Blackcurrant Hercules: variety description and characteristics, planting and care with photo

Blackcurrant Hercules is actively grown almost everywhere. This fruit and berry crop is characterized by a high level of frost resistance; it can often be found in Siberia. In addition, the plant is positioned as a large-fruited and consistently yielding crop. For its cultivation to be successful, you need to know what planting rules you need to follow, and what kind of care is needed in the future.

History of Hercules currant breeding

Heracles, as this blackcurrant is also called, was bred on the basis of the mountain gardening department of the M.A. Lisavenko.Plotnocystnaya and a seedling from free pollination of a selective form of the Siberian subspecies from the river were taken as a parent pair. Ilgumen. L. N. Zabelina worked on the creation of a new promising variety. Blackcurrant Hercules was entered in the State Register in 2000.

Main advantages and disadvantages

In general, blackcurrant Hercules has proven itself exclusively on the positive side. It is valued in regions with both harsh and warm climates.

The sugar content of Hercules blackcurrant is 8.7%, and the acidity is 2.2%. The percentage of ascorbic acid in fruits is 1.7%, and dry soluble substances - 18.4%.

The list of Hercules blackcurrant benefits includes:

• high productivity;
• stability of fruiting;
• large berry sizes;
• good fruit keeping quality;
• currant is not afraid of transportation over long distances;
• high degree of winter hardiness;
• increased immunity to fungal infections;
• flowers are resistant to spring frosts;
• no need for additional pollination;
• not picky about growing conditions.

Of the shortcomings of blackcurrant Hercules, only a low level of resistance to damage by a kidney mite is distinguished. But it is quite possible to solve this problem through regular surface treatments (in early spring and late autumn) and digging the ground near the bush.

Blackcurrant Hercules is great for beginner gardeners and for growing in large farms. Harvesting is possible through automated equipment.

Description and characteristics of the variety

To achieve high results, it is necessary to become more familiar with the main varietal characteristics of Hercules blackcurrant.

Region and climate suitable for growing

Since Hercules blackcurrant has sufficient frost resistance, it can be planted everywhere. It takes root well both in Siberia and in warm regions.

Resistant to low temperatures and drought

Blackcurrant Hercules is able to winter even without additional shelter in the gardens of Siberia. Return frosts are not terrible for flowers or buds. A short-term drought is not so painfully perceived by the Hercules blackcurrant as by other types of fruit crops. But it is not recommended to allow a prolonged moisture deficit - irrigation measures should be regular and plentiful during the dry season.

Susceptibility to diseases and parasites

Blackcurrant Hercules has a sufficient level of resistance to anthracnose and septoria. It is necessary to protect the plant with the help of preventive treatments, mainly from the bud mite.

All about flowering and crop yields

Blackcurrant Hercules belongs to late-ripening varieties, the flowers are formed of medium size and have a beige-pink hue. The fruits are tied without additional pollination, but to increase productivity, it is recommended to plant near a variety with a similar flowering period. The yield from one bush is up to 4 kilograms, and from one hectare it is possible to collect over 11 tons of fruits with a dessert taste and pronounced aroma.

What are the benefits of shrub fruits

Hercules blackcurrant berries are not only distinguished by high consumer qualities, they also contain iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and potassium. In addition, the fruits are rich in vitamins B, A, C, E, P, K, they also contain tannins, carotene, pectins.Given such a set of useful components, we can say: Hercules blackcurrant is a healing plant. In folk medicine, twigs and leaves are also used to prepare decoctions.

Rules for growing black currants

Adhering to a certain planting algorithm, it is possible to initially create favorable conditions for growth and development for Hercules blackcurrant.

Determine the timing of disembarkation

Planting work on blackcurrant Hercules is more expedient to produce in the first half of September. In warm weather, seedlings can be planted in a permanent place in October. If weather conditions do not allow planting young plants, then they can be dug in for the winter.

Selection and preparation of land

Planting blackcurrant bushes Hercules is effective if you choose a well-lit clearing, with not close groundwater, from 1.5-2 meters. In addition, the site must be protected from through winds and not located in a lowland where cold air collects.

If the acidity level is too high at the planting site, it is recommended to moisten the soil once with milk of lime. In case of excessive soil moisture, it is necessary to lay a drainage pad made of expanded clay, broken bricks on the bottom to protect Hercules blackcurrant from putrefactive processes on the root system.

How to choose a he althy and strong seedling

A suitable option for planting material is biennial plants with 2-3 shoots, without leaves and buds. The roots should not show signs of disease, traces of rot, various kinds of damage. It should be a well-developed yellow-brown root system with 3-5 skeletal roots. The length of the underground part should be 15-20 centimeters.

