Currant and gooseberry
As a result of many years of research and experience from the crossing of blackcurrant with gooseberries, a new species of berry shrub - currant-gooseberry has been created.. This shrub retains all the advantages of both parent species, and at the same time many disadvantages have been eliminated. It grows as a heterosis plant more strongly than all blackcurrant and gooseberry varieties. Already in the second year after planting, the length of skeletal shoots exceeds 1,5 m. The shoots are free of spines and resistant to frost. Leaves develop in early spring and last until late fall. Their shape and size are intermediate between gooseberries and currants. Large flowers, the pink-red petals of the calyx are most often collected in 3-, 5-flower clusters. The fruits are elliptical or oval in shape, large (average berry weight approx. 3 g). They have a smooth skin, they are odorless, when ripe, they turn black. They do not tend to fall. The taste is original – combines the qualities of mother plants. From the bush you can get from 2,5 do 10 kg of fruit. They contain a large amount of vitamin C and are suitable for juices and preserves. When planting, keep a greater distance between the plants, so that there is a minimum of one bush 4 m2. Currant-gooseberries can also be kept in pear form on appropriate scaffolding.
Of the cultivars distinguished, Josta is commonly propagated.
