Many Russian gardeners are trying to grow unusual varieties of garden crops in their garden plots. In such a situation, experts advise paying attention to hybrids of currants and cherries, which produce a decent harvest of berries that differ not only in appearance, but also in their unique taste. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, there is now more than one variety of similar crops on the horticultural market, so before planting it is recommended to find out about the best representatives and care rules.
Origin story
The appearance of hybrids is associated with many years of work by breeders, who over the years have conducted experiments to improve the external and taste characteristics of currant and cherry fruits, and to enhance the stress resistance of crops to environmental factors. The pioneer of such work in our country was Michurin, whose first results in obtaining new crops were not always positive. Work on breeding hybrids was actively carried out in Germany, Sweden, and England.
Today, there are many hybrid varieties of currants and cherries on the horticultural market. The main differences are in the appearance and taste of the berries, and the requirements for growing conditions.
Varieties
The result of the work of breeders to obtain a hybrid of currants and cherries was the appearance of several varieties of yoshta. As a result of crossing gooseberries and currants, the following types of garden crops were obtained:
- EMB is a tall bush up to 1.8 m high, the fruits reach a size of up to 5 g and ripen for 2 months;
- Krona is a medium-yielding variety with small berries that can not fall off for a long time;
- Rext is the result of Russian selection, producing berries up to 3 g;
- Yohini is a productive variety with a unique berry taste, capable of reaching a height of 2 m;
- Moro is a columnar variety that produces fruits with a nutmeg aroma and grows up to 2 m.
A hybrid of cherries and cherries, the so-called cerapaduses, have not gained popularity in our country due to the specific taste of the berries. Experiments with cherries ended positively, the result was the emergence of a new species - Duke. The most popular varieties include Miracle cherry, Spartanka, Komsomolskaya.
The cherry-gooseberry hybrid differs from its parents in its stronger immunity to disease and the ability to tolerate difficult growing conditions.
They are not characterized by their disadvantages in the form of the presence of thorns and lack of resistance to frost. The advantage of the plants is their larger berries, which have a unique taste.
Planting and growing conditions
Yoshta forms a bush, the height of which reaches 2 m. An adult bush has about 20 shoots of different ages, and the root system goes 0.5 m deep. The plant is often used as an ornamental shrub. The plant requires planting in a lighted open area. The distance between bushes should be at least 0.5 m and located 0.7-2 m from other crops. The soil should be loose, rich in potassium and organic matter.
Yoshta is planted in the spring or at the beginning of the autumn season. The plant is fed with the same fertilizers that are used for better growth of currants and gooseberries. Single bushes need to form a crown; significant costs for pruning shoots are not required. The hybrid requires sufficient watering.
Cherry hybrids are also planted in illuminated areas, maintaining a distance of 5 m between trees. Most crops are self-fertile, so obtaining a harvest requires nearby pollinators. Growth requires fertile soil containing a mixture of humus, turf and nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Caring for the plant is not difficult. In the spring, pruning and preventive measures are required to prevent fungal infection. If natural precipitation is insufficient, additional watering is carried out.
Reproduction methods
Hybrids are propagated by cuttings, root shoots or dividing the bush. The latter method is used only for yoshta when it is necessary to replant the plant. For survival, 1 or 2 healthy and strong shoots with strong roots should remain. Before planting, it is recommended to treat the root shoots with charcoal. A guarantee of obtaining a harvest of the required quality is the purchase of a healthy, high-quality seedling, choosing the right planting site and following the recommendations for growing the plant.
