Blackcurrant variety Lelka — an early-maturing blackcurrant variety developed by Ukrainian breeders under the leadership of P.Z. Sherengov. The bushes of this variety are compact, upright, medium height (1.5 to 2 meters), with a narrow and dense base, which ensures ease of care and harvesting. Berries ripen simultaneously, are large in size — diameter from 1.7 to 2.2 cm, weight varies from 1.2 to 4 grams. They are matte black, round-oval, with a distinctly tart-sweet flavor and a rich currant aroma, making them attractive to consumers and in demand on the market.
Lelka variety is characterized by high yield — up to 4.5 kg per bush (about 21 tons per hectare), achieved with minimal input. Berries are suitable for fresh consumption, freezing, and various forms of processing, including juice, jelly, jam, and wine-making. The flesh of the berries has a greenish-brown hue, contains up to 8.9% sugar, 1.9% organic acids, and up to 220 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fresh weight, highlighting their high nutritional value.
In addition, Lelka variety exhibits high resistance to drought, powdery mildew, and rust, making it a reliable choice for cultivation in southern and central regions. The compactness of the bushes and simultaneous ripening of berries allow for effective use of combine harvesters, significantly simplifying harvest collection and improving its quality. Due to these characteristics, Lelka is a promising variety for commercial cultivation and home gardening.
