Yoshta is an amazing gooseberry / blackcurrant hybrid that is not very common in our gardens. Novice summer residents will be interested in learning about the features of this culture, its advantages, disadvantages and cultivation rules.
Description of the plant
Multiple attempts by breeders to cross gooseberries with black currants were not immediately crowned with success. The work, begun over a century ago, was aimed at developing a thornless, infection-resistant plant.
As a result of crossing, a perennial shrub with a height of about 1.5-2 m with a spreading crown turned out. Strong shoots without thorns are densely covered with bright green leaves that do not have the smell characteristic of currants.
The high early maturity of the yoshta allows the first harvest to be harvested within a year after planting. The productive period of some varieties of shrubs, with proper care, lasts 20-30 years.
The flowering process begins in April, and the harvest begins in July - early August. The frost-resistant plant is resistant to most pests, fungal and viral infections. The only insect capable of destroying culture is the glass.
Popular varieties of yoshta
Despite the fact that the berry bush has not yet been included in the State Register, experienced gardeners are busy growing various plant varieties:
- Yohini is an almost two-meter plant with a high yield. From one bush, I collect up to 10 kg of not very large fruits, the average weight of which is about 3 g. The small size of the berries fully compensates for their pleasant, very sweet taste.
- Crohn is a Swedish variety, characterized by increased frost resistance and unpretentiousness. The yield of medium-sized bushes (1.5 m) reaches 11 kg. Small fruits (3 g) have a pleasant, slightly sour taste.
- Moro is a vigorous upright bush, reaching a height of 2.5 m. Large, almost black berries with a nutmeg aroma have a juicy, sweet and sour pulp. The frost-resistant plant bears fruit best in the southern regions.
Despite this choice, my favorite is Rext - the only domestic variety. It stands out for its high growth (up to 2.2 m) and a yield of up to 10 kg. Small berries (2-3 g) are superior in taste to all other varieties.
Growing features
An unpretentious hybrid of currants and gooseberries does not need complex care. The berry culture prefers abundant watering, which is very important during flowering and fruit set. In the absence of precipitation, I water the plants 1-2 times a week at the rate of 15-20 liters for each bush.
After the soil in the near-trunk circle dries up slightly, I loosen it and mulch it with humus - this way the moisture evaporates longer. At the same time, I make sure that the soil under the bushes is not overgrown with weeds.
In addition to watering, the plant needs additional fertilizing, on which the quality of the crop depends. During the season, I fertilize the soil three times with mineral or organic fertilizers: in early spring, during the flowering period and the formation of ovaries. I prefer to use weed infusion and organic mulch.
Twice a year, the shrub must be sanitized pruning, which gives the plant a healthy, well-groomed appearance and contributes to its rejuvenation. During the procedure, you need to remove old, dry and damaged shoots that negatively affect fruiting.
Yoshta is a versatile garden shrub that can satisfy your fresh fruit needs and function as a hedge at the same time. Proper care will prolong the productive period of the berry crop and increase its yield.
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