Blackcurrant Mirror

Blackcurrant "Mirror" bred in the department of mountain gardening of the Research Institute named after M. A. Lisavenko (Gorny Altai) by crossing the currant "Titania"; and "Nestor Kozin". As a result of the efforts of scientists, a new high-yielding variety, self-fertile, winter-hardy currant of early ripening, with increased immunity to diseases and pests.

The new variety of currant has been successfully cultivated in the Russian regions since 2012, it is recommended for cultivation in the Middle Lane, Western and Eastern Siberia, Altai.

Varie Features

Spruces "Mirror" look quite attractive on the site. Medium-sized, spreading, strong, they have a dense crown that can withstand itself and does not require fixing to the trellis. Leaves – large, deep green. Brushes – during the ripening period, the berries turn into beautiful black clusters.

The fruits of the "Mirror" large – weighing 1.5-4.5 gr. Form – rounded. Peel – black with glossy sheen. Pulp – homogeneous, fragrant, juicy, with sweet and sour taste. At the same time, gardeners note the moderate sweetness of the berries due to the lower fructose content than other varieties.

Currant «Mirror» refers to the varieties of universal use, light and «dry» breaks away from the brush, retains integrity during collection and transportation, suitable for sale in "fresh markets", canning, freezing / thawing.

The yield of "Mirror" medium – up to 3 kg of berries are harvested from one bush. They ripen in the second half of July, almost simultaneously. Ripe fruits are resistant to shedding, do not flow and do not fall apart when torn off, which greatly simplifies their collection.

Growing conditions

Blackcurrant "Mirror" – will be an ideal option for summer residents who want to grow a good harvest of large and tasty berries without resorting to complex agricultural technology. This option is great for regions with a cool climate and unpredictable weather, because. the variety tolerates temperature extremes, early frosts and is generally hardy. In addition, the currant has a high immunity to most fungal diseases and parasites, does not require frequent watering and the neighborhood of other varieties for cross-pollination.

But, despite the unpretentiousness, "Mirror" realizes its full potential, subject to the elementary requirements for growing blackcurrant.

Location. "Mirror" develops well and bears fruit in areas well-lit by the sun, with slightly acidic or neutral soils (loam or chernozem). Poorly tolerates shade, drafts, excessive importance and waterlogging of the soil – the roots can rot, and the berry will grind and become tasteless.

Soil. Before landing "Mirror" for 3-4 weeks prepare the site. Remains of plants and weeds are removed from the soil. The soil is enriched with organic matter – dig with manure, humus, compost to the depth of a shovel bayonet. In case of increased acidity, the soil is "extinguished"; lime.

Terms of planting. Saplings of currant «Constellations» planted in spring or autumn. But September is considered the best time – early October. In this case, young bushes will have time to take root before the onset of cold weather, in winter – acclimatize, and in the spring the seedling will give the first shoots, on which the first berries will appear in the second half of July. Spring seedlings in the first year of rooting and growth will develop with a delay.

When planting in the autumn, it is important to take care of additional warming of young bushes for the winter. Without fail, the soil around the seedling is mulched with a thick layer of straw or sawdust, branches – wrapped, slightly bent to the ground, covered with spunbond or burlap.

Irrigation. The number and frequency of watering "Mirror" adjusted according to soil conditions. It should be moistened 40-50 cm deep, while water should not stagnate around the bush. With an excess of moisture, the taste of the berries deteriorates — they become watery and tasteless.

Number of waterings:

• With a moderate warm summer with a normal amount of rain, abundant watering of currants is carried out 3-4 times a season. The volume of water for 1 watering – 2 buckets/bush
• If it doesn't rain – at least 1 time in 2 weeks. With prolonged heat and drought, the amount of watering is increased – currants are watered as soon as the soil begins to dry.
• During rainy periods – watering is stopped until dry weather sets in.

After watering, the soil around the bushes is loosened and mulched.

Feeding.  Currant «Mirror» loves organic and nitrogenous fertilizers. If in the year of planting you fertilized the soil and the bottom of the hole well with compost, manure or humus, then the next organic top dressing can be done at the end of the 2nd season, in the fall. A mixture is poured around the bushes: peat – manure/humus – wood ash  (4-5 kg/bush). The earth is dug up to the depth of a spade bayonet, turning over the top layer of soil.

In the 3rd year of growth, urea is applied under the roots in spring and autumn. Young plants need phosphorus and potassium, they are introduced into the soil during flowering and berry formation. In subsequent years, the amount of fertilizer does not change.

Pests and diseases. Blackcurrant "Mirror" has sufficient immunity to most fungal diseases and insect pests and is rarely infected by them. However, cases of attacks on currants by bud moths, aphids, spotting, rust and terry have been recorded. In the event of the first signs of disease, it is necessary to immediately treat the bushes with special drugs of narrowly targeted action, which can be purchased at gardening centers and nurseries. When infected with a currant mite, the bush is completely uprooted and burned, because. the mite can spread to other plants in the area.

Cutting. Forming pruning of the bush is carried out in spring or autumn. In the autumn, after harvesting, the extra branches are cut with pruners into 2 buds (15-20 cm). In the spring, dried or weak branches are removed, the main mass is left untouched. For 6-7 years, the bush is rejuvenated – remove old (from 6-7 years old) shoots, as well as branches that do not yield.

Wintering. Currant «Mirror» well tolerates Siberian frosts, protracted spring, return frosts. For the winter, it is recommended to cover only the root zone with mulch – around from the trunk to the border of the branches.

Selecting planting material

Before you buy blackcurrant seedlings "Mirror", 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! Purchase Mirror currant seedlings in nurseries and specialized stores.

Preparations