Content
Black currant Skazka is a variety of Ukrainian selection that has spread to Russia and neighboring countries. Among the advantages, gardeners highlight excellent yield, good taste and attractive presentation of the berries. Bushes can be grown in central Russia even without shelter for the winter.
History of selection
Skazka blackcurrant is a little-known variety obtained by crossing the Sanyuta and Odzhebin varieties. Kopan V.P. took part in the work. and Kopan K.M. (IS, UANN, Ukraine). The variety has several names (in Russian and Ukrainian):
- Kazka;
- Kazkova;
- Fabulous.
The crop is not included in the register of breeding achievements of the Russian Federation. There is evidence that it was initially registered in 2006. As of 2020, Skazka currant is not listed in the register.
The culture was bred specifically for the climatic conditions of forest-steppe and woodland. Therefore, it can be cultivated in Ukraine, Belarus, as well as in central Russia, in the Black Earth Region and southern regions. In the steppe zone, bushes need additional watering and irrigation of the crown.
Description of the Skazka currant variety
The description of the litter says that the crop produces vigorous (150–160 cm) bushes with a rather spreading and dense crown. The clusters are short, dense. Main characteristics of currant berries of the Skazka variety:
- large - average weight from 1.8 to 2.3 g, sometimes up to 3.0 g;
- round shape;
- classic black color;
- the surface is glossy, with shine;
- one-dimensional;
- the skin is strong and not too thick;
- dry separation;
- the pulp is of a normal brownish color, juicy;
- the taste is sweet and sour, balanced (8 points out of 10).
Based on the results of the analysis, the following composition of the pulp was established:
- dry matter – up to 13.5%;
- pectins – 1.0%
- total sugar – 8.5%;
- acids – 2.4%;
- phenols – more than 320 mg per 100 g;
- vitamin C – up to 200 mg per 100 g.
Characteristics
The Skazka blackcurrant variety adapts well to the climatic conditions of the middle zone - forest-steppe and steppe. It has normal winter hardiness and immunity, so the crop can be grown in different regions.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Black currant Skazka is moderately winter-hardy
In the middle zone, mature bushes can overwinter without shelter. It is better to mulch young seedlings. When growing in other regions (North-West, Urals, Siberia), shelter is required. Drought resistance is average - during the dry period, currants need weekly watering (1-2 buckets per bush). Otherwise, the berries may bake in the sun or become smaller.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
In the area next to the Skazka currant, it is advisable to plant other varieties, as well as flowers to attract bees and other pollinators. The variety belongs to the mid-late variety. Flowering lasts from the end of June to the first ten days of July. The main fruiting occurs in the first half of August.
Therefore, they can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks and transported over long distances.
Productivity and fruiting
The productivity of Skazka black currant is 5–6 kg per bush. During industrial cultivation, up to 18 tons are collected from 1 hectare, which is a fairly good indicator. Fruiting occurs together, in one wave. Separating the berries from the petioles is dry, so it is convenient to harvest the crop either manually or mechanically.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The description of the black currant variety Skazka indicates that the variety is quite resistant to fungal diseases. However, there is no data on immunity to kidney mites and other pests. Therefore, in the spring it is recommended to carry out 1-2 preventive treatments with fungicides:
- Bordeaux mixture;
- "Maksim";
- "Tattu";
- "Ordan";
- "Skor";
- "Fitosporin".
Insecticides will help control insects:
- "Decis";
- "Confidor";
- "Aktara";
- "Green Soap";
- "Match";
- "Fufanon" and others.
Instead of chemicals, Skazka blackcurrant bushes can also be treated with folk remedies - a mustard solution, a decoction of marigold flowers, an infusion of wood ash with laundry soap, onion peels, ammonia and others.
Advantages and disadvantages
Black currant Skazka has a pleasant taste and high yield. The variety has other advantages, thanks to which it has become popular in Russia and neighboring countries.
Skazka black currant produces large, sweet, marketable berries
Pros:
- consistently high productivity;
- pleasant taste;
- good transportability;
- long shelf life;
- presence of immunity to fungal diseases;
- adaptability to the climate of the middle zone;
- amicable maturation;
- dry tear;
- the crown is moderately spreading.
Minuses:
- may be damaged by insects;
- not suitable for cultivation in the Urals and Siberia;
- ripening dates are late;
- not very drought tolerant.
Features of planting and care
Planting of the Skazka blackcurrant is scheduled for early October. If seedlings were purchased in the spring, they can be planted from April to May. The area should be open, well lit, protected from the wind and dry (not in a lowland). The optimal soil type is light loam. If the soil is depleted, a few months before planting, add compost or humus to it in a 2 m2 bucket.
Black currant Skazka is responsive to regular watering and fertilizing (2–3 times per season)
Before planting, the area is cleared and several holes 50–60 cm deep are marked at a distance of 1.5 m. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- Skazka blackcurrant seedlings are immersed in a solution of a growth stimulator for several hours (Epin, Heteroauxin, Zircon).
- Planted in holes obliquely, at an angle of 45 degrees.
- Sprinkle with fertile soil mixed with peat and compost (2:1:1).
- Tamp down a little and water generously.
- After 2–3 weeks, add more soil. In this case, the root collar of the plant should remain at a depth of 5–7 cm.
- For the winter, be sure to water, then lay a layer of mulch (straw, hay, sawdust, peat or other material).
In order to grow a beautiful and healthy Skazka currant bush (pictured), the description of the variety states that it is necessary to follow the standard rules of agricultural technology:
- Provide regular watering twice a month.During drought, moisten weekly (1-2 buckets of warm, settled water, depending on the age of the bush).
- Starting from the second season after planting, apply fertilizer 3 times every year. In April, ammonium nitrate (40 g per 10 l) is applied, in mid-June - a complex fertilizer (for example, azophosphate) in the same amount, and at the end of September - a pinch of wood ash. Also, for the winter, planting Skazka black currants can be mulched with rotted manure.
- Periodically, the ground needs to be weeded and weeds removed. After watering or heavy rain, the soil must be loosened to prevent the formation of a dense crust.
- In the middle zone, it is not necessary to insulate bushes for the winter. In regions with frostier winters, currants are covered with burlap, which is fixed at the base of the bush.
- Pruning is carried out as necessary: sanitary every spring, forming in April or autumn (during the first 3-4 years of life).
Conclusion
Black currant Skazka is an interesting, although not very well-known variety of black currant. Recommended for cultivation by both experienced and novice gardeners. Gives a stable harvest even with minimal care.
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