Blackcurrant Ksyusha

Blackcurrant variety «Ksyusha» bred by breeders of the Research Institute of Horticulture of Siberia. M.A. Lisavenko by crossing varieties «Dikovinka» and "Jet". As a result of the experiments, they received a self-pollinated, early-fruiting, high-yielding currant variety of medium ripening. In 1998, "Ksyusha" included in the State Register and approved for cultivation in Western and Eastern Siberia.

Due to the resistance of currants to drought, frost and most fungal diseases, «Ksyusha» grows well and bears fruit in regions with hot and dry summers, humid climates and harsh winters. Therefore, the berry won the love of gardeners far beyond the borders of Siberia.

Varie Features

Bushes «Ksyusha» strong, semi-spreading, grow up to 1.5 m tall. Shoots are straight, elastic, medium thickness. Young stems – light green hue, without pubescence. Over time, the branches become stiff, acquiring a matte light brown color. Kidneys – large, isolated, ovoid, crimson. The leaves are 3- and 5-lobed, light green, with matte leathery platinum and pronounced sharp teeth. Flowers pale pink, goblet. Brushes – long (6-8 cm), 7-12 berries ripen on them.

Fruits «Ksyusha» large – the average weight of berries is 2-4 grams. Peel – black, glossy, dense. Pulp – loose, juicy with seeds. Taste – dessert, sweet with slight sourness; tasting score 4.5 out of 5. Versatile berries with high transportability. Suitable for fresh consumption and sale in markets, freezing / thawing, canning, cooking and decorating dishes.

Yield. Variety "Ksyusha" average maturity. Currant ripens together in early July. During the season, the bush gives up to 5 kg of berries. In industrial cultivation, up to 45 t / ha are harvested.

Growing conditions

Black currant «Ksyusha» possesses:

• increased winter hardiness – withstands winters up to –30°С;
• good drought tolerance – at elevated temperatures, the berries do not crack and do not bake;
• immunity to most fungal diseases, in particular powdery mildew.

Thanks to these qualities, as well as the observance of elementary agricultural technology, «Ksyusha» can be grown in almost any climate zone.

Location. Blackcurrant loves high sunny areas, but short shading is acceptable during the day. Drafts and cold winds have a bad effect on the plant, it is desirable that buildings or a dense fence cover the landing on the north side. It is important to pay attention to the level of groundwater in the area. The latter should lie below 1.5 meters from the surface. Lowlands and areas where water accumulates after rains, – bad choice for currants.

Soil. «Ksyusha» will grow well and give full yields on light sandy or loamy fertile soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH (5.5 & ndash; 6.5). 2-3 weeks before planting, it is desirable to saturate the soil with organic matter. Spread the humus over the site and dig up the earth to the depth of the shovel bayonet. During the planting of bushes, a mixture of compost, wood ash and the top fertile soil layer is placed at the bottom of the hole.

Feeding. Starting from the 2nd season, currants are fertilized with mineral compounds based on phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and other trace elements. From the 3rd season, nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the spring. In the middle of summer – organic matter (manure, compost). In autumn, the site is dug up with humus, potassium, wood ash.

Watering. «Ksyusha» tolerates heat and short drought well. However, a serious lack of moisture, as well as its excess, can adversely affect the yield and taste of berries. With a moderate warm summer with normal rainfall, 1-2 waterings per month will be enough for currants. The volume of water is 10-15 liters / bush. In drought, currants are watered weekly, focusing on the condition of the soil. During the rainy season, the water supply is stopped.

Cutting. From the second year of fruiting, the currant gives many annual shoots, in the spring they are pruned by 20 cm. From the third season, they begin to partially cut out the old stiff branches, leaving 2-3 shoots of different ages. Sanitary pruning is carried out every spring – remove damaged, dry, weak branches.

Pests and diseases. Strong immunity in currants is formed to powdery mildew, gall aphids and a number of other fungal diseases. Subject to agricultural technology, the variety very rarely gets sick. Under bad weather conditions, during heavy rains, with high humidity, as well as with improper care, currant bushes can attack septoria and anthracnose. Their appearance is first of all "reported" leaves. With anthracosis –  white spots with reddish edges form on the foliage; with septoria – brown spots. The leaves begin to grow slowly, dry up and fall off.  At "Ksyusha" no immunity to bud mites. This insect settles inside the kidney and feeds on its contents, while the infected kidneys swell, acquiring a spherical shape. The leaves of them appear deformed.

In order to detect and prevent the spread of diseases at an early stage, it is necessary to regularly inspect the plants on the site, especially during the periods of bud formation and flowering. If signs of the disease are found, it is necessary to cut and burn all infected shoots, disinfect the shrub with special preparations. Clear the area of plant debris and loosen the soil. A shrub affected by more than 50% is uprooted and completely removed from the site. Otherwise, the pest may infect other plants.

Wintering. In late autumn, all fallen leaves and other plant debris around the bushes are collected and burned, thereby depriving insect larvae and fungal spores of the wintering place. If the currant grows in a warm and temperate climate, as well as in regions with snowy winters, then the bushes can not be additionally covered. 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 Ksyusha 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 crafts and "sick" planting material! Buy currant seedlings «Ksyusha» in nurseries and specialized stores.

Preparations