Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) HELKAL

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) 'Helkal'

Proven Estonian yellow variety for the harshest conditions.

'Helkal' is a traditional Estonian yellow raspberry variety bred at the Polli Horticultural Research Centre. It is popular in Nordic countries for its reliability, good frost resistance, and high-quality fruits. Thanks to its resilience, it is an ideal choice even for the harshest climatic conditions.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Large orange-yellow fruits (approx. 3.5 g).
• Good to very good taste.
• High frost resistance (suitable for harsh conditions).
• Good resistance to cane dieback.
• Fruits are resistant to dropping.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Estonia
• Institution: Polli Horticultural Research Centre (author J. Parksepp)
• Parentage: ('Golden Queen' × 'Spirina belaja') × 'Novost Kuzmina'
• Registration: 1989 (in recommended assortment)

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Medium strong, upright.
• Shoots: Light brown with drooping tips.
• Thorns: Thorns are densely located at the bottom of the shoots.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, averaging 3.5 g.
• Shape and Color: Blunt-conical, orange-yellow color.
• Taste: Good to very good.
• Properties: Drupelets are firmly connected, fruits do not drop.

Resistance and Requirements

• Climate: Good frost resistance.
• Disease resistance: Good resistance to cane dieback, satisfactory resistance to anthracnose.

Harvest and Storage

• Ripening time: Mid-early.
• Type: Summer bearing (once a year).
• Yield: Medium.