When to plant Redcurrants in Bristol

Ribes rubrum

Redcurrant
Redcurrant · Ribes rubrum

A hardy fruit bush for a sunny or lightly shaded spot in the UK. Plant bare-root bushes while dormant, keep the soil evenly moist, and mulch well each spring to support a reliable summer crop.

150 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Plant out November to January, harvest July to August. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Plant Bare-root Bushes

    23 Nov to 21 Jan 2027

    Plant bare-root bushes while they are dormant around 23rd November - 21st January 2027 in well-prepared soil enriched with garden compost. Set the bush at the same depth it was growing before, firm it in well, and water in thoroughly straight away.

  2. 02

    Keep Moist

    23 Nov to 21 May 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Water the bush regularly through 23rd November - 21st May 2027, especially in dry spells and on lighter soil. Keep the root zone evenly moist while it establishes, but don't leave the ground sodden.

  3. 03

    Mulch and Feed

    18 Feb to 20 Mar 2027 Optional · repeat every 365 days

    Mulch around the base around 18th February - 20th March 2027 with well-rotted manure or compost, leaving a clear gap around the stems. A spring mulch helps hold moisture, suppress weeds, and support the next crop.

  4. 04

    Protect from Birds

    5 Jun to 10 Jul 2027

    Put netting over the bush from 5th June 2027 to 10th July 2027 before the fruit colours. Keep it clear of the branches and secure the edges so birds cannot reach the trusses.

  5. 05

    Harvest Berries

    5 Jul to 14 Aug 2027

    Pick whole trusses from 5th July 2027 to 14th August 2027 once the berries are fully coloured, firm and juicy. Use shallow containers to avoid crushing the fruit.

  6. 06

    Winter Prune

    19 Jan to 18 Feb 2027

    Prune in 19th January - 18th February 2027 to keep the bush open and productive. Remove a few of the oldest stems at the base, then shorten crowded shoots to an open goblet shape so light and air reach the centre.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Redcurrant to consider

Rovada

A widely grown late redcurrant with long trusses and good flavour. It is a dependable choice for home gardens and crops well in a sunny, sheltered spot.

Jonkheer van Tets

An early redcurrant with long, bright red trusses. It is a good garden variety where you want an earlier harvest.

Red Lake

A strong-growing redcurrant with reliable crops and good-sized berries. It suits the UK climate well and is often grown in gardens as a general-purpose variety.

Redcurrant guides by town

See how Redcurrant timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.