Currant is a favorite garden berry. In our country, it is grown everywhere. This culture has gained popularity due to its taste, nutritional and healing properties. Breeders have bred thousands of varieties of different colors of currants. Each of them has its own characteristics.
Currant varieties
Currant, like other crops, comes in different varieties. Each of them has its own specific shape, size, berry color, pulp texture, taste, aroma and much more.
Currant varieties differ from one another in the size of fruit clusters and the density of berries on them. And different ripening periods allow you to increase the period of fresh consumption of berries.
Red and white currants
Usually, the currant of these two colors is considered as one crop, since the berries differ only in color. Redcurrant has been known since the 5th century. It was grown by the Dutch for beauty. First of all, its decorative qualities were valued, the berries were of no interest. Red currant has gained great popularity in Europe. In Russiathis culture was only discovered in the 15th century.
Whitecurrant became known much later. Even at the beginning of the last century, it was considered one of the varieties of red currant with an atypical berry color for this species. These two varieties do not have a pronounced aroma, but differ in taste and useful properties. The best varieties of white and red currants are unpretentious to growing conditions, but they feel better on loamy and sandy soils. These are very photophilous plants, undemanding to moisture. It should be remembered that with a lack of lighting, the berries lose their taste and color. The culture is resistant to disease and damage.
With proper care, these two varieties of currants give a high yield. Bushes strewn with red and white berries look very beautiful. Fruit formations of white and red currants are more durable than black ones, the berries are evenly distributed over the bush, they are less thickened with shoots. The plant can bear fruit for 15-20 years, growing without transplanting to another place.
Red currant varieties
- "Varshevich" is distinguished by the original color of the fruit. They have a pronounced dark purple color. It is a self-fertile variety that matures late. On a large, powerful bush, many rounded or slightly compressed fruits are formed. Berries of medium size with juicy purple flesh have a sour taste and form a long brush. Ripe fruits remain on the branches for a long time. For high yield, unusual fruit color and decorative effectbush, this currant variety is popular with gardeners. Fresh berries are consumed less often, more often they are processed.
- "Beloved" is a variety that has an average ripening period. The bush is characterized by small size, medium branching and thick straight stems. The berries are round, bright, medium in size. There are a lot of them on the brushes, and they are evenly distributed. Fruits of sweet and sour taste have a universal purpose. This variety is not afraid of severe frosts, it has a high yield and is not affected by powdery mildew.
- A typical representative of the medium-ripe currant variety, the photo of which you see above, is "svetlitsa". The bush is medium in size, compact and erect shoots. The round berries are not large in size, but very juicy and tasty. This variety, despite small berries, gives high yields and is not susceptible to fungal diseases.
Large-fruited redcurrant
- "Chulkovskaya" redcurrant belongs to an old variety, which even today attracts the attention of lovers and specialists of this type of culture with early ripening and taste of fruits. Differs in the small size of the bush red currant varieties. The best varieties include "Chulkovskaya" currant. Long brushes are strewn with large red berries, round or pear-shaped. They are distinguished by tender, juicy flesh and a sweetish taste. Ripe berries, without crumbling, remain on the branches for a long time. This sweet currant variety is consumed fresh orredesigned.
- The variety "yonker van tete" has a medium-early ripening period. This Dutch currant variety was bred in early 1941. It gained popularity in our country in the nineties of the last century for its excellent taste and resistance to diseases and damage. This variety gives high yields and is resistant to low temperatures. It is distinguished by a powerful, large, dense bush of the red currant variety. The best varieties include this particular species. On long or medium-sized racemes, you can count up to ten very large, bright berries. The shape of the fruit is round or pear-shaped, they are covered with a dense, elastic skin. The pulp is juicy and very tasty. Therefore, this currant is so loved to be consumed fresh.
- Large-fruited currant variety "Ural beauty" is one of the best varieties of domestic selection. Differs in low sprawling bushes and resistance to diseases. Therefore, the leaves are preserved until the first frost. Culture refers to early maturation. The disadvantage is that the yield increases gradually, in direct proportion to the long-term growth of wood. Berries are large in size, excellent taste and pleasant aroma.
