Black currant Solomon

The blackcurrant variety Solomon was bred by breeders of the Novosibirsk Zonal Fruit and Berry Experimental Station, since 2001 it has been undergoing state variety trials. Advantages of the variety: self-fertility (does not require replanting of other varieties for cross-pollination); large-fruited, high productivity, winter hardiness, immunity to bud mites and powdery mildew, adaptability to any climate, high content of pectin and vitamin C, excellent taste of berries.

Varie Features

Bushes Solomon's medium height, medium sprawling. Young shoots are elastic, light green with pink pigment. The kidneys are small. Foliage of medium size, 5-lobed. The plate is dark green, matte, leathery with wide blunt teeth.

Fruits large currants – average weight 1.8-4.5 gr. Form – rounded. Peel – black, elastic, when harvesting, the berry does not wrinkle and does not flow. "Solomon" refers to high pectin varieties (with a high content of useful fiber). In addition, gardeners have already appreciated the bright berry aroma and high taste of currants. Variety testers put "Solomon" maximum tasting score – 5 out of 5.

Yield. The variety is high-yielding, medium-late ripening (July). During the season, up to 3 kg of currants are harvested from a bush, or up to 7.5 t / ha. Currant gives a marketable crop for 2-3 seasons after planting. Cold rainy weather, the wrong choice of planting site and poor care can reduce the yield of the variety.

Growing conditions

Currant «Solomon» heat and frost resistant – bears fruit well in southern latitudes, tolerates Siberian winters well; resistant to bud mites and powdery mildew; not damaged by rodents. In order to grow a variety on your site, it is enough to know and follow the basic rules for caring for blackcurrant.

Location. Sunny, well-drained areas with low groundwater (at least 1.5 m from the surface) are best for blackcurrant cultivation.  In the shade, the berry becomes smaller and begins to strongly sour. Dampness, stagnant water and increased importance on the site lead to rotting of the root system and, as a result, to the death of the plant. If the groundwater is close to the surface, the beds are "raised".  Also, currants do not like drafts and cold winds, it is desirable that buildings or a high fence cover the plot from the north side.

Soil. Any fertile soil is suitable for blackcurrants, except saline and acidic. Good choice – light sandy or loamy soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH (5.5 & ndash; 6.5). Before planting "Solomon" seedlings, for 2-3 weeks, it is desirable to enrich the soil with organic matter – manure, manure or compost. Fertilizer is spread around the site and dug up with the ground to the depth of a shovel bayonet, turning the top layer over so that nutrients penetrate deeper into the soil. During the planting of bushes, a mixture of compost, wood ash and the top fertile layer of the earth is also placed at the bottom of the hole.

Feeding. The variety is demanding on nutrition. Starting from the 2nd season, currants are fertilized with mineral compounds based on phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium. In subsequent seasons: nitrogen fertilizers are applied in spring; in the middle of summer – organic matter (manure, compost); in autumn, the soil is dug up with humus, potassium, wood ash.

Irrigation. "Solomon" moisture-loving, it is necessary to ensure its timely watering. At the same time, it is important to ensure that there is no excess moisture, and the site does not swamp. Irrigation frequency: during moderate warm summers with normal rainfall – 4-6 times per season (10 l/bush); in drought –  1-2 waterings per week; during the rainy season, the water supply is stopped.

Pests and diseases. The variety is resistant to bud mites and powdery mildew, slightly affected by septoria and venison. When the first signs of diseases are detected, diseased shoots are immediately cut out and burned, the bushes are treated and the site is disinfected. Remove and burn weeds, fallen leaves. The earth around the bushes is loosened. Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology remains the best means of preventing diseases: regular inspection of plants on the site; especially during the flowering period; sanitary pruning of weak, old, affected branches and leaves, removal and burning of plant debris; careful selection of seedlings when buying.

Wintering. "Solomon" it winters well in Siberia under snow cover, but the part of the bush that turned out to be above the snow level in a harsh winter may freeze. In late autumn, the near-stem area is cleared of fallen leaves and weeds. Then the soil is mulched with a thick layer of sawdust, coniferous spruce branches, straw, thereby protecting the root system from freezing. Winter mulch must be removed in the spring after the snow melts.

Selecting planting material

Before you buy Solomon 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 «Solomon» in nurseries and specialized stores.

Preparations