These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
1-year plant.
Rovada Red Currant (Ribes rubrum 'Rovada')
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Rovada' is a red currant cultivar originating from the Netherlands in 1974. It was bred for its high yields, large fruit, and disease resistance, quickly becoming a popular variety in Europe and beyond.
Patent Status: 'Rovada' Red Currant is not currently under an active plant patent. As a cultivar that has been widely available for a number of years, any potential patent protection has likely expired.
Berry Production: 'Rovada' is known for its exceptional yields of large, bright red, translucent berries borne in very long, grape-like clusters (strigs) that can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length. The berries have a sweet-tart flavor, making them suitable for both fresh eating and processing. They ripen late in the red currant season.
Ripening Time: 'Rovada' is a late-season ripening red currant, typically maturing its fruit in late July to August, extending the red currant harvest season. It ripens several weeks later than earlier varieties like 'Jonkheer Van Tets'. The berries can remain on the bush for a considerable time after ripening without significant loss of quality.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Rovada' is a vigorous, upright, and bushy deciduous shrub, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 3-5 feet (90-150 cm). It has attractive medium-green, lobed foliage that provides color from spring through autumn. Small, pale green flowers appear in spring.
Flowers: Produces clusters of small, pale greenish-yellow flowers in spring (typically May), which are attractive to pollinators. It is self-fertile. The late flowering time helps it to avoid damage from late spring frosts.
Hardiness: 'Rovada' Red Currant is very hardy and is generally suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 7. It can withstand cold winter temperatures.
Pollination: 'Rovada' is self-fertile and does not require another red currant variety for pollination to produce fruit. However, cross-pollination with another compatible red currant may result in even heavier yields.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Prefers full sun for the best fruit production and flavor, but can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hot summer climates.
Soil: Thrives in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil. It is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, but good drainage is crucial. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (5.5-7.0) is ideal.
Watering: Requires consistent watering, especially during establishment, flowering, and fruit development. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulching can help retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing: Benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring before new growth begins. An additional application after flowering can also be beneficial. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Pruning: Prune during the dormant season (late fall to early spring). Red currants fruit best on 2- and 3-year-old wood. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, as well as older canes (older than 3 years) to encourage new, productive growth. Maintain an open-centered bush with good air circulation.
Uses: The berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating, although they have a noticeable tartness.
Making jams, jellies, sauces, and syrups, where their flavor and pectin content are highly valued.
Baking in tarts, pies, and other desserts.
Freezing for later use.
Juicing.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds. Gardeners may need to protect ripening fruit from birds. 'Rovada' is noted for being rabbit-resistant.
Ornamental Value: 'Rovada' offers ornamental appeal with its attractive foliage, spring flowers, and striking, long clusters of bright red berries in summer. It can be grown as a freestanding bush or trained as a small standard tree.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Rovada' exhibits good resistance to common red currant diseases, including mildew and leaf spot, making it a reliable and easy-to-grow variety. It is also reported to have good resistance to pests.