White currant: varieties
- "Prygazhunya" is a variety of white currant and has an average ripening time. The bushes of the plant are distinguished by an average growth force, the branches are sprawling, with a plentiful harvest they bend and fall. On hands of medium length, usuallymany not very large berries of light pink rounded shape. Sweet and sour fruits have a universal purpose. Ripe berries are stored on brushes for a long time, do not crumble. At this time, they intensively acquire taste qualities. Currant white variety "prygazhunya" is ideal for freezing. This cultivar bears abundant fruit and tastes great.
- "Dutch" whitecurrant belongs to an old variety, but has recently been aggressively replaced by other, more promising species. Although many gardeners believe that in vain. The bushes of this plant are not very sprawling, compact, which allows them to maximize the use of the area of \u200b\u200bthe site when they are planted. This variety of currant bears fruit better on moist, fertile soil, resistant to low temperatures. Medium-sized berries have a rounded, slightly compressed shape. Their skin is transparent. Seeds and veins on the surface are clearly visible. The pulp is juicy and has a great taste. Ripe berries do not crumble, they are harvested in one go. This currant is good fresh. But its processing will not affect the taste.
- White currant variety "Versailles" is well known to gardeners who breed it on their plots. It is attractive with high yields and tasty, large-sized berries. Her bushes are compact and medium in size. This currant gives large yields, growing on fertile soils. Tolerates frost well. By ripening time, it belongs to medium varieties. The large berries are light cream in color and round in shape. They arein the process of growth almost do not change in size. Their skin is transparent, seeds and veins are visible through it. The pulp is very juicy, it harmoniously combines sugar and acid, which gives the fruit a refreshing taste. The berry is especially good fresh. In addition, jam, compotes, juices, syrups, jams and much more are prepared from it.
Red Currant Benefits
Red currant berries are rich in potassium, iron, succinic and malic acids. They contain pectin and carotene. The use of berries helps to remove excess fluid from the body, serves as a preventive measure for diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Redcurrant fruits are used in the treatment of diabetes. They eliminate nausea and stimulate appetite. They are used as diuretics, anti-inflammatory, hematopoietic, laxative and restorative agents. The use of malic and succinic acids contained in berries energizes the body. Therefore, they are recommended for use by older people. Redcurrant juice maintains the tone of the body at the proper level.
Harm red currant
The benefits of red currants are obvious and indisputable. But in some diseases, it can be harmful. In this case, it must be excluded from the diet. Drinking juice is strictly contraindicated for people suffering from stomach ulcers, hepatitis, gastritis and low blood clotting.
Black currant
The name of this type of culture comes from the word "currant", which is translatedfrom Old Russian means "persistent smell", characteristic of this species. Black currant is to the liking of gardeners, and its delicious berries have long been loved by children and adults. The description of currant varieties provides the opportunity for a large selection of crops. After all, this plant is characterized by resistance to low temperatures and fungal diseases. Blackcurrant is a fast-growing, high-yielding crop with annual fruiting. It does not differ in high requirements for growing conditions. And its berries have excellent taste and healing properties.
Blackcurrant varieties
- "The Little Prince" is an early variety. It features a low bush and its convenient shape, which simplifies harvesting. It is resistant to all diseases, severe frosts and prolonged drought. It bears fruit regularly and abundantly. Berries on tassels are located densely and ripen at the same time. This makes it easier to collect them. Brushes are small in size, there are paired and single. The berries are juicy, bright black in color, covered with a thin delicate peel. Lovers of sweet and sour fruits will love them.
- "Openwork" blackcurrant is a highly self-fertile variety. It is frost resistant. He is not afraid of sudden weather changes. The intense heat doesn't bother him. It bears fruit regularly and has a stable average yield. This crop is resistant to powdery mildew and anthracnose. But sometimes it is affected by kidney mites. Curved thick brushes are short and medium in size. Berriesrounded, large, shiny and have a sweet, sour taste. If you choose which varieties of currants are better, you can stop there.
