Blackcurrant Delicacy

In this article, we will consider black currant Delicacy. The variety was bred by domestic scientists, and this variety is able to withstand many adverse weather events. Black currant is frost-resistant, high-yielding and not demanding to care for. In addition, this culture is resistant to some diseases and pests. The berries are very pleasant to taste, aromatic, and large in size. In this article, we will consider the main characteristics of the Delicacy currant variety, breeding methods, planting and care rules.

Blackcurrant Delicacy: variety description and characteristics

Black currant Delicacy: photo of the variety

Currant Delicacy belongs to the mid-early varieties. As we noted above, this variety was bred by Russian breeders at an experimental station back in 2000. However, the variety was included in the state register after 7 years, it is recommended to grow it in the central regions of our country, as well as in the northwestern and northern regions, in the Far East.

The Blackcurrant Delicacy variety has many characteristics that you should definitely familiarize yourself with before planting a seedling in your garden. The bushes of this variety have a fairly spreading and dense crown, this shrub is classified as high, so the plant can reach one and a half meters in height. If we talk about shoots, they are usually straight and even, young branches have a green trunk, and the surface is shiny and smooth. In addition, we note that the shoots are quite thick, the color of the bark is uneven - from green to red, purple. In adult shoots, the color of the bark is brownish brown, and these branches are quite thick and elastic, shiny.

Currant bushes Delicacy have a dense crown, therefore, due to such a green mass and large shoots, currants can withstand even a gusty wind, so it is not necessary to tie up these plants. The buds of this shrub are small, oval in shape, the tip is pointed, moreover, they are slightly deflected, the buds are either pinkish or lilac in color. Apical buds are usually large, ovoid. Speaking about the foliage of this shrub, we note that the leaf plates are always five-lobed, medium and large in size. The surface on them is shiny, dark green, slightly wrinkled. Veins are formed on the upper and lower parts, with a noticeable omission. In the center, the leaf plates are concave along the veins. However, they are usually unpainted. In the middle, the foliage is large, ovoid, concave, rather sharp. On the sides, the blades are rather short. But they are oval in shape, the tops look out in different directions.

If we talk about the base of the leaf blades, then it looks like a heart, while the depressions are deep or medium. This variety has a funnel-shaped concavity. Therefore, sometimes the impression is made of a special orientation of the base and lateral blades. On the edges of the leaf blades, teeth are noticeable, which are not very long, but quite clear. They usually have an angle of 60 degrees, the petioles are thick, green in color, and curved or straight in shape.

Speaking of flowers, we note that in the black currant Delicacy, they are small, goblet in shape, and pinkish in color. The petals are also oblong, slightly inclined in relation to the pistils. The stigma is higher than the anthers. The ovaries are usually uncolored, smooth, uncovered.The brushes are long, usually no more than 8 berries are formed on them, while the central part of the brush is thin, green in color, and the petioles are medium or short. If we talk about the length of the stalks, then it is above average, we also note that the stalks are also thick.

Description of currant berries Delicacy

The berries of the Blackcurrant Delicacy variety are quite large, they reach 1 cm in diameter. In color, of course, the fruits are black, but in shape they are slightly oval, round, while the surface is shiny. The inside of the fruit contains a lot of small seeds, however, when eating this product, they are not felt. The cups of the fruits are small, however, there are also wide ones. They are classified as falling or semi-falling. To taste, berries of currant Delicacy are very tender, sweet and sour, aromatic. According to tasting ratings, the berries occupy a leading position among other varieties. Despite the fact that the flesh of these berries is quite juicy, the skin is dense. Currants contain carbohydrates, proteins, fats, as well as a huge amount of ascorbic acid, so 100 g of the product can be found almost 0.18 mg of vitamin C.

Blackcurrant Delicacy: variety features

Blackcurrant variety Delicacy refers to early maturing, average self-fertility. The culture is quite hardy to various adverse events, for example, to low temperatures. If we talk about resistance to certain diseases and pests, then it should be noted that plants are practically not affected by powdery mildew, foliage spotting is absent. It is these characteristics that attract both novice gardeners and more experienced colleagues. Let's talk in more detail about drought resistance, frost resistance. As we noted earlier, this currant copes well with low temperatures, therefore, without shelter, this currant is grown in many regions of our country. However, if in winter the air temperature drops to minus 35 degrees, then the bushes still need to be insulated. That is why pay special attention to care. So, this culture is successfully grown in many regions of our country, in particular, in the harsh Siberian conditions. But this culture is practically not susceptible to return frosts in the spring.

