Redcurrants in Garlinge Green

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 Garlinge Green · last frost ≈ 29 Apr

Plant out November to March, harvest June to July. Frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Redcurrant

  1. 01

    Plant Bare-root Bushes

    19 Nov to 29 Mar

    Plant bare-root bushes while they are dormant around 19th November - 29th March 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 Jan to 23 May

    Water the bush regularly through 23rd January - 23rd May, 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

    28 Feb to 30 Mar every 365 days

    Mulch around the base around 28th February - 30th March 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

    29 May to 13 Jun

    Put netting over the bush from 29th May before the fruit starts to colour. Birds can strip a ripe crop very quickly, so make sure the net is secure and doesn't sit on the branches.

  5. 05

    Harvest Berries

    23 Jun to 28 Jul

    Pick the trusses regularly from 23rd June once the berries are fully red and come away easily. Harvest over 23rd June - 28th July as the fruit ripens unevenly, and use shallow containers so the berries do not crush.

  6. 06

    Winter Prune

    29 Jan to 28 Feb

    Prune in 29th January - 28th February 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.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Redcurrant.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

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.