Your Guide to Growing Redcurrant Rovada

Ribes rubrum

Redcurrant Rovada (Ribes rubrum ‘Rovada’) is one of the most productive and reliable redcurrant varieties available today. With its high yields, long strigs of luscious red fruits, and outstanding flavour, it’s a fantastic addition to any garden. Whether you want to grow it as a bush, hedge, or in a pot, Redcurrant Rovada is easy to maintain and provides an abundant harvest year after year.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about growing Redcurrant Rovada, from planting and care to pruning and harvesting. If you’re looking for a fruit that’s easy to grow, packed with flavour, and perfect for eating fresh or freezing, Redcurrant Rovada is an excellent choice.

Choosing the Right Location

Redcurrants thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day for the best fruit production. They prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Soil Preparation

Prepare the soil by incorporating well-rotted compost or manure before planting. Redcurrant Rovada grows best in fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Planting Bare Root or Potted Plants

Bare root redcurrants should be planted in late autumn or early spring. Potted plants can be planted at any time of the year, but autumn planting is ideal for root establishment.

• Bare Root Plants: Soak roots in water for an hour before planting. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system and plant at the same depth as it was previously grown.

• Potted Plants: Ensure the root ball is moist before planting. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and firm the soil around the plant.

Spacing and Positioning

Rovada need space to spread. Plant at least 1.5m (5ft) apart in rows with 1.5m (5ft) between rows. If growing as a hedge, space plants 60cm (2ft) apart for a dense fruiting hedge.

Watering and Mulching

Redcurrants require consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water well during the growing season and mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Feeding and Fertilising

Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage strong growth. A second feed of high-potassium fertiliser during fruiting will enhance fruit production and flavour.

When and How to Prune

Prune redcurrants in late autumn or winter when the plant is dormant.

• Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood.
• Shorten new growth on the main framework to encourage fruiting spurs.
• Older wood should be pruned back to encourage new growth, as redcurrants fruit best on two-year-old wood.

Redcurrants can be grown as free-standing bushes or trained against a wall or trellis.

• Bush Form: Allow the plant to develop a natural shape while pruning to maintain an open centre.

• Cordon or Fan Training: Train against a fence or trellis, tying in canes to create a structured shape for easy harvesting.

Redcurrants are relatively disease-resistant but can be affected by:

• Mildew: Prevent by ensuring good airflow around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
• Aphids and Caterpillars: Encourage natural predators such as ladybirds or use organic sprays.
• Bird Protection: Cover plants with netting to prevent birds from eating the fruit before harvest.

When to Harvest

Rovada fruits in late summer, typically from mid-July onwards. The long strigs of deep red, translucent berries make for easy picking.

How to Use Redcurrants

• Eaten Fresh: Redcurrants are delicious straight from the bush.
• Freezing: They freeze well for later use.
• Cooking: Ideal for jams, jellies, desserts, and drinks.

Choosing the Right Pot

Redcurrants can be grown successfully in large pots (at least 30L). Use a high-quality compost mix with good drainage.

Container Care

• Water regularly to prevent drying out.
• Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser during fruiting.
• Repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.

Key Points to Remember:

• Plant in full sun with well-drained soil
• Water regularly, especially in dry spells
• Prune annually to encourage fruiting wood
• Protect fruit from birds using netting
• Mulch yearly with compost or well-rotted manure

With proper care, Redcurrant Rovada will reward you with heavy crops of delicious fruit for years to come. Whether grown as a bush, hedge, or in a pot, this high-yielding variety is an excellent addition to any garden.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Rovada Redcurrant Bush?

A: The Rovada Redcurrant Bush is a popular edible redcurrant plant, prized for its impressive clusters of large, translucent red berries that hang on long strings. It’s a deciduous shrub that not only adds beauty to your garden but also provides a delicious soft fruit harvest.

Q: Do Rovada Redcurrant bushes need full sun?

A: Yes! Rovada Redcurrant bushes thrive in full sun, which helps them produce the best quality fruit. For optimal growth, plant them in a sunny spot in your garden.

Q: How much fruit can I expect from a Rovada Redcurrant bush?

A: With the right care, a Rovada Redcurrant bush can produce around 10kg of fruit. That’s plenty for making jams, jellies, or simply enjoying fresh!

Q: Are Rovada Redcurrant bushes self-fertile?

A: Absolutely! Rovada Redcurrant bushes are self-fertile, meaning they don’t need another plant to produce fruit. However, planting more can improve yields.

Q: What’s the best soil for growing Rovada Redcurrants?

A: These bushes prefer well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. Mixing in some well-rotted compost will create the ideal growing conditions for healthy growth and fruiting.

Q: Can I use Rovada Redcurrant bushes in my spring border design?

A: Definitely! They make a fantastic addition to a spring border, especially alongside tulips. Their lobed leaves and green flowers create an attractive contrast, and you’ll get to enjoy their fruit later in the season.

Q: When do Rovada Redcurrants typically flower and fruit?

A: Rovada flowers late in the spring and fruit later in the summer, making them a great choice for extending your garden’s productive season.

Q: Are there any ornamental benefits to planting Rovada Redcurrant bushes?

A: Yes! In addition to being a reliable fruiting plant, Rovada Redcurrant bushes offer ornamental value. Their vibrant green foliage and striking clusters of red berries add visual interest to any garden.

Q: What’s the best way to feed Rovada Redcurrant bushes?

A: For strong growth and high yields, feed Rovada Redcurrant bushes with a balanced, slow-release plant feed in early spring. A potassium-rich feed, such as one formulated for fruiting plants, will help encourage abundant fruit production.

Q: Where can I find Rovada Redcurrant bushes for sale?

A: Rovada bushes are available at garden centres and from online nurseries. Be sure to buy from a reputable seller to get high-quality, healthy plants.