Redcurrant Rosita

Red currant variety «Rosita» was bred in the 80s by breeders of the Novosibirsk Zonal Horticulture Station V. Sorokopudov and M. Konovalova. To obtain a new currant, scientists crossed varieties "Minnesota"; and the Red Cross.

The result is an unpretentious, winter-hardy red currant, capable of developing and producing a good harvest of tasty and healthy berries in the Siberian climate. In 2004, Rosita was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements and approved for cultivation in the West Siberian region.

Varie Features

Rosita bush is medium-sized, compact, no more than 1.2 m in height, with  thickened brown shoots. The leaves are dark green, 3-lobed with a wrinkled dentate plate. The flowers are saucer-shaped, medium in size, with pinkish sepals. Fruit clusters up to 10 cm long, slightly pubescent.

Rosita fruits are quite large for red currants, the average weight is 0.8-1.8 gr. The shape of the berries is ovoid, color – bright red. The taste of fruits is sweet and sour, fragrant – tasting score 4.0.  Currant  suitable for fresh consumption, preparation of fruit drinks and jams. It retains its beneficial properties during heat treatment and freezing.

Yield. Rosita – mid-late variety. Productivity – 2.8 kg per bush; 9.4 tons per hectare (with a planting pattern of 3 to x 1 m).

Growing conditions

Red currant variety «Rosita» was adapted to the conditions of the sharply continental Siberian climate. It has such qualities as high frost, drought and heat resistance, endurance during temperature extremes, as well as unpretentious care.

Choosing a location. For planting redcurrant "Rosita" flat, slightly elevated areas are suitable. It is not recommended to plant currants in lowlands, near water bodies, in areas where water accumulates after prolonged rains.

Soil. In general, redcurrant is quite undemanding to soil quality. But if you want Rosita annually gave a full harvest, avoid sandy, rocky areas, areas with & nbsp; close occurrence of groundwater, as well as very acidic soil.

Light. Rosita is photophilous. For its planting, you should choose open, sunny areas, avoid places shaded during the day by trees or buildings. Also, drafts and cold winds are not desirable for red currants. Buildings from the northeast to the northwest will help protect the bush from them.

Cutting. Rosita bushes must begin to form immediately after planting. To create a neat compact bush, cut off the tops, leaving a few buds below, from which shoots will form. Such a bush will take up less space on the site, look aesthetically pleasing, and subsequently it will be easier to harvest from it.

In the spring, sanitary pruning is carried out, removing weak branches damaged during the winter from the bush. When thinning, old (more than 6 years old) stems are removed, as well as shoots that do not yield. On average, 15-20 branches of different ages are left on a bush.

Irrigation. Red "Rosita" does not require regular watering. During a moderate summer, when rainy and sunny days harmoniously alternate, currants are well shed 2-3 times – at the beginning, middle and end of the season. 3-5 buckets of water are poured under the bush. In hot and dry summers, the amount of watering is increased.

For several weeks after planting the currant, the young bush is watered regularly, every 4-5 days until the seedling takes root.

Feeding. Timely top dressing of red currants will increase productivity and enhance the taste of berries. In early spring and during flowering, organic matter is introduced: a solution of urea, bird droppings, mullein, or ready-made organic fertilizers. After harvesting, you can add humus or peat to the ground.          

Diseases and pests. The main enemies of the red currant Rosita – anthracnose, septoria, gooseberry moth, currant glass, terry. It is important to take care of disease prevention in a timely manner and start the fight at the first sign of infection.

Wintering. Due to its Siberian origin, "Rosita" endures frosts down to – 30 ° C, so it does not need special shelter for the winter. Snow for bushes – the best covering material. The task of the gardener is to take care of the warming of the roots. To do this, in the fall it is necessary to clean the hole of debris, mulch it well and the soil around the bush with a thick (10 cm) layer of sawdust, straw, spruce branches.

Selecting planting material

Before you buy red currant seedlings «Rosita», pay attention to:

• The state of the root system. It should have 3-5 main healthy and elastic roots – at least 20 cm long, with many small fibrous processes. Without traces of dryness, putrefaction, diseases.
• Appearance of shoots – well-developed stems in the amount of 2-4 pieces, at least 40 cm long. Bark without signs of dryness, cuts, breaks, unnatural spots.
• Age of seedlings. Most of all, 2-3-year-old plants are suitable for planting. They adapt faster and grow in a new place.

Beware of fakes! Purchase seedlings of currant "Rosita" in fruit and berry nurseries and specialized stores. This will save you from disappointment later.

Preparations