Blackcurrant Sybil

Blackcurrant variety «Sibilla» bred at the South Ural Research Institute. As a result of crossing the parental varieties Bredthorp (Karelskaya) and Seyanets Golubki, a new variety of early ripening currants was obtained. Winter-hardy, self-fertile, with large berries, high yield, and good resistance to diseases and pests. In 2008, "Sibyl" was entered in the State Register.

Varie Features

Sybil bushes up to 1.3 m high, compact, with a neat crown of medium density. They don't take up much space on the site. Fruiting branches – green, 1.5-4 cm in diameter, become rough with age. Currant foliage  medium. The leaves are light green, composed of 5 fragments, small in size, wrinkled with sharp teeth along the edges. Bush "Sibyl" prone to crown thickening, which leads to a decrease in yield, therefore, twice a season, it requires sanitary pruning of damaged, diseased and dry fragments.

Fruit buds are brown, slightly pubescent. Currant brushes 5-6 cm long, placed singly. Currant flowers are small, spherical in shape, have a slightly pinkish color, collected in inflorescences. 

Sybil fruits are quite large, but at the same time of different sizes, the average weight of berries on one bush can vary from 2 to 5 grams.  The shape of the berries – round. Peel – black, smooth with a glossy sheen. Pulp – yellow-green in color, fragrant, juicy, with an average number of seeds, almost imperceptible when eaten. Taste – sweet-sour, dessert, tasting score – 5 points.

Thanks to the excellent taste and vitamin composition of "Sybil" produce delicious and healthy juices, fruit drinks, preserves, jams. Also, the berry lends itself perfectly to freezing, because after defrosting it retains not only the taste and aroma, but also its beneficial properties.

Fresh berries of this variety are stored for a short time, a maximum of 10-14 days. Therefore, "Sibyl" must be processed shortly after harvest.

Variety yield.  «Sibilla» – currant early ripening. The first buds are formed on the bushes at the end of May – early June, berries ripen in early – mid July. Depending on the climatic zone, the fruits may ripen several weeks later or earlier than the stated date.

The average yield of "Sybil" – 2.8-3 kg per bush, 4.5-5 tons per hectare.

Collection and transportation. The variety has one of the best indicators in terms of keeping quality and transportability. Due to the elasticity of the inflorescences and the "dry separation" berries, the crop lends itself to mechanized harvesting. For transportation – berries are collected in small (300-500 ml) tight containers, with holes at the bottom. For the transportation of currants, special transport is needed, for example, refrigerators with a constant temperature of +2 ... + 8 ° C.

Other advantages of Sibilla currant:

• Self-fertility (self-pollination). For a full-fledged harvest, currants do not need to be in proximity to pollinating varieties. But, if other varieties of currants are planted on the site, this will only benefit her. This type of fruiting is ideal for regions with a harsh climate.
• High frost resistance. Sibylla can withstand temperatures down to –30° C, without shelter, therefore the variety is recommended for cultivation in the "risk farming" zone.
• Good resistance to powdery mildew. However, if signs of fungal diseases are found, the bush should be immediately treated with copper sulphate or preparations that can be purchased at specialized stores and nurseries.
• Simple farming techniques. Blackcurrant "Sybil" does not require special conditions and agrotechnical knowledge. It is easy to grow and care for. Even a novice gardener will cope with the task of getting her harvest.

Selecting planting material

Before you buy Sybil blackcurrant seedlings, pay attention to:

• The state of the root system. It should be well branched, with 3-5 main healthy elastic roots up to 20 cm long, and many small fibrous roots. No signs of drying, decay, diseases, pests. If possible, purchase seedlings in a container, with a closed root system.

• Appearance of shoots – well-developed stems, 2-4 pieces, at least 50 cm long. Bark without cuts, breaks, dryness, strange spots.
• Age of seedlings – 2-3-year-old plants adapt faster and grow in a new place.

Council. You can check the elasticity of the roots by wrapping them several times around your finger. Healthy, wet roots do not break when twisted, while dry roots are damaged in several areas.

Beware of fakes! Purchase currant seedlings «Sibilla» in fruit and berry nurseries and specialized stores. This will save you from disappointment!

Preparations