Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) MAGNAT

The Magnat raspberry is a popular variety, especially for the size of the fruit, which will be loved by fruit enthusiasts, but also by pastry chefs and dessert decorators. Magnat is of Polish origin and boasts really interesting characteristics. It is the result of cross-breeding, where the emphasis has been placed on higher quality fruit, resistance to diseases and pests, as well as adaptation to different climatic conditions. It bears on annual shoots, puts out long branches with dense fine prickles and produces large leaves. Already at first sight it is interesting. In the context of dessert fruit, it can be an ideal example of a tasty and visually pleasing fruit. If planting several, the ideal and minimum spacing is 40 cm. When budding after winter dormancy, the plant will appreciate fertilisation with a multi-component nitrogen fertiliser. 

Magnat raspberries are large to very large, cone-shaped and weigh around 7,5 to 12 grams. Compared with other varieties, they are characterised by their distinctive shine and fullness. They have a deep deep red colour which remains attractive even after harvesting. Many sources praise the fruit for its post-harvest durability, its resistance to handling and, therefore, its usefulness for transporting commercial produce and for sale. The fruit is very sweet with subtle acidic notes. This is a good combination when eaten straight from the bush fresh without further processing and flavour tuning. The sweetness of the fruit is listed at 12-13 Brix%.

The Magnat raspberry is also known for its good resistance to mildew and other fungal diseases, which is a great benefit to small and commercial growers. It also has good frost resistance, making it a suitable variety for colder climates as well. The plant benefits from regular watering and, on the contrary, overwatering and waterlogging are detrimental. It is not recommended to water the plants heavily before harvesting. It is the dryness that makes the raspberries more separable from the white interior remaining on the plant during harvesting.

The Magnat raspberry variety is an attractive choice for gardeners looking for a hardy and prolific variety with tasty and large fruit. It suits and thrives in a variety of areas. The Magnat raspberry produces in early August. The fruit ripens a few days earlier than Polka, although Magnat is also listed as a double-bearing variety in several places. It produces abundant yields in a small area. It is easy to grow because of its resistance to disease and adverse conditions. This makes Magnat a suitable choice for amateur gardeners and professionals alike. Magnat is excellent not only for eating fresh, but also for making jams, syrups or freezing, thanks to its firm texture and intense flavour.