When to plant Redcurrants in Manchester

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 Manchester · last frost ≈ 17 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

    29 Nov to 27 Jan 2027

    Plant bare-root bushes while they are dormant around 29th November - 27th 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

    29 Nov to 27 May 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Water the bush regularly through 29th November - 27th 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

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

    Mulch around the base around 16th February - 18th 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

    11 Jun to 16 Jul 2027

    Put netting over the bush from 11th June 2027 to 16th 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

    11 Jul to 20 Aug 2027

    Pick whole trusses from 11th July 2027 to 20th August 2027 once the berries are fully coloured, firm and juicy. Use shallow containers to avoid crushing the fruit.

  6. 06

    Winter Prune

    17 Jan to 16 Feb 2027

    Prune in 17th January - 16th 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.