Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) METEOR

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) 'Meteor' (Метеор)

Very early Russian variety with excellent sweet taste.

'Meteor' is a legendary Russian raspberry variety that remains popular even after decades. It is valued primarily for its very early ripening (end of June), allowing harvest at the very beginning of the season. It stands out for its dessert taste, almost thornless shoots, and universal usage.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extremely early ripening (late June).
• Excellent sweet taste and strong raspberry aroma.
• Almost thornless shoots (easy harvesting).
• High frost resistance.
• Good fruit transportability.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Institution: Kokino Support Point VSTISP (author Academician I. V. Kazakov)
• Parentage: 'Novost Kuzmina' × 'Kostinbrodskaya'
• Registration: 1993 (in testing since 1979)

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Strong, tall (1.8 – 2.0 m). Requires support (drooping tips).
• Shoots: Strong, almost thornless (thorns are small and soft).
• Suckering: Forms a large number of root suckers (easy propagation, regulation needed).

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium size, averaging 2.7 – 3.0 g (max. 5 g).
• Shape and Color: Round-conical, rich ruby color with shine.
• Taste: Excellent, dessert quality, sweet with distinct aroma.
• Flesh: Dense and elastic.
• Usage: Universal – fresh consumption, market, processing, freezing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Climate: High frost resistance. Not drought resistant (requires moisture).
• Disease resistance: Good against fungal diseases. Moderately susceptible to leaf spot and some pests.

Harvest and Storage

• Ripening time: Very early (late June). Harvest is uniform.
• Type: Primarily summer bearing (may slightly remontant in warmth).
• Yield: High (approx. 2 kg per bush). Fruits are well transportable.