Description of the best varieties of currants for the Moscow region and the subtleties of growing

A large crop of currants can be obtained by growing varieties suitable for a particular region. Among the wide variety of currants, a number of the best varieties for the Moscow region are distinguished, demonstrating good yields and an unusual taste.

Climatic features of the region

The main territory of the Moscow region is dominated by a temperate continental climate. Winters in the region are mild and not too frosty, while summers are warm and not dry. On the territory of the southern regions, sod-podzolic and medium loamy soil is widespread, which favorably affects the growth and development of currant bushes.

The best varieties of black currant for the Moscow region

When choosing suitable varieties of berries, several parameters must be taken into account, including ripening time, duration of fruiting, taste characteristics, resistance to external factors. In each of the categories, you can find the best varieties that bring a good harvest.

Classification of varieties by maturity

Different varieties produce a harvest over a certain period, which varies from 40 to 65 days. The choice should be made depending on the timing of disembarkation and climatic conditions.

Early cultures

Early ripe currants ripen in 40 days and bear fruit within several weeks, so the harvest is carried out several times per season. The most common early varieties include:

1. The little Prince. The variety is distinguished by a small height of bushes, a dense arrangement of fruits and friendly fruiting. Ripe berries acquire a rich bright shade, have a thin skin and a sweet and sour aftertaste.
2. Selechenskaya. The variety brings 4-5 kg ​​of yield per plant. A pronounced feature is the elongated clusters, on which 12-16 berries are formed. The bushes are spreading and require fixation on supports.

Mid-season

It is recommended to plant berries with an average ripening period in the southern regions of the Moscow region in order to have time to harvest the entire crop before the onset of the first frost. Among professional gardeners, the following varieties are in demand:

1. Fidelity. The fruits ripen by mid-summer. The berries are large, weighing 3-5 g, with a sweet taste.The bushes are slightly spreading, of medium height, resistant to frost, infections and pest attacks.
2. Dobrynya. The variety requires careful maintenance - tying and crown formation. The yield indicator is 1.6-2.4 kg per plant. Currants are resistant to the negative effects of kidney mites and powdery mildew.

Mid late

Middle-late ripening varieties accumulate a large number of useful components during the warm period. In this category, such varieties have gained popularity as:

1. Venus. A productive variety, producing 3-4 kg per bush. The berries are one-dimensional, large, black, weighing 3-5 g. Ripe fruits are tasty and sweet.
2. Pearl. The variety yields round, slightly ribbed berries weighing 4-6 g. Currant Pearl has a universal purpose, suitable for transportation and long-term storage.
3. Oryol waltz. Black currant with soft skin and sweet flavor grows on low bushes. The ripening of the crop is uneven.

Late varieties

Late-ripening varieties ripen closer to autumn. It is recommended to grow these varieties in conditions of a long warm period. Common late-ripening varieties include:

1. Bagheera. The main advantages of the Bagheera currant are a large harvest, berries of the same size with dense pulp, resistance to frost and temperature extremes.
2. Vologda. The bushes are medium-sized, highly spreading. The Vologda variety brings a high yield regardless of the presence of pollinators. The berries are large, weighing about 2 g. From one plant it is possible to collect up to 4 kg of yield.
3. Pygmy. The variety bears fruit once a season, the berries ripen in turn. This variety brings a large harvest, subject to the standard rules of agricultural technology. Late currant Pygmy is suitable for fresh consumption, conservation, freezing and long-term storage.

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New varieties

Breeders are constantly discovering new varieties of currants that receive improved qualities. Among the recent discoveries it is worth highlighting:

1. The dark woman. A type of medium ripening period with tall bushes and elongated clusters. The berries weigh about 1 g, round-oval, thin skin and sweet and sour taste.
2. Sudarushka. A variety for dessert purposes with an average ripening period. Fruits are large, round in shape, weighing up to 4.5 g. The yield indicator reaches 9 kg per plant.

Sweet varieties

For fresh consumption and use in the preparation of desserts, it is worth picking up sweet varieties of currants. The list of high sugar varieties includes the following:

1. Green haze. The sugar content of the currant reaches 12%. The bushes are medium-sized, slightly spreading. Fruits are round, deep black in color with a shiny skin. Plants are able to undergo frost without loss of flavor characteristics.
2. Nina. A mid-early variety with abundant fruiting and a sugar content of 11%. Plants are low, spreading, with a large number of basal stepchildren. The berries are large, flat-round, one-dimensional.

Large-fruited currant varieties

Black currant varieties with large berries for the Moscow region have quickly won the recognition of experienced gardeners. Large-fruited varieties can be planted in suburban areas or on an industrial scale. In this category, the following types are especially in demand:

1. Vigorous. This variety has an average ripening period and is suitable for universal use. The weight of each berry is from 3 to 8 g. The fruits are non-uniform, the yield indicator is about 6 kg per bush.
2. Selechenskaya-2. A versatile variety resistant to most common diseases. Fruiting begins in early July. Up to 5 kg of berries can be harvested from one plant.

