POLANA

Why Polana remains a gold standard in commercial berry growing

Developed at the Polish Institute of Horticulture, this everbearing variety has been a leader for commercial planting for decades. Unlike many modern novelties that require greenhouse conditions, Polana demonstrates phenomenal resilience, adapting perfectly to the climate of Eastern Europe.

Key advantages

• Technological efficiency: The plant features strong, upright canes that do not bend under the weight of the crop. This significantly reduces trellis costs and simplifies mechanical harvesting.
• Immunity: The variety shows pronounced resistance to grey mold and root rot — the major threats to raspberry plantations during high-humidity seasons.
• Versatility: The berries are firm, with a characteristic sweet flavor and a classic red color. A high dry matter content makes them ideal for freezing and processing: they do not turn into mush after thawing and retain their shape perfectly.

Fruiting features

Polana is capable of producing two harvests per season in mild climates; however, professionals often manage it in an annual cycle. Mowing the canes down completely in winter not only eliminates the risk of winterkill but also helps eradicate most overwintering pests and pathogens. Peak fruiting occurs in the second half of summer when the market faces a shortage of high-quality berries, making cultivation highly profitable.

Agronomist’s verdict

This is the choice for those who value reliability and stable yields over exotic traits. Polana is forgiving to beginners but reaches its full potential with proper irrigation and fertilization. The only nuance: consistent soil moisture control is essential to ensure berry weights of 5-7 g.