Redcurrant
Ribes rubrum
Common Currant, Cultivated Currant, Garden Currant, White Currant, European Red Currant, Northern Red Currant
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Redcurrants are easily grown ornamental bushes and are useful plants. They produce nutritious edible fruits that are full of vitamin C and anti-oxidants and also contain vitamin B, iron, and phosphorus. They are extremely hardy, can be grown in a container and will grow in poor soil.
Related Plants
Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Spring
Fruiting time
Summer
Harvesting
Redcurrants can be harvested in summer when the fruits are firm and juicy. Cut whole strings and use immediately, or store in the fridge for a few days.
Propagation
Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings 30 cm long. Trim off the end of the cutting just below a bud and cut the end of the stem just above a bud to leave a stem which is 15-20 cm long. Plant 10-12 cm deep. Water well.
Seed
Plant bare-root redcurrants 5 cm deep, 1.5-1.8 m apart and 1.5 m between rows. Sow in Autumn.
Layering
Gently bend stem down to the soil and scrape off some bark opposite a bud where the stem touches the soil. Peg down just below the surface and cover with 2cm of soil. Cut stem away once it has rooted.
Special features
Pot plant
Grow Redcurrants in a large container, at least 45 cm wide and deep.
Attractive fruits
Special features
Origin
Western Europe
Natural climate
Damp, shady areas.
Environment
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Partial Sun
Soil moisture
Moist
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil PH preference
Neutral, Alkaline
Frost hardiness
Hardy
Uses
Edible
Berries are edible and can be eaten fresh, cooked or dried, cultivated for jams or used as an accompaniment in salads, garnishes or drinks when in season.
Notes
Culinary
Personality
Family
Grossulariaceae
Flower colour
Green, Yellow
Scent
Mild
