Description and characteristics of Golubka currant variety, planting and care

The Dove currant was bred by breeders from the Siberian Horticulture Research Institute. The crop produces an early harvest and has excellent winter hardiness. This variety belongs to the self-fertile category and is characterized by excellent taste. That is why it is popular with many gardeners.

Characteristic

Dove is a typical representative of black currant. In appearance it resembles other varieties of this plant. The main differences are in taste characteristics.

Appearance of the bush

The description of culture includes the following features:

1. The leaves are medium in size and have a dark green tint.
2. The flowers are pale pink and the buds are red.
3. The culture is characterized by black berries covered with a coating. They are the same size and mature almost simultaneously. However, the variety cannot be classified as a dessert variety, since the berries have a sour taste.

All about flowering and fruiting

The plant blooms from May to June. During this period, red buds form on the bushes, which subsequently turn into soft pink flowers. After flowering is completed, clusters with 7-8 berries are formed on the plant.

Golubka is considered an early ripening variety, so it can be harvested at the end of June and in the first half of July. Each bush can produce up to 2.5 kilograms of fruit. The weight of the berries ranges from 0.7 to 1.8 grams. A characteristic feature of this variety of currants is a large amount of vitamin C.

The fruits ripen almost simultaneously. At the same time, they can hang on the bush for a long time and can be easily removed. Black currants contain 3.9% acids and 7.5% sugar.

In terms of taste, experts do not give the variety very high scores. The berries are sour or sweet and sour. That’s why they are often sent for processing.

Harvest and storage

The timing of harvest is influenced by a number of criteria:

• landing time;
• features of the growing season;
• duration of flower blooming;
• maturity;
• purpose of the fruit.

To assess the ripeness of berries, you need to pay attention to the shade of the peel. At the same time, black currants do not have a tendency to overripe. It keeps well on the bush. It is not recommended to harvest after watering or rain.

To store currants you need to use boxes or trays. Berries should be placed in small layers to avoid damage. It is not recommended to store currants for a long time. It needs to be processed 2-3 weeks after harvest.

Where are currant fruits used?

Black currant berries are consumed fresh. They are also used to prepare juice, compote or decoction. Drinks based on the fruits of this plant help cope with vitamin deficiency and improve metabolic processes. They can also be used for diseases of the digestive organs and to increase hemoglobin levels.

The leaves can be used in the form of decoctions. They produce a diuretic effect, dilate blood vessels and increase overall tone. Berries can be added to baked goods. Frozen fruits can be stored all winter and used to strengthen the immune system.

Resistance to diseases and pests

This variety of currants has excellent resistance to major fungal diseases. At the same time, it often suffers from powdery mildew. Also, the plant is often affected by bud mites, which weakens the immune system and significantly reduces yield.

Resistance to frost and drought

The variety is characterized by average frost resistance. It easily tolerates frosts down to -35 degrees. At lower temperatures in the region, the plant should be covered.

In windy and dry weather, the plant needs systematic watering. It is better to perform this manipulation in the evening, which will ensure better hydration of the roots.

Features of the variety: pros and cons

The Golubka variety has many advantages. These include:

• high yield parameters - up to 6-8 kilograms can be harvested from one bush per season;
• good taste;
• long fruiting period;
• self-fertility;
• average frost resistance;
• high resistance to fungal infections;
• ease of care.

The disadvantages include the need to carry out preventive treatments to protect against pests. Also, not all people like the sour taste of the fruit.

Landing technology

To get a good harvest, you should strictly follow the recommendations of experienced gardeners.

Selecting a location

Bushes are allowed to be planted freely and more densely. In the first case, the interval between plants is 1.5 meters, in the second - 70 centimeters. The closer the bushes are located, the faster they bear fruit. However, with this method of planting, they live less and produce a more modest harvest.

The culture is considered moisture-loving and shade-tolerant. However, the plant can hardly tolerate severe shading and marshy soil. Therefore, it is recommended to give preference to well-lit areas that are protected from the sun. An excellent solution would be moist areas located in lowlands.

As for the type of soil, you should give preference to light, fertile loam. Currants of this variety have difficulty with heavy soil.

Timing of planting work

Seedlings that have bare roots can be planted in autumn or spring. In this case, the first option is considered more preferable. In the middle zone, planting work can be carried out in early October. In the south, currants are planted a little later, in the north - a little earlier.

Over the winter, the soil around young bushes will become denser and settle. After this, the plants will develop more actively in the spring and take root more easily.If you plan to use container plants, there are no restrictions on planting dates.

Preparing the bed and planting hole

First, the ground on the site needs to be leveled. There should be no indentations on it. It is recommended to dig up the soil using a spade and get rid of the weed roots. The holes should be prepared in advance or right before planting.

The planting hole should be 50-60 centimeters in diameter. Deepen the hole by 35-40 centimeters. After preparing the hole, it is recommended to fill it 3/4 with fertile soil and fertilizers.

Selection of seedlings

It is worth purchasing seedlings in nurseries or specialized stores. One- or two-year-old bushes take root faster. Older plants have difficulty rooting and may not produce a crop.

It is important to ensure that the roots do not dry out. When transporting, the plant should be wrapped in a damp cloth. If there is any suspicion of weakness of the bush or the presence of diseases, it is better to refuse the purchase.

Step-by-step instructions for planting a seedling

Affected and dried roots need to be shortened, and the seedling should be deepened 8 centimeters above the root collar. Deepening allows the formation of root buds. They will subsequently grow into a multi-stemmed shrub.

Before filling the hole, you need to pour half a bucket of water into it. The same amount is added to the ring hole after planting the plant. After which it is recommended to loosen it and mulch with peat.

We organize competent bush care

To get a viable plant, it is recommended to provide full care for it.

Watering

It is worth watering the plant in the evenings. This will help ensure the roots are well hydrated. An adult bush will require 1.5-2 buckets of water.There should be no stagnation of liquid in the central part. It penetrates into the stem gaps and freezes in winter. This negatively affects productivity.

Feeding

The plant requires systematic feeding. With rapid crop growth, mineral and organic fertilizers must be introduced. In early April it is worth applying nitrogen fertilizing, in October - products containing phosphorus and calcium.

Trimming

The crop needs to be pruned in April. If the branches are directed inward, they need to be removed. Otherwise, there is a risk of reduced yield. After stopping the development of root shoots, 5 branches should be shortened by a third. If there is no effect, the weakest shoots are cut off.

Loosening the soil

The soil under the crop should always remain loose. Therefore, the plant should be systematically loosened. In spring, it is recommended to mulch the ground with moss or peat.

Shelter for the winter

In severe frosts, currants should be covered. To do this, branches and trunks are wrapped with rope. It is recommended to place them quite close. The bush should be bent to the ground and wrapped. Cover the top with a wooden box. It is also permissible to use an old blanket or fir branches.

Diseases and pests: treatment and preventive measures

Typically, such currants suffer from powdery mildew. This disease is caused by the development of a fungal infection and is accompanied by the appearance of a white coating.

In such a situation, you need to sprinkle the plant with copper sulfate. A solution of soda ash is also suitable. It is recommended to treat the bush every 10 days. An infusion of peat will also help to cope with the problem.

Golubka currant is a tasty and productive variety. To achieve good results in growing this crop, it is recommended to strictly follow the rules of planting and caring for the plant.