Drought resistance in black currant Delicacy is at an average level, therefore it is necessary to water the plants in a timely manner, if moisture is lacking for the bush, then it will grow and develop poorly. However, waterlogging also negatively affects plants. Speaking about productivity, we note that this variety is early maturing. In addition, the bush always yields fruit in abundance. So, up to 12 kg of ripe berries are harvested from one bush. Often this variety is grown in industrial gardens, while farmers harvest almost 200 centners of fruit from one hectare. We especially note that the berries are formed on the plant from the age of two. At the same time, the culture begins to bear fruit early enough, in July, and the berries ripen until the beginning of August. The color of black currant berries is a rich black delicacy. During harvesting, the berries are remarkably detached from the branches. Due to the dense skin of the berries, they do not lose their appearance during transportation. The fruit taste is also excellent. They do not deteriorate for a long time and do not crumble during various adverse weather events. Moreover, we note that both in July and in August, the large-fruited fruits are good, and the berries are also not baked in the sun, therefore, both marketable and taste qualities are high.

As we indicated earlier, the Delicacy currant variety is popular with both farmers and gardeners. From these berries you can make jam, preserves, juice, jelly, compote. Housewives often form fillings for pies and pies from these fruits. You can try canning currants, making liqueur or wine. These berries are successfully frozen and dried.In winter they become especially tasty. The berries are well stored and perfectly transported over long distances. Harvest in dry weather if you want the fruit to last as long as possible. Black currant berries Delicacy are recommended to be laid out in one layer after washing, it is best to store the currants in some cool place, while the sun's rays should not penetrate into the room.

Reproduction

Blackcurrant Delicacy can be propagated by different methods.

Talking about grafting, we note that it is best for this to choose healthy shoots about 20 cm long, and separate from the mother bush in the fall. This is best done with a disinfected pruner. Do not forget that at least two places with buds should remain on one such cutting. In this case, the foliage will need to be removed. These shoots are planted in open ground at an acute angle. Moreover, they normally take root, therefore, this method of reproduction is used by gardeners successfully. However, we note that grafting can be done in the spring, but remember that without watering, the processes can dry out, so it is imperative to moisten the soil, but in this case you should not overdo it.

The next breeding method that many gardeners practice is called layering... This method is believed to be successful as well. Layers take root normally. This event can be carried out both in spring and autumn. To root the shoots, you need to choose annual branches, while they must be healthy, grow from the outside of the bush. Gardeners lay them in a kind of ditches, fixing them with hairpins. The trenches should be about 5 cm deep. Do not forget to water the circle near the trunk. When the shoots in a new place release twigs, they can be separated from the mother bush, but it is recommended to do this in the fall, when the sap flow stops. You can and simply divide the bush in the process of transplanting or rejuvenating the plant. At the same time, the seedlings must be earthed, the earth is poured twice during the season. Do not forget that the shrub needs a lot of moisture to develop, so the soil must be well moistened. The bushes are usually divided in September, immediately replanting to a new, permanent habitat. Sometimes black currants are propagated with the help of seeds, however, young shrubs will not inherit distinctive varietal characteristics, so this propagation method is not considered very popular.

Blackcurrant Delicacy: planting

Black currant Delicacy: photo of the variety

Before planting Delicacy currant bushes, be sure to choose the right place. If we talk about time, then we note that it is best to plant black currants in open ground either late in the fall or early in the spring, after the snow has melted. The planting material must necessarily be good, namely, healthy and strong. Each seedling must have at least three branches, and make sure that the root system is well developed and healthy, and the roots are light. If you want to treat the plant for the prevention of any diseases, then use a pinkish solution of potassium permanganate. The places for planting this plant must be well lit, due to the fact that black currants love the sun. However, you can plant seedlings in partial shade. You can prepare plants for planting in advance. It is also recommended to remove all weeds from the site, it is best to periodically dig up the site, apply fertilizers there. For these purposes, organic matter is suitable, for example, bird droppings, manure.

If we talk about the soil, then it must necessarily be loose, light and fertile. In areas with high acidity, currants also do not grow. Speaking about the type of soil, we note that Blackcurrant Delicacy loves sandy loam, loamy soils.At the same time, the site should not be swampy, therefore, groundwater should lie deeply relative to the earth's surface. It is best to plant a shrub on a hill, often gardeners lay drainage at the bottom of the planting pit so that moisture does not stagnate in the roots. If you plant black currants in some darkened place, then the berries can grind, acquire an unusual color, moreover, over time, under such conditions, the taste of the fruit will not be pronounced, sourish. At the same time, the yield will also decrease. Planting a seedling in a hole is easy. The planting pit should be about half a meter deep, up to 60 cm wide. The distance from each other at the landings should be about 1.5 m. This rule also applies to the rows. It is believed that this shrub needs 2 m in radius for ideal nutrition.

