When to plant Redcurrants in the UK

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
Plant out November to January, harvest June to August.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Plant Bare-root Bushes

    mid-November to mid-January UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant bare-root bushes while they are dormant around mid-November to mid-January 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

    mid-November to mid-May UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Water the bush regularly through mid-November to mid-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

    early March to early April UK average · set your town for your exact dates Optional · repeat every 365 days

    Mulch around the base around early March to early April 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

    late May to late June UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Put netting over the bush from late May to late June before the fruit colours. Keep it clear of the branches and secure the edges so birds cannot reach the trusses.

  5. 05

    Harvest Berries

    late June to early August UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Pick whole trusses from late June to early August once the berries are fully coloured, firm and juicy. Use shallow containers to avoid crushing the fruit.

  6. 06

    Winter Prune

    early February to early March UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Prune in early February to early March 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.