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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Redcurrant
Planting Calendar
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Plant Bare-root Bushes
Plant bare-root bushes while they are dormant around 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.
Keep Moist
Water the bush regularly through , especially in dry spells and on lighter soil. Keep the root zone evenly moist while it establishes, but don't leave the ground sodden.
Mulch and Feed
every 365 daysMulch around the base around 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.
Protect from Birds
Put netting over the bush from 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.
Harvest Berries
Pick the trusses regularly from once the berries are fully red and come away easily. Harvest over as the fruit ripens unevenly, and use shallow containers so the berries do not crush.
Winter Prune
Prune in 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.
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