Contents
Currant Big Ben is a new variety of Scottish selection. It gives very sweet and large berries, the yield reaches 4,5 kg from one bush. It is characterized by low winter hardiness. Therefore, when growing, even in the middle lane, you will need to create a good shelter.
History of breeding
Big Ben is a relatively recent blackcurrant variety. It was bred in Scotland (UK) in 2008. It has not yet been included in the register of breeding achievements. But the culture has already become known to many summer residents.
The variety is valued for its very high yield – more than 4 kg per bush, as well as for the pleasant, dessert taste of berries. It can be grown in different regions of Our Country, including in the middle lane, in the North-West in the Volga region and in the southern regions.
Description of the Big Ben currant variety with a photo
In the description of the Big Ben currant variety, the main characteristics are given – the appearance of the bush, size, color of berries, and others. This will help you get to know the culture better.
Bush
The bush produces vertical shoots reaching a height of 1,5 m. The leaves of the Big Ben currant are broadly lobed and have a smooth surface on the outside. The edges are folded down.
Branches can bend during growth, because of this, the crown partly spreads. Therefore, Big Ben currant bushes need more space than a number of other varieties. On the other hand, it is easier to pick berries from them. Shoots are quite strong, elastic. They do not break even under gusts of wind, they withstand the weight of the crop well.
Bushes grow very quickly. In the first two years, they reach the desired height, and from the third they begin to bear fruit. Moreover, productivity is maintained for 10-12 years.
Flowers up to 1 cm in diameter are pink or purple, collected in drooping brushes (1-2 at each node). Inflorescences appear in May and June, then fruits begin to form closer to the middle of summer. Brushes up to 8 cm long, the first grows at a height of 10-15 cm from the soil surface.
Berries
The fruits are black, glossy, attractive in appearance. The berries are large, the average weight is 2,3 g. The shape is correct, spherical. They can be eaten fresh, kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. Also, the fruits of the Big Ben currant are suitable for conservation, making jam.
Characteristic of the variety
Among the characteristics of the Big Ben variety, summer residents are most interested in yield, taste of berries and winter hardiness. The main parameters are described below.
Palatability
The taste of Big Ben berries is very sweet, dessert, with a pronounced aroma. The flesh is juicy, but not watery. These fruits are best consumed fresh. To maximize the preservation of useful substances, it is recommended to freeze and store in the freezer for up to six months.
Terms of maturation
Currant Big Ben belongs to the middle-late crops. The fruits begin to form in mid-summer. They sing together, which makes harvesting easier.
Ripening begins in the first half of August
Productivity
The crop yield is very high – up to 4,5 kg per bush. This indicator can be achieved when grown in a mild climate, for example, in the south or in the Black Earth region. Also, for high yields, it is necessary to provide good care – watering, top dressing. It is equally important to choose the right place – Big Ben blackcurrant grows well on loose, fertile soils.
Frost resistance
The frost resistance index of this crop is low – in open ground it can withstand up to -17 degrees. In most parts of Our Country, winters are more severe. Even in the middle lane, the temperature often drops below -20. Therefore, bushes are recommended to cover for the winter (especially young seedlings). In the conditions of the Urals, Siberia, and the northern regions, it is rather risky to breed Big Ben currants. You will need to create a reliable protective shelter or even planted in greenhouses.
Big Ben currant pollinators
The Big Ben variety of blackcurrant is self-fertile, it does not need pollinators. In order to prolong fruiting and, accordingly, increase the yield, the originator recommends planting the Ben Tirran variety on the site. It is not so easy to get it – seedlings are sold in the UK and neighboring countries.
Resistance to diseases
The immunity of the Big Ben variety is quite good. He rarely suffers from diseases, especially if proper care is provided and the watering rate is observed. It is also necessary to take care of preventive treatments for fungal infections (they are done in early spring).
In summer, the bushes are periodically observed. Destroy insects with folk remedies or insecticides. It is also recommended to keep an eye on the birds that are actively pecking at the berries. For this, a scarecrow is installed, special repellers are used.
