Redcurrant

Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) is a hardy bush with small, greenish-yellow flowers, followed by strings of translucent, tart but edible red berries.

It can be eaten fresh, though redcurrant has a sharp taste to the tongue. The berry can alternatively be cooked into jellies, sauces, jams, and desserts.

Redcurrant will grow in most soils and partial shade. Prune it to an open goblet shape in winter to let light in. It’s advisable to prune the fastest-growing side shoots during the summer.

It’s best planted as bare-root bushes in winter.

The berries can be picked from July onwards, when they develop a deep red and glossy appearance.

Our planting guides are designed to help you get the best from your fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Every garden is unique, so growing conditions, weather, soil, and climate can affect results. Use this information as a helpful guide, and adapt it to suit your local conditions and gardening experience. Happy growing!