- "Bagheera" refers to a late variety and is characterized by high frost resistance and abundant harvests. There is a slight freezing of shoots if frost and thaw often alternate. This variety is not damaged by terry and anthracnose, but powdery mildew can sometimes harm the plant. On thin small branches, the fruits are evenly distributed. Berries have the same size and a pronounced black color. The shiny thin skin is very durable. The fruits have a delicate aroma and sweet taste.
Large-fruited black currant
- "Exotica" is the largest blackcurrant variety. Differs in a high yield and early ripening. The bush is powerful, tall, the branches are erect, strong. They do not bend from the severity of large berries, which evenly form a brush. The fruits are juicy, have a pleasant sweetish taste. The best varieties of blackcurrant are represented by this type of crop.
- "Aleander" refers to varieties of large-fruited black currant. Differs in a tall sprawling bush and branches lying under it. The leaves are dark green, powerful and slightly wrinkled. The plant is resistant to powdery mildew and anthracnose, but prone to damage by bud mites. The culture of this currant variety tolerates the harsh winter months well, but drought is not a comfortable condition for its growth and abundant fruiting. On long, thick brushes of an arched shapemany large berries. They have a pleasant taste and fragrant aroma.
- "Selechenskaya-2" is one of the best varieties of blackcurrant. On tall, compact bushes, there are many strong branches that do not need a garter. This variety is not afraid of fungal and tick-borne diseases. Very rarely it is affected by a kidney mite. This is a versatile variety that tolerates severe frosts and heat for a long time. On strong curved brushes there are many very large berries, similar to gooseberries. The fruits are covered with a strong, thick skin. Do not break during harvest. Berries are tasty, sweet, have a peculiar delicate aroma.
Useful properties of black currant
Description of currant varieties will not be complete, if not to say about their benefits. Black currant is the most useful berry of all. It is called the pantry of substances necessary for humans. It has an excellent taste and is valued for its high healing properties. The berry contains a large amount of ascorbic acid, carotene and biotin, which is called the vitamin of youth.
Blackcurrant has long been widely used in folk medicine. The content of iron, potassium and magnesium allows the use of fruits and leaves for anemia, vascular and heart diseases. Blackcurrant is rich in pectins, phytoncides, essential and tannins.
The berry of this variety of currant lowers cholesterol, treats eczema and skin diseases, helps with depression and stress. Ulcers and gastritis are treated with flowers and young leaves of blackcurrants, and rheumatism and kidneys - berries. Currently, there are thousands of recipes for various diseases based on blackcurrant.
Currant diseases
Currant, like other plants, is affected by diseases and damaged by pests. If you plant the best varieties of currants on your site, you can avoid infection with many infectious diseases. But you need to know the most common ones.
- Anthracnose is a disease of leaves, their petioles, stalks and fruits. It affects plants starting in May. It is characterized by the appearance of small brown spots that grow over time. The leaves begin to turn yellow, curl and fall off. Shoots slow down growth and do not have time to mature. To prevent the disease in early spring and late autumn, you should dig the ground around the bush. And before the buds open, spray with a solution of vitriol. You can use Bordeaux liquid. It is sprayed four times during the growing season: during bud break, at the end of flowering, half a month after flowering, after harvest.
- Terry is a viral disease and therefore can spread rapidly. Carriers are bed bugs, bud mites and aphids. This disease is characterized by a change in the shape and color of leaves and flowers. The plant stops producing. To combat the disease, branches are cut or the entire bush is removed. The main thing is to fight the spreaders of the disease.
Currant pests
- The bud mite is very small, you can only see itthrough a magnifying glass or loupe. It damages the buds of the plant, which become spherical and do not release leaves and flowers. The tick waits out the winter in the kidneys. It spreads through planting material, birds and insects. Effective means of combating this pest have not yet been invented. But the fight must be waged. To do this, the plant is sprayed several times: before bud break, two weeks after it and before flowering. There are a lot of spray solutions. In any store, they are presented in a large assortment.
- The sawfly has a good appetite. He eats all the leaves. Its larvae are in cocoons, which are buried in the ground under a plant bush. Here the pest waits out the winter. The fight against it consists in autumn digging and spraying in several stages: when buds open, buds form, after flowering. To prevent the pest from breeding, its larvae are periodically shaken off and burned.
