Redcurrants are a beloved berry prized by gardeners for their vibrant hue and signature tangy-sweet flavor. But successful redcurrant growing care requires careful attention at all stages – from site selection and soil preparation to harvesting techniques. This guide covers everything you need to know to grow thriving, productive bushes that yield abundant clusters of the tart red berries.
Before delving into redcurrant care, it’s helpful to understand what defines these plants.
What are Redcurrants?
Redcurrants, also called Ribes rubrum, are compact fruit-bearing shrubs reaching 3 to 5 feet in height and width when mature. These hardy bushes thrive in cooler climates. The species hails from northern Europe and Asia.
Description
The most identifiable feature of redcurrant bushes are the clusters of tart, shiny red berries these plants produce. Approximately pea-sized, each berry contains several diminutive seeds. The bright fruits contrast beautifully against the bush’s rounded, lobed leaves. Mature foliage takes on a rich green hue with slightly serrated edges. Young leaves emerge with a reddish tinge before darkening.
Delicate yellow-white blooms precede the fruit. Flowers bloom in early spring, fertilized by bees. They give way to green berries that ripen to a ruby red color by summer. A mature redcurrant bush can yield up to roughly 4 pounds of fruit per season.
Growing Conditions
While adaptability varies slightly among redcurrant varieties, most thrive in United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. This encompasses much of the continental U.S. as well as parts of Alaska.
Redcurrants flourish with cool, relatively humid summers andcold winters. Hot summer temperatures above 85°F can inhibit fruit production. These bushes stop growing when temperatures dip below roughly -20° F.
Botanical Information
Redcurrants belong to the gooseberry family of plants, which also includes blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) and jostaberries, a hybrid cross between gooseberries and blackcurrants. There are dozens of cultivated varieties. Popular options like Red Lake and Rovada derive from European redcurrant lines.
The species name Ribes derives from an Arabic term for a medicinal plant. The plants do have a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Europe.
Susceptibility to Disease
Redcurrants exhibit relatively good resilience against damaging insects and diseases compared to other Ribes species. However, gardeners must remain vigilant as the bushes can suffer from certain problematic pathogens and fungal infections. Potential redcurrant afflictions include:
- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease facilitated by high atmospheric humidity. Looks like white powder on leaves. Adequate sunlight and air circulation helps fend it off.
- Leaf spot: Another fungal disease that produces dark lesions on foliage. It spreads rapidly in wet conditions.
- Rust: Fungal infections that manifest as yellow-orange blisters. They ultimately cause defoliation if left unchecked.
- Gooseberry sawfly: The larvae of this pest insect feed voraciously on plants, which can fully defoliate affected bushes.
Harvesting
Redcurrants signal peak ripeness through their rich, ruby red color and slightly softened drupes. Fruit generally reaches maturity 50-60 days after blooms are fertilized in spring. Harvest time is quite narrow, only 2 to 3 weeks in duration. This typically falls in mid-late June for most northern latitudes. Picking earlier leads to more tart fruit while later harvests yield progressively sweeter berries. Expert gardener tip: Snip entire fruit clusters off the branches rather than individual berries to avoid damaging plants.
Why Grow Redcurrants?
These ornamental fruiting shrubs deserve consideration by home gardeners and berry enthusiasts alike for several compelling reasons.
Appealing Taste
Red and white currants share the characteristic tart, vibrant flavor. It’s significantly more pronounced than that of blackcurrants. The translucent berries offer a refreshing sweet-sour taste.
Easy Cultivation
While specific conditions like sufficient sun exposure and well-draining soil are prerequisites, redcurrants prove less particular than many other fruiting bushes once essentials are provided. These tough plants tend to be vigorous growers and reliable producers given adequate care.
Productive Plants
Mature redcurrant bushes yield generous harvests, producing copious clusters of berries over a relatively short season. With proper pollination, disease management and pruning, yields up to 10 pounds of berries per mature plant are typical.
Versatile Culinary Uses
The dynamic flavor and rich color of redcurrants allows them to shine in juices, jams, baked goods, meat glazes and more. The berries also freeze well for year-round enjoyment.
Nutritional Value
These fruits deliver ample vitamins and antioxidants. Redcurrants provide good levels of Vitamin C, fiber, iron, potassium, manganese and anthocyanins. The vibrant pigments also supply beneficial anti-inflammatory compounds.
Ornamental Value
In addition to offering edible fruits, redcurrant bushes make attractive landscape specimens. They produce beautiful, pendulous clusters of yellow-white blooms in spring before the leaves emerge. The lush green foliage then sets off the maturing berries nicely.
Disease Resistance
While some cultivars prove more resilient than others, most redcurrants demonstrate relatively robust tolerance to damaging diseases and insect pests compared to blackcurrants and gooseberries. This makes them a dependable choice for many regions. Developing issues rapidly if preventative measures like pruning for airflow aren’t practiced.
