Ribes rubrum
Redcurrant
Photo: Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
Description
The redcurrant bears glossy, tart-fresh berries in trusses from late June, ideal for jelly, juice and cake. It is undemanding, very hardy and delivers a reliable yield as early as its second year in place. Cultivars such as ‘Jonkheer van Tets’ ripen early and abundantly.
Care instructions
Plant the shrub in autumn (October, week 42) in a partly shaded to sunny spot with humus-rich soil. Cut the oldest shoots out at ground level every winter, because redcurrants fruit on wood several years old; keep about eight to ten leading shoots of different ages. Mulch shallowly, because the roots sit just below the surface.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
loamy, humus-rich, moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Medium feeder
Months
Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov
Pruning
Propagation
Methods
- Cuttings
- Layering
Companion planting
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
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Varieties
6 varieties‘Heinemanns Rote Spätlese’
A proven old late variety that ripens its berries only once most other red currants have long been picked.
‘Jonkheer van Tets’
One of the earliest red currants and for decades a dependable classic in the home garden.
‘Junifer’
A French variety that convinces with early, regular and very high yields.
‘Rolan’
A mid to late ripening variety valued for its pleasantly mild, almost sweet flavour.
‘Rote Vierländer’
An old northern German landrace from the Vierlande, the traditional fruit and vegetable growing area south-east of Hamburg.
‘Rovada’
Probably the most productive red currant of all, with exceptionally long, evenly set strigs.
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