- Authors: A. I. Astakhov, L. I. Zueva (All-Russian Research Institute of Lupine)
- Appeared when crossing: 42-7 x 4-1-116
- Year of approval: 2004
- Ripening terms: early ripening
- Growth type: vigorous
- Yield: high
- Appointment: universal
- Berry weight, g: 3,0-5,5
- Tasting assessment: 5
- Escapes: straight
The black currant variety called Selechenskaya 2 remains immensely popular among both experienced gardeners and beginners. Selechenskaya 2 differs from other similar varieties in high yield, large fruit sizes and unusual taste. How to properly grow and care for these berries will be discussed in the article.
Description of the variety
The variety is a tall shrub, reaching 1.5 meters in height, with dense foliage. Young shoots are green, the branches themselves are brown. Small dark green leaves, three-lobed, leathery and slightly wrinkled to the touch. By themselves, the leaf plates are usually folded in a boat. The edges are jagged. Red-purple flowers. On average, each brush grows from 8 to 14 colors.
Characteristics of berries
Large black berries weighing up to 5.5 grams. During ripening, the fruits do not crumble, which distinguishes Selechenskaya 2 from other varieties of berries. Dense dry skin. Well suited both for natural consumption and for subsequent processing and preservation. It is worth noting the usefulness of the berries themselves. Currants are rich in various vitamins and also contain substances such as phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Due to this, the fruits of the variety can also be used for medicinal purposes during any illness. It is recommended to eat them during diarrhea, sore throat, fever. According to the latest research, blackcurrant may even be beneficial in the fight against cancer and diabetes.
Taste qualities
Ripe fruits have a juicy and sweet blueberry flavor, retaining it even after careful processing. Among summer residents, Selechenskaya 2 berries are in great demand due to how well they are suitable for conservation. They make excellent jams, compotes and jams. They are also popular as an addition to sweets and cakes. Dried blueberries of this variety are good for tea.
Ripening and fruiting
Selechenskaya 2 ripens quite early, but the fruits themselves ripen gradually, and therefore the ripening period stretches almost all summer. In general, the first berries can be picked from the second half of July. Most of the harvest is in August.
Yield
The yield from one bush is on average up to 3 kilograms of berries, but with good care of the plant, it can bring a rich harvest every year. In order to increase productivity, the bush itself should be located on level ground without bumps and other landscape elements that can interfere with its growth.
Landing
The planting process is simple and does not require any special knowledge or great effort from the gardener. First, you need to dig a small hole about 50 centimeters deep and no more than 60 centimeters in diameter. When planting, the bush should be slightly inclined, and the roots should be positioned so that they face south. The root collar should be deepened by 10 centimeters.If the seedlings themselves are weak and small, then you can plant two at once in one hole, the main thing is that they are directed in opposite directions.
The finished hole is covered with earth, which after that must be trampled down a little. The seedling must be watered immediately, and for the first time one bucket of water will be enough. A roller is made around the trunk space, after which it is necessary to mulch the soil with dry grass. Too long shoots should be cut off.
Growing and care
In order for a plant to produce a good and tasty annual harvest, it must be provided with decent and attentive care. First of all, this applies to very young bushes, since they are not yet strong enough to cope with all the problems on their own. In order for the formation of currants to go well, you need to systematically feed it and make sure that the soil does not dry out.
In the first three years, you need to pay special attention to pruning a young bush. The pruning itself should take place regularly. After planting, the seedling must be cut, leaving no more than five buds there. After a year, all shoots are also cut off. Of these, you need to leave only the strongest and healthiest, but even they need to be pinched from time to time. The process should be repeated at least once a year. Even after two or three years, checks and pruning should be carried out in a timely manner.
The bushes of this variety are very fond of water, and therefore they need to be watered often. If watering is not enough, then the yield will be much smaller, and the plant itself will weaken. In the first year, while the seedlings are still young, it is enough to water them once or twice a week. There should be a bucket of water for each bush. It is also necessary to take into account the weather conditions. So, in the dry season, you need to water more often and more.
During the ripening of the berries, watering should also be more intense. The same goes for the harvest period. The last large watering must be done in October, preparing the plant for the coming winter. It is also worth noting that after each watering, you must remember to loosen the soil and get rid of the weeds. You need to loosen the soil no deeper than 7 centimeters.
Do not forget about regular fertilization as well. In this regard, the Selechenskaya 2 variety is more demanding on nutrition than other types of currants, and therefore feeding should be timely and healthy. For the first couple of years after planting, the bush will have enough organic fertilizer. Bird droppings are best suited for this purpose.
After 3 years, as soon as the plant gets stronger, and fruiting will be more active, in addition to organic fertilizers, mineral fertilizers should be added. So, in the spring season, you need to add 30 grams of carbamide, then dig up the soil and mix with compost and humus. In autumn, along with manure, you need to add up to 20 grams of potassium sulfate and 30 grams of superphosphate. Alternatively, you can also feed with wood ash during this period.
It is imperative to feed the currants in early spring, when the buds have not yet begun to bloom, at the end of the flowering period, during ripening and at the end of the berry collection. We must also not forget that although the plant loves feeding, it is also impossible to overdo it with this.
Finally, care must be taken to ensure that the plant survives the winter safely. Fortunately, Selechenskaya 2 belongs to frost-resistant varieties that tolerate frost well. However, they still need to be provided with good cover in case of severe cold weather. To do this, the bushes need to be covered with snow, and closer to spring, during return frosts, hide them behind agrofibre.
Currant is one of the most favorite crops of gardeners, it can be found on almost any personal plot. In order for the currant berries to be tasty and large, and the bush itself to be healthy and strong, you should properly care for, treat and protect the plant from harmful insects. It is important to recognize the signs of the disease in a timely manner and begin treatment in the early stages of plant damage.