Choosing a Growing Location
One of the keys to success with redcurrants is siting them appropriately. There are several important factors to weigh when selecting an optimal spot.
Sun Exposure
Redcurrants need a location receiving full sun – at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Less light exposure during the growing season can result in spindly growth and reduced fruit yields.
Ideally choose a spot that receives sunlight for much of the day. While redcurrants can adapt to light shade, plants grown in full sun tend to be more productive.
Soil Drainage
Since good drainage is also essential, refrain from planting bushes in low areas of the landscape that are slow to drain after rains. Situate them atop berms and slopes instead.
Amend denser native soils as needed to improve permeability. Incorporate materials like compost or peat moss to lighten heavy clay soils before planting.
Wind Protection
Shelter shrubs from strong winds, which can damage branches or overly dry out plants depending on conditions. A site flanked by a sturdy fence, wall or hedge is ideal.
If the growing area remains exposed, erect windbreaks to protect bushes. Sturdy trellises and screens help deflect gusts.
Soil pH
Test soil pH before planting and amend as needed to fall within the target range of 6.0 to 6.5. Redcurrants tolerate a wider span of 5.5 to 7.0, but optimal fruit production occurs nearer neutral.
To lower pH, mix in elemental sulfur several weeks before planting. Use lime to raise pH if too acidic.
Plant Spacing
Allow ample room between bushes – at least 3 to 4 feet – for air to circulate freely around plants. Close spacing risks higher humidity levels within the canopy, which can facilitate fungal disease development.
Greater spacing also allows easier access into the center of plants for harvesting, pruning and care.
Mature Size
Consider the substantial size mature redcurrant shrubs attain, which generally spans 3 to 5 feet height and width (depending on cultivar).
Select a site that allows adequate room for growth without overcrowding or too much encroachment on adjacent plants or structures.
Ideal Growing Conditions
In addition to siting considerations, providing optimal growing conditions gives redcurrant bushes the best chance of success.
Hardiness Zones
While redcurrants serve well as cold hardy plants across much of the U.S., adaptability does range slightly among varieties. Most prosper within USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.
‘Red Lake’ performs especially well through Zone 3’s frigid winter lows descending to -40°F. ‘Rovada’ adapts from Zones 3-8.
Sunlight Needs
To produce the heaviest yields, redcurrants require full sun – at least 6 hours of direct daily sun exposure. Cool climates preclude intense sunlight, facilitating fruit production.
While bushes tolerate partial shade, this reduces harvest quantities and fruit size. Locations receiving morning sun often prove superior to brief afternoon sun.
Preferred Soils
Rich, moisture-retentive loam soil with ample organic content provides an ideal medium for redcurrant cultivation. However, plants adapt to a wide span of soil textures.
Redcurrants perform well in sandy, clay or rocky soils with proper enrichment and drainage. Maintain a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
Air Circulation
Facilitate ample airflow around and within bushes through proper siting, spacing and pruning. Good air movement helps foliage dry swiftly after rain or heavy dews. This hinders fungal disease development.
Prune inner branches annually to open up the center of the canopy. Remove any vegetation obstructing air flow around plants.
Water Requirements
Redcurrants demand consistent soil moisture, particularly during fruit development. Established plants possess some drought tolerance but produce best with adequate irrigation. Supply roughly 1 inch of water weekly if rain doesn’t suffice.
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses rather than overhead sprinklers to keep foliage dry. Mulch heavily around plants to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pruning
Prune redcurrant shrubs during dormancy, before spring growth resumes. Thin out older, unproductive wood to invigorate plants and improve harvest yield and quality. Cut branches back by a third, removing those more than 3 years old.
Also prune as needed during summer to open up dense growth allowing light and air penetration. Sterilize pruners before use to prevent disease transmission.
Fertilization
Redcurrants thrive with annual spring fertilization to fuel the growing season. Use organic granular fertilizers or balanced synthetic options. Follow product instructions for ideal application rate and timing.
Integrate compost or dehydrated manure into soil biannually to nourish plants over the longer term. Avoid over-fertilizing, however, which can facilitate disease problems.
Pest and Disease Prevention
Adhering to best practices for planting, fertilizing, pruning and harvesting helps prevent most serious pest and disease issues. Monitor bushes routinely for common redcurrant afflictions like powdery mildew fungal infection or aphid infestations. Take action promptly if problems develop.
Preparing the Soil
Preparing soil properly before planting lays the foundation for successfully growing redcurrants long-term.
Soil Drainage
Redcurrants demand well-drained soil to perform their best. Select sites that offer sharply angled or elevated terrain facilitating drainage naturally.
Alternately, create raised garden beds for planting by mounding amended soil atop native ground. Line beneath with landscape fabric to prevent invasive grass and weed encroachment.
