Vigorous Currant: variety description and characteristics, planting, cultivation and care
Blackcurrant is a storehouse of useful vitamins and minerals. In the people, it is often called the "northern lemon" for its high content of vitamin C. Therefore, gardeners tend to plant bushes on the site. But berries are also divided into many types. So, the largest fruits are observed in the Vigorous currant. But the variety requires careful care, and it is important to familiarize yourself with its full characteristics in advance.
History of variety selection
Currant Vigorous was bred relatively recently by Altai breeders, more specifically, by employees of the Research Institute of Horticulture of Siberia named after M.A. Lisavenko. The main role of the breeding process was assigned to L.N. Zabelina, she is also the originator of the variety.
Vigorous was created on the basis of other popular varieties: Dikovinka, Favorite of Altai, Bredtorp. This currant was entered into the state register in 2000 and recommended for cultivation in the northwestern regions of Russia.
Description and characteristics of culture Vigorous 1 and Vigorous 2
Visually, before the development of berries, currant Vigorous and Vigorous 2 are almost indistinguishable. However, the fruits of the second grade are larger, and are recognized as the largest in Russia. The weight of Vigorous berries reaches 10 grams, they are fleshy, with dense black skin. But due to their large size and pressure on them, the berries do not tolerate transportation.
Yields are at a high level and amount to 5.5-6 kilograms of berries. Vigorous has a rich currant aroma, sweet and sour taste and gives a refreshing effect. Berries completely cover all stems and easily move away from the stalks, which makes harvesting easier.
Shrub and root system
The root system of the currant is fragmented and fibrous. The average length of the roots reaches 50-60 centimeters, this should be taken into account when creating a hole for planting. The main advantage of the roots and the basal part of the trunk is that the plant is easily restored in case of mechanical damage.
The bush is compact, reaches one and a half meters in height and is distinguished by branches of medium sprawl. Thanks to the upright stems (greenish tint with a slight pink tint), more space is saved. The leaves are a rich green color and are decorated with a pattern of pink sunken veins.
All about flowering and fruiting
During flowering, currants also serve as a magical decorative addition to the garden. The flowers of the plant are medium in size, with delicate creamy pink notes.
Important! The variety is considered self-fertile and does not need additional pollination.
Currant Vigorous ripens late. Depending on the region, the appearance of ripe berries dates from July-August. The fruiting period is short, so it is important to harvest on time.
Susceptibility to diseases and insects
True hybrid resistant to many common currant diseases and pests:
- to powdery mildew;
- ryabuhe;
- bud mites.
Aphids and anthracnose are especially dangerous for Vigorous. But, as you know, the disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, starting from the flowering period, it is recommended to regularly carry out preventive examinations of the bush, and in the event of the first signs of misfortune, remove the affected parts and treat with drugs purchased at the gardening store.
Freeze and drought resistance
Currant Vigorous was bred for distribution in the northern regions, so it tolerates frost well. The maximum lower limit is minus 30 degrees, however, with proper mulching, it is possible even lower. The plant is also unpretentious to droughts, but does not tolerate stagnant moisture at the roots.
Pros and cons of currants
Main benefits of the variety:
- increased size of berries and their meatiness;
- high yield ratio;
- high rates of winter hardiness and immunity before drought;
- crop appears already in the first year of planting;
- resistance to most common diseases and pests.
Among the shortcomings noted:
- berries mostly sour in taste;
- requires careful maintenance;
- poor tolerance to wet conditions.
How to plant and grow Vigorous on the site
To grow a he althy and productive Vigorous currant, you will need to comply with the basic conditions of agricultural technology and care. Important aspects of the process are: choosing a suitable seedling, watering and pruning.
Choosing a he althy seedling
To select a he althy, strong seedling, it is recommended to be guided by the following principles:
- no damage, mold or rot on the root system of the plant;
- the trunk is young, green, with a slight woodiness, which is easily removed with a fingernail;
- twig is even, without scratches and visible damage.
