Currants are the richest source of trace elements necessary for the human body. This has been known since time immemorial. That is why it is customary to make jams, compotes, jams from this berry, and it is eaten fresh. The leaves can be used to prepare infusions and delicious teas.

Every experienced summer resident wants to have this beauty on his site. Today there are about 200 varieties of black currant. It is easy to get confused when choosing the most suitable type. To simplify the task a little, it is proposed to consider such an option as the Titania currant, which is described below.

History of creation

The variety is the most popular among Swedish plants. In the 70s of the last century, this variety was the result of crossing two varieties: Altai dessert and Kajaanin Musta-Tamas. In Russia, they found out about him only 20 years later.

Characteristics and features of the variety

The Titania currant is one of those that are called the black gold of the garden. This variety is classified as mid-season - the bush brings the first harvest in the middle of summer. Several plantings are enough to provide even the largest family with not only fresh, but also canned berries.

Currant titania

The shrub has a spherical crown, grows up to one and a half meters in height. Shoots are long and straight. Leaves are medium in size, wrinkled, have a deep green color, grow densely on the branches.

The berries of the currant in question are perfect for making desserts, they have a pleasant wine-sweet taste. In weight they can reach 4 g. 20-25 pieces are collected in bunches. Their skin is dense, shiny. The pulp is not watery, dark green.

Black currant Titania is quite frost-resistant. Without additional insulation, it can withstand a drop in temperature to -24 degrees. But further cooling can destroy the plant. Therefore, the shrub must be protected.

In order for the currant to survive the harsh winter, it must be properly prepared for frost. Protective measures must be taken in late autumn.

In regions with a relatively mild climate, it is sufficient to mulch the near-stem section by 10 cm. In snowy areas this will not be enough. Black currant Titan must be bent to the ground and wrapped. The bush can be tied to something or pressed down with a load (only not metal), it is important not to damage the plant. Then cover with a thick layer of snow or mulch.

Mulch the near-stem area

Experienced gardeners note that the use of special covering materials will not hurt for the greatest protection. They will definitely protect the culture from freezing, but you have to work hard. Each branch must be wrapped separately and always with the addition of mineral wool. In this way, oxygen is supplied to the plant. In no case should polyethylene and similar materials be used.

Agrotechnics

Before boarding, you need to decide on a place. For black currants, areas with slightly acidic soil and good aeration are ideal. Therefore, if the soil is heavy, you need to add sand or limestone to it.

Varietal shrub prefers flat areas in lowlands.

Important! The permissible level of groundwater does not exceed 1 m. In a wetland, currants will often hurt and, in the end, die. Also, don't forget that Titania requires a lot of light.

It should be noted that a bush with an open root takes root better if it is planted in the fall.Although a spring planting is possible. The main thing is to be in time before the buds bloom.

3-4 weeks before planting, you need to flavor the soil. For this, the soil is sprinkled with compost, nitroammophos and wood ash. If this is not done, you will have to apply fertilizers directly during planting, which is carried out in this way:

  • first you need to form a hole 40 cm in size in all directions;
  • then pour 10 liters of clean water onto the bottom;
  • lower the seedling at an angle, deepen the root collar by 6 cm;
  • spread the roots and cover with earth;
  • form a hole around the plant, water it and mulch.

Note! Experienced gardeners recommend choosing a longer seedling. There should be at least 15 cm of the bush above the ground.

With the right choice of location and proper planting, you can count on uninterrupted fruiting for 11 years. But in order for the harvest to please, you also need to take good care of the currants. What manipulations are needed:

  1. Be sure to loosen the soil. This should be done with extreme care so as not to damage the roots. The fact is that they are located very close to the surface of the earth;
  2. Water as needed. Most often it will be necessary to do this during drought and during the flowering period. One bush requires at least 30 liters of water;
  3. Weed the area. Weeds take most of the nutrients and moisture from the soil. Therefore, you need to get rid of excess vegetation in time;
  4. Prune old branches in the spring. You need to remove them before the buds have blossomed. The first 3 years, in addition to removing dry shoots, it is necessary to form a bush. For this, 5 of the strongest branches are left annually, and last year's are cut by 3 buds. As a result, by the age of 4, the currant will consist of about 20 branches.

Do not forget about feeding. Loosening is a great opportunity to add some carbamide (30 g is enough). In autumn, it is better to fertilize with the following components:

  • humus - 5 kg;
  • potassium sulfate - 20 g;
  • double superphosphate - 40 g.

Plus, you can add a mixture for foliar fertilization. Products with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other microelements are perfect.

Foliar fertilizer mixtures

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Before planting Titania in your garden or garden, you should carefully study all the pros and cons of this shrub. He has the following advantages:

  1. The fruits are large, weighty, do not crumble after ripening;
  2. The bush tolerates frost well;
  3. Stable rich harvest;
  4. Easy to transport.

There are also negative characteristics:

  1. With the wrong care, the berry inevitably becomes smaller;
  2. The root system is very demanding for constant moisture;
  3. The need for constant feeding;
  4. Overgrowth formation;
  5. Irregularity in berry size.

As you can see, this variety belongs to the category requiring attention and care. But if everything is done correctly, you can get a storehouse of vitamins in large quantities. Currants are pleasantly refreshing in the heat and warm on cold winter evenings, not to mention the prevention of flu and colds, as well as help with their treatment. After all, currants contain vitamin C in such quantities that various viruses and infections will not be good. A couple of spoons of currant jam, hot tea with a fragrant bush leaf will put anyone on their feet.