Soil pH
Start by testing your native soil’s pH levels using an inexpensive testing kit. Redcurrants thrive best within the moderately acidic range spanning pH 6.0 to 6.5. Use lime to raise overly acidic soil or sulfur to lower pH if too alkaline.
Clearing Weeds
Eliminate any weeds, sod and vegetation within planting areas before introducing redcurrants. Weeds compete for water and nutrients, hindering productivity.
Smother grass and weeds by sheet mulching with layers of cardboard or newspaper topped with organic mulch months before planting. Or apply non-selective herbicide on a calm day.
Soil Fertility
Dig aged compost, rotted manure or leaf mold into planting beds to build organic matter levels up to 5-10% before planting. Organics foster vital microbial activity while holding moisture and nutrients in the root zone.
Also mix in a balanced organic fertilizer like 8-8-8 following package instructions to fuel plant growth.
Avoiding Compaction
Ensure soil offers the loose, crumbly texture that facilitates easy root penetration. Break up or till any dense, compacted areas. Heavy soils benefit from mixing in amendments like compost to lighten their structure.
Enhancing Drainage
In locations prone to soggy soil, double dig beds to improve drainage or grow redcurrants in raised mounds amended with gravel, sand or wood chips.
Air Circulation
Avoid planting in tight spaces or areas with limited air flow. Allow at least 3 feet between redcurrant bushes and surrounding plants or structures.
Nutrient Application
Just before planting each bush, work a couple inches of compost or worm castings into individual planting holes to enrich soil locally. Carefully place roots atop this “fertility nest” to give young plants an added growth boost their first year.
Planting Redcurrant Bushes
Once your growing site is prepared and soil amended appropriately, it’s time to introduce plants. Use nursery stock or transplant existing bushes.
Location Selection
Choose a site following the sun exposure, drainage, wind protection and spacing guidelines covered earlier. Also avoid planting where other Ribes species grew within the past 3 years to hinder disease transmission.
Preparing Soil
About a month before planting, dig planting holes measuring roughly twice the width and depth of each plant’s root mass. This loosens soil to facilitate easier root expansion.
Fill in each hole with water and allow it to drain completely before planting to create a more cohesive medium less prone to settling.
Digging Holes
Dig each hole to accommodate transplanted nursery stock or existing shrubs’ root balls with several extra inches of width and depth. Score hole sides with a shovel or pick to better facilitate young root penetration outward into surrounding soil.
Planting Procedure
Gently place each bush into its prepared hole, positioning the stem base slightly above ground level to account for minor settling. Drape and spread roots carefully without bunching, bending or circling them.
Backfill the holes with native soil. Water new plantings thoroughly while carefully working backfill around roots to eliminate air pockets before mulching heavily.
Aftercare
Protect newly planted bushes from drying winds and intense sunlight their first year or two while establishing by staking companion plants on exposure-prone sides. Limit fruiting initially by pinching off some blooms in spring. This allows more energy to roots rather than developing fruits. Water religiously during summer’s first year. Apply organic fertilizer per package instructions in early spring. Monitor for signs of disease or pests daily the first year and treat any issues immediately.
Caring for Redcurrant Plants
Consistent, attentive care helps redcurrants flourish into maturity. Tailor practices to plant age and be vigilant for any developing issues requiring action.
Watering Mature Bushes
Established redcurrants grow well with roughly 1 inch of water per week from either rainfall or supplemental irrigation during the growing season. Use drip lines or soaker hoses rather than overhead sprinklers to keep foliage dry.
During fruit swell, increase water slightly. Reduce irrigation gradually after harvest allows plants to harden off for winter. Prolonged drought severely reduces berry size and overall yields.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced organic fertilizer each spring just as buds begin to swell. Follow product instructions for ideal dosage based on plant age and size. Excess nitrogen can facilitate disease and impair fruiting while inadequate nutrition causes reduced vigor and smaller yields.
Integrate compost, manure or fish emulsion into soil before planting and at least once annually thereafter. Have soil tested biannually to monitor pH and nutrient levels.
Pruning
Prune redcurrant bushes during dormancy before spring growth starts, removing dead wood, crossing branches and stems over 3 years old. Thin youngest stems annually by cutting oldest branches to the ground to continually renew plants.
Remove suckers promptly whenever they appear. For formal hedges, shear uniformly after harvest concludes. Always sterilize pruners before each cut with isopropyl alcohol.
Common Pests and Diseases
While less prone to major issues than gooseberries and blackcurrants, redcurrants still fall victim to certain insects and diseases at times. Catching and containing problems early proves critical.
Aphids
Minute, sap-feeding aphids transmit virus diseases. They typically congregate on shoot tips and underside of leaves. Monitor routinely for these insects and clusters of shedded white skins left behind after molting.