The most productive

The yield indicator is one of the key requirements when choosing a variety for planting on the site. Based on the results of long-term cultivation of various species in the Moscow region, it was possible to identify the most productive. These include:

1. Harmony. Large berries weighing from 3 g have a shiny surface and medium-density pulp. Under favorable environmental conditions and proper care, the yield is more than 5 kg per bush.
2. Favorite. Black currant with medium-sized bushes, abundant foliage and stable yield. Ball-shaped fruits are valued for their juicy pulp, pronounced aroma and sweet taste.

Disease and Pest Resistant

Planting currant bushes that are resistant to infection and insects greatly simplifies care. Plants do not need constant spraying with protective agents and are capable of producing crops for many years. The most popular varieties resistant to damage are:

1. Binar. Medium early variety suitable for planting throughout the Moscow region. Bushes are tall, not thickened, slightly spreading. The berries are round in shape, rich in color, with a sour taste. Variety Binar is protected from attack by pests such as glassworm and kidney mites.
2. Summer resident. An unpretentious variety that does not require constant maintenance to get a good harvest. The fruits are large and sweet, with a light aroma and thin skin. Currant Summer resident is resistant to major diseases, including powdery mildew.

Planting currants in the Moscow region

When planting berries in the Moscow region, one should take into account the specifics of climatic conditions, the type of soil and many other third-party factors. It is also important to observe the optimal timing for transplanting the prepared seedlings into the ground, so that they have time to take root and bring a crop during the warm period.

Terms: when is it better to plant currants - in spring or autumn?

Planting black currants in the fall in early September is the best option. If the autumn is warm, then the bushes can be planted before October, so that the seedlings have time to adapt to the new conditions. In the event of early frosts, it is better to wait for spring and plant after the snow cover has melted, when there is no chance of recurrent frosts.

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Site preparation and planting material

A few days before transferring the seedlings to the ground, the roots are treated with a disinfectant, which is a manganese solution. Immediately before planting, the roots are slightly trimmed so that the plants quickly take root in the ground.

Planting pits for placing seedlings are pre-treated with rotted compost or manure in order to stimulate active growth and development. Black currants require slightly acidic soil, therefore, with strong acidity, it is necessary to add a deoxidizer to the soil.

Step-by-step instructions for planting seedlings

When transferring seedlings to the ground, it is enough to follow the step-by-step instructions. It includes the following actions:

1. In the selected area, they dig holes or a continuous trench 35-45 cm deep. It is recommended to dig the planting holes in advance so that the soil shrinks.
2. The bottom of the pits is treated with fertilizers. If wood ash is used as top dressing, it is important to take into account that it is quickly washed out by groundwater.
3. The seedlings are placed in the pits, the roots are well spread and deepened above the root collar by 6-7 cm. For the active development of shoots, seedlings should be placed with a slight slope to the side.
4. Pruning is carried out immediately after planting to restore root balance and rapid growth.

Bush care

In order to grow healthy plants and consistently receive a large harvest, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive care and follow the basic rules of agricultural technology.Any variety of black currant needs regular watering, loosening the soil, removing weeds, weeding, fertilizing and protecting from negative influences.

Irrigation and fertilization

Foliar dressing of black currant is carried out during the period of active flowering and at the time of the formation of ovaries. Fertilizers use fertilizers with a high nitrogen content and organic matter - compost, manure, bird droppings, sawdust and ash.

Black currant is considered a moisture-loving crop, and for proper growth and fruiting it is necessary to keep the soil moist. Insufficient watering provokes slow growth of bushes, chopping and shedding of berries. During the growing season, the bushes should be irrigated at least 4-5 times.

Pruning and shaping the plant

In the process of crown formation and pruning, old and damaged branches, dried foliage and excess shoots are removed. Pruning improves aeration, provides sun access to fruits and encourages new branches to develop.

Pests and diseases: preventive treatments

Preventive spraying helps to prevent damage to currants by diseases and insects. For protection, you can use insecticidal and fungicidal preparations, as well as organic substances.

Reproduction of currants

Cultivation of currant bushes is performed by cuttings, layering or by dividing. Rooting cuttings is the easiest way. Cuttings are harvested from basal stepchildren or annual shoots growing on the main stem.

When dividing bushes, a pruner is used. It is necessary that a sufficient number of formed shoots and roots remain on each part of the plant, which will increase the chances of survival.

Using cuttings for propagation of currants, branches and shoots are separated from the bushes only after rooting. It is recommended to root two-year-old shoots as they have a better chance of developing.