Blackcurrant seedlings Rusalka

The blackcurrant variety Rusalka was bred by the scientist of the South Ural Research Institute of Fruit, Vegetable and Potato Growing V.S. Ilyin by crossing the varieties "Seedling Dove" and Bredthorpe. In 2004, the variety was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements. Due to the early ripening (first half of July) «Mermaid» quickly gained popularity among Russian gardeners.

Variety advantages: self-fertility, winter hardiness, consistently high yield, large tasty berries, resistance to powdery mildew, anthracnose, bud mites.

Varie Features

Bushes «Mermaids» 1.3-1.7 m high, medium density and sprawling. Young shoots are light pink in color, thickened, curved, hairless. The kidneys are light brown, solitary, oval. The leaves are 5-lobed, dark green in color, with a leathery, wrinkled plate. Flowers – small, goblet, light pink. Brushes 5.5-6.5 cm long, often doubled.

Fruitscurrants are very large, weighing 2.3-7.5 gr. Peel – black, dense. Pulp – juicy with an average number of seeds. The taste of dessert berries – sweet with slight sourness, tasting score – 4.5 out of 5 points. Appointment – universal.

Productivity of the variety "Mermaid" high: 3-6 kg of berries are harvested from a bush, 6-12 tons per hectare. Currant ripens quickly and amicably in the second decade of July.

Growing conditions

One of the key advantages of the currant "Mermaid" – unpretentiousness of the plant and simple care for it, as well as the ability to develop and produce a high yield in almost any climatic conditions.

To grow a variety, it is enough to follow the simple rules of blackcurrant farming.

Location. Blackcurrant prefers well-lit, elevated areas. Shade throughout the day, cold through winds can damage the plant and reduce the quality of the crop. Lowlands, as well as swampy areas with high groundwater (above 1.5 m from the surface) – not suitable for currants.

Soil. For planting currants, fertile, well-drained, light soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5) are chosen. Acidic, saline soils, as well as areas where other berry bushes grew less than three years ago – bad choice for blackcurrant.

Feeding. Before planting seedlings, the land on the site is enriched with organic matter: they spread manure, compost or humus, dig it along with the soil to the depth of a shovel bayonet, turning the layers over. A mixture of organic, nitrogen-containing fertilizers and a fertile soil layer is laid at the bottom of the planting pit. Mineral and vitamin compositions based on magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, etc. contribute starting from the 2nd season.

Watering. "Mermaid" loves regular watering: in moderate summer 1-2 times a month, 1 time per week – during severe drought. In rainy weather, watering is stopped. A lack, as well as an excess of moisture, can lead to a halt in plant growth and a deterioration in the taste of berries.

Diseases and pests. Variety "Mermaid" has a good immunity to fungal diseases and pests. However, under adverse weather conditions and violation of agricultural technology, the shrub can be affected to one degree or another by septoria, terry, powdery mildew, and bud mites. To prevent the spread of the disease during the season, it is necessary to regularly inspect the plants. If the slightest signs of disease are found, take immediate measures to remove diseased areas, treat and disinfect bushes.

Wintering. Currant tolerates frosts and return frosts well and, as a rule, does not need additional shelter for the winter. In late autumn, it is enough to cover the diameter around the bush with a thick layer of mulch made of straw, sawdust or coniferous spruce branches – this will protect the currant roots from freezing.

Selecting planting material

Before you buy blackcurrant seedlings Rusalka, 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 «Mermaid» in nurseries and specialized stores.

Preparations