As we indicated earlier, some gardeners lay drainage at the bottom of the planting pit, then fill in potash, phosphorus fertilizing, as well as humus, superphosphate, and other complex mineral fertilizers. It is important to note that the roots of the seedling should not come into direct contact with the top dressing, so mix the fertilizer thoroughly with the soil. It is best to dig the seedling into the holes at an angle, sprinkle the roots well with earth and tamp the trunk circle. One seedling for irrigation requires about half a bucket of water. When you finally understand the planting, mulch the trunk circle with peat, rotted manure, humus. A small note, it is best to use rainwater for irrigation, as well as well-settled water.

Blackcurrant Delicacy: care

In order for the yield of blackcurrant Delicacy to be high, and all varietal characteristics to be preserved, it is necessary to use correct agronomic techniques. Speaking of watering, we note that it is necessary to moisten the ground as needed. So, in a dry hot summer, currants are recommended to be watered every other day. If there is not enough moisture, the plant will develop more slowly. During the ripening of the berries, it is recommended to stop watering altogether. In this case, usually one shrub accounts for one liter of water. If the summer is dry, then you can water the plants even twice, it is better to do this early in the morning and late in the evening. Top dressing is applied no more than once a month. For this, urea, superphosphate, and other mineral and organic fertilizers are used. It is advisable to use liquid top dressing, in view of the fact that in this form of the mixture it is better to reach the roots.

The shrub also needs to be pruned regularly. This is done in early spring or late autumn. The plant needs a shaping, rejuvenating haircut, as well as sanitary pruning. It is best to remove all diseased, damaged branches, shoots that are strongly curved, grow at the very surface of the soil, it is also best to cut off. If you cannot decide how many branches are best to leave, proceed with the following rule. An adult bush should have about 15 shoots, moreover, of different ages. Often the bark of the seedling is damaged by rodents, so you remove the weeds from the trunk circle in time, make sure that there is no waste or debris on the garden plot.

In winter, it is best to wrap up the Delicacy currant bushes, insulate them with snow. Gardeners recommend trampling snow on the trunk circle, so that rodents do not build passages for themselves next to the bushes. Due to the fact that this bush is considered to be quite powerful and stable, it is not necessary to tie it up. Preparation for wintering is not particularly required. In the southern and some central regions of our country, shrubs do not even insulate, however, if your region has a very harsh winter, it is best to insulate the shrubs. In late autumn, it is recommended to remove all the foliage from the site, and dig up and shed the soil around the plants. It is best to mulch the surface of the earth.Branches of currant Delicacy are tied in bunches, placed on the surface of the soil, reinforced with stones and other heavy materials. From above, you can insulate the plants with agrofibre, after the snow falls, be sure to adjust it to the plant. So, it will be easier for the currants to winter.

Diseases and pests

Blackcurrant Delicacy is quite resistant to certain diseases, for example, powdery mildew and spotting are not terrible for this plant, the kidney mite is also not a frequent visitor to the garden plot. Despite this, do not forget to carefully examine the bushes in order to notice the defeat in time. If you see any signs of disease, pests, then you need to take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the infection will spread not just to other shoots, foliage, black currant fruits, but also to other crops, due to the fact that fruit usually suffer from similar ailments. Gardeners often use onion infusion to get rid of any pests. Although in any center, specialized store, you can always find the appropriate drug that will help you get rid of certain diseases and pests. Often, the crown of a currant delicacy plant is treated with a liquid, fungicides. All drugs are usually pre-dissolved in water. In this case, be sure to monitor the concentration of substances, observe the required dosage.

Conclusion

Blackcurrant Delicacy, as noted by many gardeners, is a wonderful variety. He has a high yield, excellent taste and marketability of fruits, berries are always very sweet and aromatic, and large. Resistance to diseases and pests, frost resistance of these plants are high. Of the shortcomings, low self-fertility is noted, however, due to the fact that many black currant bushes usually grow on the site, this is not a noticeable disadvantage. If we talk about the rules for caring for a plant, then they are quite simple. The shrub must be watered, inspected, pruned and processed on time. As you noticed, agronomic techniques are not much different from recommendations for caring for other fruit trees and shrubs. It is just as easy to propagate this variety of black currants. For all these positive characteristics, they love this variety of currants.

Black currant Delicacy: reviews of gardeners about the variety

• Anastasia Grigorievna, Lipetsk region: “Delicacy currant variety is a pleasure to grow. The variety bears fruit abundantly, and the frost resistance is very high. Currant berries Delicacy look very attractive, and they taste wonderful. As a nice bonus, they can be transported over long distances. "
• Sergey Vasilievich, Moscow obalst: “The black currant variety Delicacy is certainly good, it is easy and simple to grow. However, speaking about self-fertility, I will note that it is low, this is naturally attributed to disadvantages. Blackcurrant Delicacy needs additional pollinators for high and stable yields. We had to plant additional varieties nearby, although soon the yield and taste of the Delicates currant compensated for all the inconveniences ”.