Viksne currant: characteristic of the variety and care

A red currant bush should definitely grow in every summer cottage, backyard and so on. Why such a confident statement? Because it is a berry of health, it is also valued for its beautiful appearance. It is not so easy for a beginner to understand which variety to grow, because there are a great many of them. Viksne currant is the sort that you definitely cannot pass by. It is available in two versions: red, white.

Viksne currant: a short excursion into history

Viksne red currant: variety photo

The homeland of the Viksne currant variety is Latvia, the base of the Ogre fruit and vegetable station, which professionally develops currant varieties. The authors of our currant species are T. Zvyagina, A. Viksne. How the variety was bred - from the seeds of the Varshevich variety, which is characterized by an unusual color of the fruit. Our type of currant was included in the Russian State. Registered in 1997. It became allowed to grow shrubs in the northwest and in the Black Earth Region.

Viksne currant: variety description

Viksne red currant: variety photo

There are two varieties of Viksne currant: red (Viksne cherry currant, pomegranate), white. They are similar in almost all respects. They differ in color and taste of fruits. Fact - white currant is not a specific variety, it is an albino red currant.

Shrubs.

Sprawling bush, can grow up to 1-1.5 m. Shoots are gray-brown in color, thickened, erect. The buds are elongated, small, slightly deviate from the shoot.

Currant leaf is dark green in color, five-lobed, has an edge in the form of a wave. Above, the sheet is smooth and matte. The plate is straight, there is a small fluff at the bottom. The denticles are of medium size, obtuse, in the form of small towns.

The flowers are of medium size, shaped like a deep saucer. They are located on large tassels, the length of the brushes is 11-16 cm. Sepals are pale, have lilac stripes.

Fruit. Weight - 0.7-0.9 g. Round, slightly oblong, have bright streaks. The bush gives off a wonderful aroma and refreshes with its sweet-sour taste. Tasting score - 4.5 points. The pulp contains a small number of seeds. The skin of the fruit is thin but firm.

Viksne cherry currant is distinguished by its dark red color of fruits, on this basis the variety is sometimes referred to as "Pomegranate". White currant forms white-yellow berries. The rest of the signs are similar to those of pomegranate currants. Currant variety Viksne contains a large number of pectin substances, 2.4%, vitamin C, 37 mg / 100 g.

Ripe fruits do not fall off and do not deteriorate. They remain on the stalks for a long time, without losing their decorative appearance, taste and aroma. Red and white currants are removed immediately with brushes. Because when the fruit is ripped off, it can harm the skin.

Pectin substances contained in currants remove toxins and toxins from the body. Take note.

Variety traits

Viksne cherry currant: variety photo

Medium early grade. Gives a rich harvest. Frost-resistant, immune to common diseases and harmful insects.

Yield indicator, fruit ripening period.

The harvest is always generous and stable. The currant begins to bear fruit for 2-3 years after it is planted. If you plant a bush early in the autumn season, then in the summer you can see the first fruits, 2-3 kg. Flowering occurs on May days, ripening of berries - on the 15th of the second summer month.

The record number of currants is observed in the fifth or sixth year.Under good conditions, 10 kg of fruit / bush can be harvested. The average is 5-7 kg / bush. 1 hectare of plantations yields 17 tons of currants. Pretty good.

Advantages of the variety. Frost-resistant, no shelter required even on harsh frosty days. Possesses tolerance to dry periods and temperature extremes. Bears fruit regularly and in large quantities. It is immune to anthracnose. The fruits have a marketable appearance and a good, pleasant taste. Ripe berries do not crumble, they remain on the bush for a long time. Most summer residents prefer this currant variety, it becomes famous, as word of mouth always works.

Cons of the variety. The shrub can be attacked by the red-gall aphid (leaves turn red). Due to the fact that the plant ripens early, the fruit buds may freeze slightly, this will "contribute" to a decrease in the yield indicator. If the dry period lasts for a long time, and if the seedlings are not watered for a long time, the berries will be small and sour. Fresh fruits are not stored for a long time.

There are more pluses than minuses, so the variety needs to be grown on each site.

Fresh and ripe fruits have the greatest usefulness for the body, because in overripe or unripe berries, the content of vitamin C is reduced by 2 times. How to use Viksne currant. The variety is universal. Berries are eaten fresh, frozen and prepared. Since the fruits contain many pectin substances, they make excellent jam, jelly, jelly, and preserves. White currant berries make a pleasant home-made wine.

The qualities of currants at high temperature conditions are widespread. Juice is made from currants. It is not only suitable for quenching thirst, but it also lowers fever and is used against inflammation. "Viksne" is famous for the content of substances that normalize and regulate blood clotting. The variety is used to prevent heart attacks.