Advantages and disadvantages
Big Ben variety has many advantages. This is a high-yielding crop that produces truly delicious, sweet berries. Winter hardiness is low, so in the fall you need to take care of shelter.
The berries are large and very sweet.
Pros:
- pleasant taste;
- high yield;
- fruiting early and long;
- satisfactory drought resistance;
- the variety is resistant to various types of rot and spotting;
- bushes moderately spreading.
Cons:
- winter hardiness is low;
- shoots are long, so they need to be tied up.
Features of growing currant Big Ben
To get a good blackcurrant crop, the Big Ben variety must be properly looked after. The culture is responsive to regular watering and fertilization.
Planting currant Big Ben
For planting Big Ben currants, they choose a well-lit, dry place away from the lowlands, where rain and melt water accumulate. The soil should be loose and fertile, loam with a neutral or slightly acid pH of 5,5 to 7,0 is optimal.
You can plant seedlings both in spring (March, early April) and in autumn (first half of October). They usually go on sale from November to early April. Therefore, planting is planned more often in early spring than in autumn. During this time, the Big Ben currant manages to take root and prepare for the first wintering.
Soil preparation should be done in the fall. The soil is dug up on a spade bayonet and compost or humus is added – a bucket per square meter. If the earth is too dense, contains a lot of clay, it is necessary to close up sawdust or sand in the amount of 2-3 kg for the same area.
When buying a seedling, you need to pay attention to its appearance:
- the roots are well developed, there are no signs of disease;
- there are 3-4 healthy shoots of a light gray shade;
- kidneys without damage;
- bark intact, no scratches.
Big Ben currant seedlings are sold in pots (closed root system), so they do not need special preparation. The day before planting, they are well watered to form an earthen lump.
Pits are dug in advance according to the following scheme:
- depth 60 cm;
- width 50-60 cm;
- minimum spacing 1,8 m.
The sequence of actions when planting Big Ben blackcurrant is as follows:
- Dig a hole, lay a layer of small stones on the bottom.
- Transfer the seedling by the transshipment method, preserving the earthen clod to the maximum.
- Place in the center at a 45 degree angle to the ground.
- Dig with soil and tamp so that the root collar goes 8-10 cm into the ground. At least 5 buds should remain in the soil – they will give basal shoots.
- Pour settled water (1-2 buckets).
- Cut off all shoots, leaving 2-3 buds on each.
- Lay out hay, straw, peat or other mulch.
It is desirable to plant along the fence so that the bushes are protected from strong winds.
Big Ben currant care
To get a good harvest, Big Ben currants need to be well looked after. In the first months, watering is done every week, then water is given as needed, spending up to three buckets per adult bush. It is necessary to ensure that the soil does not dry out, but at the same time is not too wet. The drought resistance of the variety is relatively good, however, with a lack of moisture, the fruits will be small and not so tasty.
It is very important to fertilize regularly. In the spring they give nitrogen compounds – urea, ammonium nitrate, mullein. During the formation of buds and ovaries, superphosphate and potassium sulfate are given. After harvesting, you can feed with infusion of wood ash, but in no case give nitrogen.
The soil is periodically loosened, weeding is done. To keep the soil moist, constantly keep a layer of mulch, periodically replace it.
Since the Big Ben blackcurrant produces fairly tall shoots that deviate to the sides, the bush must be tied up. To do this, install pegs, for example, wooden or plastic, around the perimeter of the bush. Branches are tied to them with a strong rope.
Thanks to regular feeding, the bushes will produce up to 4,5 kg of delicious berries.
Another important point is shelter for the winter. In late October – early November, a high layer of mulch is laid – at least 10 cm in height, pruned and tied 2-3 branches together. Then they are carefully bent to the ground and fixed with wooden boards. Top with dry, loose soil. When snow falls, it is necessary to ensure that it lies in a layer of at least 20 cm.
Conclusion
Currant Big Ben – a variety with very sweet, large berries. Due to its high yield, it is suitable for growing in private farms and for sale. He is demanding to care. It is especially important to take care of the garter and winter shelter.
Reviews of gardeners about currant Big Ben
