White currant is relatively unpopular, yet it is quite suitable for amateur cultivation. Its growing requirements are identical to those of red currant, and its fruit is a rich source of vitamin C and many other nutrients. They are suitable for direct consumption as well as for preserves, although their color is certainly not as attractive as in the case of red currant.
White currant
White currant - cultivation
White currantcan be grown all over the country.Like the red currant, it starts growing slightly later than the black currant, thanks to which its flowers are not so susceptible to frost damage. Bushes should be planted in sunny places, they can be plains or light slopes. If they have too little sun (e.g. growing in the shade of trees), the fruiting will be much weaker and the fruit will be smaller.
The cultivation of white currantis best done on fertile, humus soils with a slightly acidic reaction. On lighter soils it also works, but then we have to pay more attention to sufficient irrigation of the bushes - the substrate should always be moist. Currants must not be planted on very heavy, clay and waterlogged soils, in depressions of the ground.
White currant - planting
White currant seedlingsare most often available as plants dug from the ground, from the so-called exposed root. We can plant them in fall (October to November) or spring (March to early April).In spring, it is best to plant as early as possible, right after the soil has thawed and dried. Remember to plant the plants about 5 cm deeper than they grew in the nursery. The spacing between the bushes should be 1 to 1.5 m. After planting, the bushes should be cut low, leaving one bud above the ground. This will stimulate the plant to flourish and create new shoots.
The procedure is slightly different in the case ofwhite currantin the pear form (grafted on the trunk). In this case, after planting, the trunks are tied to stakes to prevent them from breaking, and the shoots are cut into 8-10 buds. We plant such plants every 1 m.
We deal with plants sold in containers in an even different way. Such currants can be planted throughout the growing season - from spring to autumn, and they do not require pruning after planting.
Regardless of whether we planted plants with open roots or from containers, after planting, they should be watered abundantly and the soil underneath them should be mulched. Sawdust, composted manure or pine bark may be used for this purpose.
Protection of white currant - diseases and pests
White currant cultivation in a home garden or allotment is supported by the fact that it is less infected by diseases and pests than black currant. If plant damage is noticed, the affected organs should be removed. The bushes should also be sprayed with liquid manure or extracts of horsetail, onion, garlic or nettle. To a large extent, they will prevent the appearance of such pests as the currant aphid (in spring it causes deformation and discoloration of the apical leaves), the large currant aphid (unnaturally swollen buds) or leaf rollers (their caterpillars cause curling of the apical leaves and inhibit the development of shoots). Spraying with natural preparations to some extent also reduces fungal diseases of currants.
White currant - varieties
White with Juterbog
This is probably the most commonly grownwhite currant variety The fruits of this variety ripen in mid-July, their flesh is sweet and sour, with a mild taste. It is a fertile variety that starts fruiting early. Its advantage is also resistance to currant leaves. Unfortunately, it is sensitive to drought and its flowers can be damaged by spring frosts.
Zitavia
The fruits of this variety ripen around mid-July. They are large and gathered in long clusters. The taste is much sweeter than that of red currant, which makes it more suitable for direct consumption. It iswhite currant varietynot very susceptible to diseases and perfect for planting in a lane on almost any soil.
Werdavia
A variety with an average time of ripening, with medium-strong growth and a slightly spreading habit. Suitable for growing in an espalier. Fruits of this variety are medium-sized, but left on the bush until fully ripe, they become very tasty and sweet. It is worth planting this variety if you want to eat currants straight from the bush.
Blanka
It is a latewhite currant variety , its fruits ripen only at the turn of July and August. In the second half of August, when the fruits are not yet fully ripe, they have a sour taste and are perfect for preserves. At the beginning of August, when they are fully ripe, they become sweet, perfect for direct consumption. The variety is very fertile and produces long clusters sprinkled with fruit. Flower sensitivity to frost - medium.
