Redcurrants in Penberth

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 Penberth · last frost ≈ 26 Mar

Plant out December to May, harvest May to June. Frost risk December to March.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Redcurrant

  1. 01

    Plant Bare-root Bushes

    23 Dec to 2 May

    Plant bare-root bushes while they are dormant around 23rd December - 2nd May 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

    26 Feb to 26 Jun

    Water the bush regularly through 26th February - 26th June, 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

    25 Jan to 24 Feb every 365 days

    Mulch around the base around 25th January - 24th February 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

    25 Apr to 10 May

    Put netting over the bush from 25th April 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

    20 May to 24 Jun

    Pick the trusses regularly from 20th May once the berries are fully red and come away easily. Harvest over 20th May - 24th June as the fruit ripens unevenly, and use shallow containers so the berries do not crush.

  6. 06

    Winter Prune

    26 Dec to 25 Jan

    Prune in 26th December - 25th January 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.