natural medicine. It is allowed to use preparations prepared from fresh or dried oleaster berries:

• for indigestion and stomach pain;
• for liver diseases and a tendency to edema;
• with poor blood circulation;
• for chronic fatigue and increased anxiety;
• for rheumatism, gout and arthritis;
• with weakened immunity;
• with parasites.

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Basically, aqueous and alcoholic compositions are prepared based on berries, requiring strictly dosed consumption. But any desserts made from the fruits of the multifloral oleaster - jams, preserves, compotes - also have beneficial properties. You can use them both for pleasure and to improve the health of the body.

How to store

Frozen berries are stored in the freezer for up to 8 months without losing their beneficial properties. They are pre-washed, dried and laid out at a distance of at least 1 cm from each other.

The dried fruits of the plant are also washed and dried, stirring frequently. You can extend their shelf life to six months by lining the bottom of the container with paper towels. The container is left in a dry and dark place.

Practical consequences of using Gumi fertilizers on the site

1. As overall yield increases, plants become hardier and more resistant to diseases and pests.
2. The content of natural sugars in the pulp of fruits and green leaves improves and increases. The aromas of dill, celery, lovage, parsley, cilantro and other herbs become subtler and more attractive.
3. The root system of plants is significantly strengthened, which is especially important for representatives of onion and garlic plants with their naturally weak roots.
4. Humates block the absorption of harmful substances by plants, leaving them out of access to the root systems of cultivated products, transforming them into an insoluble state.
5. Humus is formed even in the most depleted soils in just one season.

The line of humic fertilizers, with the Gumi base remaining unchanged, has different components:

• Salts of humic acids – from 55 to 75%.
• Phosphorus component.
• Nitrogen component.
• Alkaline earth metal component (sodium-potassium).

Where to buy, price

Berries and seedlings are sold in online stores.

The gumi berry crop is relatively young for Russia, but over a hundred years of growing it in this territory, it has found its application in many areas - from cooking to decorating city parks. Astringent sweet and sour berries replenish vitamin deficiencies and provide a number of other beneficial properties, comprehensively healing the body.