Savanna Zing™ Black Currant
Savanna Zing™ is a large upright growing plant with good crops of large berries, weighing around 1.65 grams. The flavor is both sweet and a little acidic with pleasant grape notes. Moderately resistant to White Pine Blister Rust.
These Savanna black currant selections were bred by Richard McGinnis of British Columbia and introduced by the Savanna Institute. Inspired by the oak savannas native to the region, the Savanna Institute supports the growth of more diverse, perennial farming in the Upper Mississippi and Great Lakes watersheds. They work to create opportunities for farmers integrating trees with crops and pastures to diversify their incomes and landscapes, raise healthy food, and make their local communities more resilient.
Latin Name: Ribes nigrum
Site and Soil: Currants like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 40° F.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 4 ft. in height x 5 ft. wide
Taste: Sweet, mildly tart
Bloom Time: March-April
Ripening Time: June-July
Yield: 5-10 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Savanna Zing has moderate resistance to white pine blister rust, is resistant to powdery mildew, but is susceptible to cane dieback in some areas
USDA Zone: 3-8