Green-fruited currants, care and propagation
Care and propagation of green currants are in many ways similar to traditional black berries. The blackcurrant variety includes not only black fruits, but also blue, brown and green ones, which will be discussed.
Currant selection was carried out both in Russia - at the Institute of I.V. Michurin, and in Europe, from where it again spread throughout Russia. Green currants have not gained much popularity because it is not always possible to find seedlings of this berry.Green currants do not have such a pronounced aroma as black currants, and for many this is a plus, since not everyone likes the specific smell of currants.
The shrub is no more than 1.5 m in height, loves warm, sunny places. For some varieties, the lack of sun can negatively affect the taste of the berries. The soil must be fertile and sufficiently moist. Loams with deep groundwater are well suited. Proximity to a body of water will negatively affect the condition of currants.
The variety has green berries that remain green even during ripeness. But, despite its unripe appearance, it is sweeter than black and does not leave your teeth on edge. Children can enjoy green currants without fear of allergies caused by the colored pigment.
Diseases and pests are least likely to affect green currants. Many varieties of currants can be susceptible to fungal diseases in the rainy season, but this does not apply to green-fruited currants. It is not susceptible to common anthracnose and rust. And the most famous pests of berries - mites and aphids - are extremely rare on green-fruited currants. Because of the color, birds also do not show interest in the fruits, considering them unripe.
Important: The great advantage of this variety is its good winter hardiness, which allows it to be planted in colder regions.Ripe green currant fruits contain a large amount of vitamins, organic acids, pectin and other useful substances.
The berries are perfect for homemade preparations in the form of jam, marmalade or marmalade.
Green-fruited currant varieties
Green-fruited currant varieties were bred by free and forced pollination, and the hybridization method was also used. Green-fruited varieties have been obtained in large quantities from the Little Prince blackcurrant. The varieties Constellation, Titania, and Green Haze were used for pollination. The green color of the berry was obtained as a result of mixing the Siberian and European subspecies of black currant.
Green-fruited currants are resistant to frost and the most common diseases. The bush is not susceptible to pests such as aphids and mites, from which black currants often suffer.
Almost all varieties of green currants produce a good harvest with large green berries. The sugar content in berries is significantly less than in other varieties, but there is a sufficient amount of organic acids.
When growing several varieties of currants, it makes sense to plant shrubs with different fruit colors. This will not only diversify the taste, but also give an aesthetic appearance and well-groomed garden area.
Green currant, variety Gold of the Incas
The Inca Gold variety is a green-fruited currant that is increasingly gaining the respect of gardeners.
A medium-sized shrub with a medium-early ripening period. The fruits are medium-sized with a yellowish-green color, reminiscent of gooseberries. The fruits are very tasty, sweet with a slight sourness. The productivity of the variety is high. It resists diseases, cold and pests well.
Green currant Verti
The green-fruited currant Verti is one of the few representatives of its species.
Self-fertile variety with large juicy fruits. It was obtained in Finland and has good cold resistance. Resists diseases and pests. The bushes of this variety have an oval shape and can serve as the basis for decorating a garden. Fruiting occurs in the 4th year and is characterized by annual stability. The yield is good - up to 3 kg per bush. The berries are light green in color with thin skin. The taste of the fruit is juicy and sweet.
Care and cultivation of currants
Care and cultivation of currants with green fruits are no different from black currants. In order for the shrub to feel comfortable, the soil for planting should not be dry. Despite the fact that wild currant bushes often grow along river banks, this is often the cause of many diseases. Therefore, soil moisture should be moderate. Usually choose an open area with fertile soil. Lack of sun will affect the size and taste of the fruit.
The planting hole should have a depth of about 50 cm. It is better to leave the distance between bushes up to 1 meter. The pit is generously lined with humus, compost and fertilizers. The seedlings are placed in a hole, carefully straightening the roots. Then you need to water the plant and mulch.
You need to water the plant often, mulching the soil each time after watering to retain moisture. Thus, the soil around the plant should be loose at all times. Insufficient moisture will only moisten the surface of the soil and not reach the roots. Excess moisture can cause currant diseases. Watering should be carried out in such a way that water can penetrate 60 cm into the soil.
Green-fruited currants must be weeded and hilled in time. If the bushes are too spreading, it is recommended to carry out formative pruning. Pruning must be done annually. During the procedure, it is necessary to remove old or damaged shoots so that the plant has enough strength for new ones.
All preventive treatments against diseases and pests should be carried out in the spring. Currants do not need fertilizer during fruit set.
There are several methods for propagating currants. Propagation by cuttings, which are cut from healthy shoots in spring or autumn, is often used. The buds on the branches must be in perfect condition. A cut is made above them, retreating 1 cm.
Important: Cuttings are planted in moist soil, which promotes rapid formation of the root system.Currants also reproduce well from green cuttings. In this case, the branch should not have more than 4 leaves. All lower leaves must be removed.
Seedlings obtained by layering take root well. 2-3 year old shoots are transplanted into a hole up to 15 cm deep. In autumn the shoots will grow stronger and produce small roots. Then they can be separated from the main plant. In spring, the shoots must be planted in a permanent place.
Propagation by dividing the bush is a faster way to get new plants. But individual parts of the bush quite often do not take root, so there is a risk of destroying the bush. If propagation is successful, this procedure is very stressful for the plant and it needs about a year to regain its strength.
If there is not enough time and experience to propagate currants, you can always get ready-made seedlings grown in nurseries.
Green-fruited currant is a tasty and healthy berry. Although the unusual green fruits do not make it popular, they are worth a try. In addition, caring for the bush is not complicated and includes only basic knowledge of currant agricultural technology.