Blast aphids off plants with water jets or spray insecticidal soap or neem oil onto foliage following label safety precautions when infestations are identified.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew fungal spores manifest as white powdery patches on leaf surfaces during humid conditions. Promote ample sunlight exposure and airflow within and around plants along with proper spacing and pruning.
Apply sulfur fungicides weekly as a preventative once mildew is identified. Always treat systemically to both upper and lower foliage surfaces for best results. Severe infections lead to leaf loss and reduced plant vigor.
Rust
Rust fungusinfection appears as small, circular dusty yellow lesions on leaf undersides. These blisters rupture into orange powdery spore masses that eventually cause defoliation without treatment.
Improve airflow and promptly remove and destroy infected leaves. Apply appropriate fungicides containing copper, sulfur or myclobutanil every 7-10 days once detected.
Currant Stem Girdler
The larvae of this small grey beetle bores into shoots, causing wilting and dieback. Cut back and destroy affected stems promptly to control spread. Prevent infestations by maintaining plant health through proper care and fertilization.
Gooseberry Sawfly
This pest’s larvae feed aggressively on redcurrant leaves, sometimes defoliating entire plants. Hand pick creamy green worms from plants after close monitoring. Spinosad insecticides also provide effective control. Take prompt action at the first signs of damage.
Harvesting and Storage
Correctly harvesting ripe redcurrants ensures top flavor and quality along with unblemished fruits ideal for processing into jams, baking items and other recipes.
Ripening Indicators
Redcurrants reach mature ripeness roughly 50 to 60 days after blossoms are pollinated in spring. Optimal harvest time is quite narrow – just 2 or 3 weeks. Berry clusters will easily detach from stems when ripe and ready for picking.
Harvesting Method
Use pruning shears or scissors to snip entire clusters from stems without pulling or twisting, which can damage plants. Be systematic when picking by methodically circling each shrub. Harvest early in the morning when dew still clings to fruits for best flavor and ease of separation from stems.
Post-Harvest Care
Avoid washing berries before storage as moisture accelerates spoilage. Instead, place freshly harvested clusters directly into refrigeration in breathable containers.
Stored properly at 32° to 35° F, redcurrants retain optimum flavor and texture for 7-14 days. Freeze extra fruits spread in a single layer on trays before transferring to airtight freezer bags.
Culinary Uses
These tart, vibrant berries work wonders in numerous recipes:
- Jams & jellies
- Sauces & glazes for meat
- Juices & smoothies
- Baked goods like muffins, tarts & galettes
- Yogurt, ice cream & cheese pairings
- Whipped cream, compotes & fruit salads
Enjoy redcurrants fresh or preserved. Their dynamic flavor elevates both sweet and savory dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about growing redcurrants:
How much space do redcurrant bushes need?
Allow 5-6 feet between bushes. Redcurrants reach 4 feet high and wide when mature.
Are redcurrants self-pollinating?
Most redcurrants are self-fertile but production improves with cross-pollination. Plant multiple varieties with overlapping bloom times.
When do I prune redcurrant bushes?
Prune annually while dormant before spring growth resumes, removing older branches and any dead or damaged wood.
What causes white spots on redcurrant leaves?
White powdery deposits on leaves signals powdery mildew fungal disease. Improve airflow and apply sulfur fungicide spray.
How long do redcurrant bushes live?
With proper annual pruning and care, healthy redcurrant bushes live roughly 20 years although productivity wanes past 15 years.
Why do redcurrants drop fruit before ripening?
Fruit drop before full ripening is typically tied to age (older stems less productive), overbearing, drought stress, disease, or nutrient deficiency.
What are some favorite redcurrant jam recipes?
Some delicious redcurrant jam recipes to try are:
- Classic Redcurrant Jam with Orange Zest
- Redcurrant Jam with Vanilla Bean
- Spiced Redcurrant Jam with Star Anise
- Redcurrant Jalapeño Jelly
What alcohol goes well with redcurrants?
Vodka and gin make excellent bases for infused liqueurs using redcurrants. The berries also pair nicely with sparkling wines in cocktails. Brut rosé champagne beautifully complements redcurrants’ vibrant tang.
Do deer eat redcurrant bushes?
Fortunately, deer tend to leave redcurrant bushes alone thanks to their strong fragrance and taste. Rabbit damage may occur at times with other wildlife usually not impacting plants.
Enjoy Sweet Rewards When Growing Your Own Redcurrants
With their captivating colors and tart flavor, redcurrants offer a unique harvest for adventurous home growers. These hardy bushes yield abundant, nutrient-packed fruits perfect for jellies, baking and fresh eating if provided suitable growing conditions. We hope this guide gives you a helpful head start on successfully cultivating redcurrants yourself. Expect sweet rewards for just a bit of effort!