Choosing the best location
Currant Vigorous does not tolerate root moisture, it provokes rot and infection, so it is recommended to choose the right landing site. It is better to give preference to small hills and hills. It is also not recommended to plant a bush in a well-ventilated area. Berries from the wind under their weight will quickly crumble.
Additionally, it is required to provide the hybrid with a sufficient amount of sunlight, so it is not recommended to plant plants near taller bushes and trees.
Soil preparation
It is advisable to fertilize the soil for future planting with humus or manure a few months before the procedure. Then, 10 days before planting the seedling, it is recommended to take care of creating a suitable pit. The hole is dug approximately 50x80 in size and 20 centimeters deep.
Important! You need to create a small drainage and fill the hole with 2-3 buckets of water to allow the earth to settle.
Terms and technology of planting bushes
You can plant Vigorous currant both in spring and autumn (in the first half of October). The main thing is that the soil temperature is at least 10 degrees. If several bushes are planned to be planted on the site, it is important to follow the planting pattern. The average distance between plants should be at least two meters. It is not recommended to plant currants next to trees and tall bushes.
Features of caring for Vigorous
Vigorous, for good yields, requires careful care. The average life expectancy of the main bouquet of trunks is from three to four years. To prolong the life of currants, it is recommended to make competent pruning of the bush from the second year.
Water and loosening
It is recommended to water currants immediately after planting every 3-4 days, 2 buckets per bush. However, this regime lasts only 2 months. Further, everything depends on weather conditions, humidity and the absorption of liquid by a separate bush.
Important! The bush treats drought better than the accumulation of water at the roots. Gardeners also recommend regularly loosening and weeding the bush. The soil under the plant needs to be kept soft and loose, this helps to better absorb water and useful elements.
Cutting
Starting from the second year, vigorous currants must be cut. It is recommended to perform the procedure in the spring, before the appearance of the kidneys. The bush needs to be formed from 3-5 strong branches, in which the upper part is cut off into 3 buds. The remaining young shoots must be removed. For 4 years, the number of shoots left can be increased to 6, and cut them to 3-4 buds.In autumn, currant pruning is required, removing old, damaged or dry branches.
Feeding
Once a year, currants need to be fertilized using mixtures based on animal manure and humus. On one bush, on average, it will take from half to a whole bucket of top dressing. It is recommended to make the introduction of useful elements in the spring, before the buds begin to swell.
Preparing for winter
Currant Vigorous belongs to frost-resistant varieties and does not need special warming. However, young shoots are recommended to be mulched and covered with covering material. This will allow them to successfully survive the winter.
Without exception, the bushes must be wrapped with a rope, moving in a spiral, but not squeezing the branches too much. The procedure will protect plants from the onslaught of winds.
Prevention from diseases and pests
For prevention purposes, a number of simple steps are required:
- Before flowering, currants are recommended to be treated with a solution of Bordeaux liquid, Karbofos or preparations of the Iskra series.
- Also, a mixture of ash and ordinary laundry soap, an infusion of yarrow or dandelion with garlic is well suited for processing.
- In addition to preventive spraying, it is required to comply with the conditions of care, weed the soil in a timely manner and get rid of diseased branches.
How to propagate a crop
You can propagate Vigorous currant in three main ways. It is impossible to single out the most convenient way or giving strong shoots. Each method is good.
Layers
One of the popular ways to propagate a bush is layering. To do this, you need to bend the branch and press it with iron staples to the ground. Sprinkle soil on top, water and fertilize like a young seedling. As soon as the shoot takes root, the branch can be transplanted.
Shanks
Pruning can be planted immediately in fertilized soil or put in water until 5 cm roots appear and planted later.
Important! When processing cuttings, it is recommended to make cuts at an angle, so they grow faster.
Dividing the bush
You can also separate one of the shoots in the fall, along with part of the root system. It is recommended to cut off the top, and insulate the roots with straw or dry leaves. You should be aware that improper division of the bush will lead to the death of both a separate shoot and a common bunch of stems.
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