Content
Currant Lyubava takes its rightful place among other varieties. Gardeners are presented under this name not only with black, but also with a rare, pink representative of this berry. It was noted that the second version of the bush plant has not only a beautiful pink-amber color, but also a pleasant sweet taste.
Despite the color difference between black and pink Lyubava currants, the berries of both types are considered relatively large
History of selection
Black currant Lyubava was obtained at the Saratov Horticulture Experimental Station. This berry was the result of crossing the Chudesnitsa and Rtishchevskaya varieties. Since 1983, it has been included in the state variety testing. The variety has been zoned for cultivation in the Lower Volga region.
Pink currant Lyubava is a high-yielding hybrid of white and red varieties of this berry of the Fertodi pyros variety, obtained by open pollination.Launched in the Lviv branch of IS UAAN. The authors of the variety are Z.A. Shestopal, G.S. Shestopal. It is recommended for cultivation in the Southern regions, the Urals and the Moscow region.
Description of varieties of pink and black currants Lyubava
According to descriptions and reviews from gardeners, the Lyubava black and pink currant varieties are high-yielding. With proper care, the plant pleases not only with a large number of fruits, but also with a pleasant taste.
In appearance, currants with black berries are a medium-sized bush, not exceeding 1.5 m in height. The branching is moderate. The shoots are straight and strong, but can bend under the weight of the berries. Leaves with a typical aroma, light green in color. The clusters are long, and quite large berries are formed on them, the weight of which can reach up to 1.5 g. The skin of the fruit is thin, matte, with a coating. At technical maturity they are black in color. The color of the pulp is light green, the seeds are medium-sized. The picking of the berries is dry, and if they are not overripe, they do not choke during picking. The taste is pleasant, sweet, with subtle sourness.
Pink currant bushes of the Lyubava variety are also medium in size, rarely exceeding 1.5 m. Very compact, but quite branched, requiring timely pruning of the shoots. The shoots are erect, strong and flexible. The leaf blades are medium-sized, five-lobed, dark green in color. The brushes are long, on which from 14 to 18 large berries are formed, weighing up to 1 g. The fruits are all the same size, round in shape. Their skin is thin and transparent, but at the same time dense and does not crack. The color is pink-beige, the aroma is typical of currants.The berries are very juicy, with small seeds, sweet in taste without any noticeable sourness.
Characteristics
Thanks to the excellent characteristics of the Lyubava black and pink currant varieties, these garden plants are considered the most optimal for growing in small areas. After all, the compactness of the bushes and the long brushes on which large berries are formed make it possible to achieve maximum yield in a limited space.
Currant Lyubava is considered one of the most unpretentious to grow
Drought resistance
Pink and black currant Lyubava are considered varieties that are not afraid of dry weather. But in order for the berries to be large, during drought the plants should be provided with good watering. Lack of moisture can not only affect the size of the fruit, but also the yield.
How many degrees of frost can pink and black currants Lyubava withstand?
In addition to resistance to drought, the varieties of pink and black currant Lyubava have increased resistance to frost. Both types of this garden plant are able to withstand temperatures up to - 30 0C without shelter. Naturally, the bushes will calmly survive the winter only if they are properly prepared. It is recommended to carry out sanitary pruning, watering and fertilizing in the autumn, which will allow the plant to gain strength.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
Both Lyubava varieties are self-fertile, so the presence of other currant bushes nearby is not required to obtain a stable harvest. But still, gardeners recommend planting several varieties of plants at once to increase the number of berries and their taste.
In terms of ripening time, pink and black Lyubava currants differ slightly.The first type is more classified as mid-season, since the berries reach technical maturity in mid-July. But black currants still belong more to the late varieties, since picking the berries should begin in early to mid-August.
Productivity and fruiting, keeping quality of berries
The productivity of black and pink Lyubava currants is noted as high. After all, with good care, you can collect up to 15 kg of high-quality berries from one bush. If we talk about an industrial scale, then from 1 hectare you can get approximately 160-200 c. Fruiting of both varieties is annual and stable.
After picking, the berries are not stored for long, as they have poor keeping quality. At low temperatures, pink currants can last up to two days, but black currants begin to wrinkle and deteriorate.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Lyubava currant variety has good immunity. These garden plants have increased resistance to many fungal diseases typical of the crop, in particular to powdery mildew, anthracnose, and septoria. It is also worth noting the low incidence of spider mites.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Lyubava currant variety, regardless of its black or pink berries, according to many gardeners, has a large number of advantages. The plant is unpretentious and produces a stable harvest.
One of the advantages of the Lyubava currant variety is that the buds and inflorescences are not damaged when the temperature drops sharply in the spring
Pros:
- high productivity;
- unpretentiousness in cultivation;
- the fruits ripen smoothly, and they can remain on the hand for a long time without falling off;
- large, one-sized berries, with excellent commercial quality and good sweet taste;
- versatility of use, the berries are suitable for fresh consumption and for processing (preparing jam, compote, fruit drinks, etc.);
- frost and drought resistance;
- increased immunity to diseases and pests.
Minuses:
- small size of bushes;
- the Lyubava variety with pink berries requires timely pruning, since thickened shoots can affect the yield;
- lack of distance may affect the size of the berries.
Features of planting and care
Pink and black currant Lyubava is considered an unpretentious plant, so planting the crop usually does not cause problems.
This garden plant produces a stable harvest when grown in sunny areas protected from draft winds. It is recommended to plant bushes on loam with neutral or slightly acidic soil.
It is best to plant currants in the first half of autumn; before the onset of winter, the plant will have time to take root well and become stronger.
The seedlings are planted in pre-dug holes so that the root collar is buried 5-7 cm. Then they are covered with soil, compacted around it and watered abundantly. At the end of all planting procedures, the shoots are pruned to three buds. You should also mulch the soil around the trunk.
After planting and beyond, the plant needs moisture. During the dry period, currants need to be watered at least once every ten days, using up to 50 liters of water. Afterwards you should loosen the soil.
Organic fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are used to feed the crop. They should be applied four times per season: in the spring, during flowering and berry formation, and in the fall, after harvesting.
It is necessary to prune Lyubava currants at least twice a season: in the spring, cutting off frozen and damaged shoots, and in the fall, removing shoots. After carrying out such treatments, you need to coat the cut areas with garden varnish.
In order to prevent infection, currants are treated with boiling water in the spring. If affected leaves are found, they should be removed without fail. If harmful insects are noticed on the bush, the plant must be treated with insecticides.
Conclusion
Lyubava currants, both pink and black, can rightfully be called one of the best. The yield of both types is high, the berries are large and pleasant to the taste. And most importantly, they are universal, which makes it possible to enjoy not only fresh fruits, but also prepare healthy preserves for the winter.
Reviews with photos about Lyubava currants
