Red Currant shrub (Ribes rubrum) NIVA

Red Currant (Ribes rubrum) 'Niva' (Нива)

Russian variety with large berries, distinct sweetness, and high Vitamin C content.

'Niva' is a Russian red currant variety bred at the All-Russian Research Institute (VNIISPK). It is popular for its large berries, which have a pleasant sweet-sour taste with distinct sweetness. The variety is characterized by a high content of bioactive substances and good gelling properties.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Large bright red berries (approx. 0.7 g).
• Distinctly sweet taste (sweet-sour).
• High content of Vitamin C and P-active substances.
• Excellent gelling properties.
• Resistance to powdery mildew and anthracnose.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Institution: VNIISPK (All-Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding)
• Parentage: 'Minnesota' × 'Chulkovskaya'
• Registration: In the State Register since 2009

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Medium height, slightly spreading, medium density.
• Leaves: Large, green, slightly shiny, hairy underneath.

Fruit

• Size: Large, averaging 0.7 g.
• Shape and Color: Round to flat-round, bright red.
• Cluster: Medium length, dense, one-sided.
• Taste: Sweet-sour, with distinct sweetness.
• Usage: Universal, excellent for jelly and juice.
• Nutrients: High Vitamin C content (71.9 mg/100g) and P-active substances.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Medium (in Russian conditions).
• Disease resistance: Resistant to powdery mildew and anthracnose.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Flowering: Early, beware of spring frosts in frost pockets.
• Bearing: Early onset.

Harvest and Storage

• Ripening time: Mid-early.
• Yield: High.