Technological process of planting

To properly plant a Hercules blackcurrant seedling, the following procedure should be followed:

1. Dig a hole 30-40 centimeters deep. It is better to prepare the landing nest in advance so that the soil has time to settle.
2. Lay drainage at the bottom, and on top of it - rotted manure or compost. The use of wood ash in this case is ineffective - it is quickly washed out of the soil.
3. Pour a bucket of water into the hole and wait until it is absorbed.
4. Lay the seedling at an angle of 45 degrees, to a depth of 5-10 centimeters; branches are cut to 1/3 of the entire length.
5. Sprinkle the roots with soil and water.

To preserve moisture in the soil, the soil under the bush is mulched with rotted sawdust, grass, peat.

Features of plant care

In order for the planted sprout of blackcurrant Hercules to quickly adapt and grow, it is necessary to regularly moisten the soil, loosen it, and prune it. Such care is also needed for adult bushes.

Irrigation

Given the superficial location of the root system of the Hercules blackcurrant, irrigation activities are especially important for her. Abundant watering is required at the stage of ovary formation - in June, as well as in the fruiting phase - in July-August. Do not forget about moistening the soil under the bushes and after harvesting - in August-September.

The frequency of procedures is 2-3 times a week, with a consumption of 10 liters of water per planting. The optimal time for irrigation is morning and evening hours.

Fertilization

Black currants need top dressing in spring, summer and autumn. Organics and mineral complex mixtures are used for these purposes. High-nitrogen formulations are required for Hercules blackcurrant bushes in spring, while organic fertilizers are best applied in summer.

In the autumn, when the crop is already harvested, superphosphate and potassium chloride are added to the soil, diluting them in water according to the manufacturer's instructions during irrigation.

Loosening and mulching beds

Hercules blackcurrant bushes require soil with good moisture and air permeability. Compacted soil does not allow the full development of both the underground and aboveground parts of the shrub, which provokes a decrease in its productivity. Loosening should be done carefully so as not to injure the roots. Compost, peat, grass cuttings are used as mulch.

Cutting rules

Hercules blackcurrant bushes are erect, tall and need to be pruned every year to reduce the chance of contracting diseases and increase the strain's performance.

Sanitary

Pruning is performed mainly in autumn, removing all incapacitated branches. Also cut out unripe shoots that have undergone deformation, growing in the center or intertwined. If there are branches damaged by the disease, they are removed, as well as those that are on the ground.

Formation of bushes

Young blackcurrant Hercules with annual shoots is formed immediately after planting in the ground. Cut off all branches, leaving stumps no more than 5 centimeters high. This technique allows you to stimulate the growth of new shoots. During the summer season, 3-4 new shoots are formed, they should not be touched in the fall.

In the second year, blackcurrant bushes begin to bear fruit and form zero powerful shoots. In the fall, strong specimens are selected from them, and the rest are removed. Cut he althy twigs can be used as cuttings. And only from the third year it is necessary to rid the bush of three old branches, they can be identified by the dark color of the bark.

Spring pruning

After winter, it is necessary to inspect the Hercules blackcurrant and, if frozen, incapacitated twigs are identified, prune them. During this period, you can cut already fruiting branches that were not removed in the fall.

Summer pinching

This manipulation is recommended in early August. Pinching is used only for young shoots, which, due to the intensive growth rate, are able to greatly thicken the bush. But first, the plants should be fertilized, watered and mulched.

Shelter for the winter

First of all, you need to bend the blackcurrant shoots to the ground, grouping them in 3-5 pieces. And a wooden shield is laid on top. It is recommended to tilt the branches in the direction of growth, otherwise they may be damaged. The soil around the bush must be mulched with sawdust, fallen leaves, compost. Also, blackcurrant is covered with agrofiber or spruce branches, during a snowless winter.

Preventive treatment

To prevent the development of diseases, blackcurrant bushes are recommended to be treated with a working solution based on Topaz (6 milliliters per 10 liters of water) or Horus, at the rate of 12 grams per 10 liters of water.It is possible to prevent the appearance of pests on the bushes through the use of Confidor maxi, taking into account the use of 1 gram per 10 liters of liquid.

Reviews of gardeners about the variety

Fans of plant growing about Hercules blackcurrant are mostly positive.

Sergey, 63, Moscow

“I planted the variety on my plot two years ago. I have already noticed its high productivity and resistance to low temperatures.”

Anastasia, 45, Nizhny Novgorod

“Hercules purchased in a nursery, planted in a well-lit meadow, the berries grow sweet and large. I did not notice any shortcomings.”

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