Viksne red currant: planting a variety

Viksne red currant: variety photo

When planting, you need to observe agrotechnical principles, regularly take care of the plants in the future, and then there will be a rich harvest for all times.

Planting dates.

It is best to plant the Viksne red currant variety early in the autumn season, in the 20th of September or in the first days of October. Until the cold times come, it should take 14-21 days for rooting and for the plants to get stronger. The temperature conditions for planting should be above +6 degrees. In spring, the shrub will delight with the first shoots, and in the second summer month, you can see the first fruits.

You can plant the variety early in the spring, but until the buds swell. The currant will grow and develop for a year. The first crop can be removed 2 years after planting. If October "pleased" with unexpected frosts, or frosty times are generally probable, then it is better to postpone the planting date for the spring season. Plants for planting must be purchased from nurseries. The seedling must have a good, strong root system, the branches must be strong, healthy, lignified. The bark may have a few cracks, detachments, this is the norm. The bush should not have young shoots and leaves. The best choice is a 2 year old plant with a healthy, lush root system.

How to choose and prepare a landing site. For good survival, active development, for a generous harvest in the future, it is necessary to make a competent choice and prepare a place for planting plants. The site should be open, exposed to the sun, without gusts of wind. Currants can grow in a semi-dark place, but it should be completely darkened. The optimal site is near fences.

A slightly moist soil, not waterlogged, is required; care must be taken to ensure that there is no stagnation of moisture. Groundwater should be located 80 cm below the surface layer of the soil.Saplings are good on lightweight, slightly acidified soils, on sandy loam or loam. Weighted clay soil will weaken the root system. The planting site should rise slightly above the plain. 2-3 months before planting, roots and weeds are removed from the planting site. The soil is dug up to a depth of 50 cm, for better moisture absorption and for air passage. If you plan to plant plants in the spring, then soil preparation should be done in the autumn season. Smoroda does not live in one place of residence for 14-15 years.

Work progress when planting currants. Before planting, the plant is exposed to inspection, pruning of bad and overdried branches. First they dig holes. Depth - 45 cm. Width - 40-45 cm. The interval between bushes is 1.5 m or more. It is logical that planting at a closer distance to each other is not optimal, because the bushes will not grow comfortably. Fertilizer is applied to each hole 2/3. Top dressing: humus, peat or compost fertilizer, 1: 2; superphosphate, 250 g, potash mixtures, 60 g, a little wood ash. Water the planting pit with 5 liters of water. Smooth out the roots, tilt the seedling at an angle of 45 degrees, plant it in the hole. Cover the bush with soil, the root collar should be 6 cm below the soil surface. Thus, the largest number of new roots will be formed. Slightly compact the soil around the circumference of the planting, irrigate with settled water. Make the shoots shorter, leave 4-5 buds on the shoots. Height - 15-20 cm above the ground. The land near the seedling needs to be mulched, this will help keep the water longer.

Agrotechnical techniques

Viksne red currant: variety photo

Although the variety is considered unpretentious, it still needs to be looked after. Watering is needed every 3-4 days, especially when the plants are bearing fruit and blooming. Watered on the trunk circle - 2-3 l / bush.

It is necessary to remove weeds in a timely manner, because it can spread aphids and clog the ground. The soil around the circumference of the plant is loosened. Loosening should be done carefully, because you can harm the roots that are not so deep.

Top dressing is applied 2 times. Until the moment when the fruits begin to ripen, in the spring or in the first days of June, the soil is fertilized with nitrogen-containing mixtures, urea or ammonium nitrate. After the currants have faded, they need to be fed with bird droppings or mullein solution. In the fall, when the soil is dug up, potassium and phosphorus must be added to it.

Mature plants do not need regular pruning. But every spring you need to cut off damaged or dry branches.

The Viksne currant variety has a sensitivity to chlorine, for this reason, chlorine-based feeding should not be applied.

Viksne currant: variety reviews

Viksne red currant: variety photo

Natalya, 30 years old, Samara: “For 3 years now, the red currant variety Viksne has been growing on my site. I sell berries and have enough for myself. Buyers love it because the fruits are very tasty and beautiful. The variety is unpretentious. The berries are large, strong, and there seem to be no seeds. Berries are dark, cherry color. The variety is low resistant to fungus and harmful insects. Every spring I do prophylaxis with a special drug against aphids. "

Ivan, 50 years old, Voronezh: “It's been 3 years since I bought the Viksne red currant variety. I liked the cherry color of the fruit and the sour taste. From them I prepare amazing compotes and juice. Harvest per bush - 5-6 kg. This year, the currants began to bloom early and for this reason they froze slightly. Tying of the hands did not happen completely, there will be few fruits ”.

Viksne currants are easy to care for, decorative and unpretentious. When plants bear fruit, red and white berries will adorn any area. Because of this, summer residents plant the Vyksna beard in the very sight of the territory.