Blackcurrant Ilyinka

Blackcurrant «Ilyinka» was bred by the scientist of the South Ural Research Institute of Fruit, Vegetable and Potato Growing V. Ilyin, after whom it got its name. The variety, which was originally intended for cultivation in latitudes with short summers and cold winters, quickly gained popularity among Russian gardeners. Today "Ilyinka" grown in almost all regions of Russia and abroad. Currants are distinguished by self-fertility, large berries, precocity, frost resistance and increased immunity to diseases.

Varie Features

Bushes «Ilyinka» up to 1.5 m high, with a dense, spreading pyramidal crown. Escapes – strong & nbsp; thickened, do not need support. Foliage – medium density, with a palm-shaped plate and rounded denticles. The shade of the leaves ranges from bright green to dull salad green. Flowers, and later berries, are formed on fruit racemes, 4-6 cm long.

Fruits«Ilyinka» large, the weight of the berries is 4-5 gr. Peel – smooth, elastic, rich black color. Pulp – juicy, fragrant, sweet, tasting score – 4.4 out of 5. Due to the increased content of pectin, currants may gel during cooking. The berry lends itself well to transportation and storage, suitable for growing for sale.

The yield of the variety is high, with competent agricultural technology, up to 5.5 kg of currants are harvested from one bush.  Ripening terms «Ilyinka» early: end of June — mid July. The plant gives the first fruits in the second year, a full-fledged harvest – from the third season. The bush bears fruit up to 15 years.

Growing conditions

Despite the fact that the care of "Ilyinka" quite simple and not much different from most varieties of blackcurrant, you should not neglect the basic requirements of agricultural technology. For currants of this variety, it is important to choose the right site, carry out forming and sanitary pruning, as well as timely prevention of the appearance of diseases and pests, monitor the composition and fertility of the soil. 

Location. For the berries to grow large and sweet for planting "Ilyinka" choose a sunny area, without shadows and drafts. It is desirable that on the north side it be covered with a fence or buildings. The area should not be swampy. Moisture stagnation after rains and irrigation, as well as high groundwater, are disastrous for the root system and lead to fungal diseases. Lowlands and areas near reservoirs – bad choice for currant

The soilshould be fertile, light, loose, with moderate acidity. Suitable loam, sandy loam, black soil. Before planting, the soil is enriched with organic matter: manure, compost or humus are laid out on the surface, then they are dug up together with the soil to the depth of the shovel bayonet. A mixture of organic, nitrogen-containing fertilizers and a fertile soil layer is laid at the bottom of the planting pit.

Planting dates. Autumn currant seedlings take root best of all. Before the cold weather, they have time to take root and get stronger, in winter – harden, and in the spring – are starting to grow. In summer, the first berries can be found on young bushes.

Feeding. As a rule, fertilizers applied to the ground when planting currants are enough for the first year of her life. Starting from the 2nd season, mineral and vitamin berry formulations based on magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, etc. are added. From the 3rd season – nitrogen-containing fertilizers and organic matter.

Water. Currant roots retain moisture well, so a short drought will not cause much harm to it. With a moderately warm and humid summer, watering is carried out 1-2 times a month. In a severe drought – up to 2-3 times a week. On average, 2-3 buckets of water are poured onto a bush. After watering, the soil around the bush is loosened and mulched with sawdust so that the water does not stagnate and an earthen crust does not form, which disrupts air exchange with the roots.

Pruning. Sanitary and thinning pruning of bushes is carried out every spring. Remove weak, damaged, dry and old (more than 5 years) shoots. Leave 4-5 of the strongest fruit-bearing branches of each year of growth. In this case, the currant will be updated, bear fruit evenly and give a high yield.

Diseases and pests. With careful selection of seedlings, the right choice of planting site and careful care, currants are rarely affected by fungus and pests. However, during the season it is necessary to carry out regular visual inspection of the plant, especially in adverse weather conditions. Upon detection of the first signs of infection, "sick" the shoots are completely cut out and burned.  The bush and the soil around it are disinfected and treated with special compounds.

Wintering. Currant "Ilyinka" – frost-resistant. Under the thickness of snow, the variety staunchly winters even in northern latitudes. Only young autumn and summer seedlings need additional shelter, because. they haven't gotten hot yet. Young stems are slightly bent to the ground and covered with burlap. To protect the root system from freezing, the soil around the bush is mulched with a thick layer of straw, sawdust or coniferous spruce branches.

Selecting planting material

Before you buy Ilyinka blackcurrant seedlings, pay attention to:

• The state of the root system. It should have 3-5 main healthy and elastic roots – at least 20 cm long, with many small fibrous processes. Without traces of dryness, putrefaction, diseases.
• Appearance of shoots – well-developed stems in the amount of 2-4 pieces, at least 40 cm long. Bark without signs of dryness, cuts, breaks, unnatural spots.
• Age of seedlings. Most of all, 2-3-year-old plants are suitable for planting. They adapt more easily and will grow in a new place.

Beware of fakes and "sick" planting material! Buy currant seedlings «Ilyinka» in nurseries and specialized stores.

Preparations