Taking care of your plants

Overview

A hardy fruit bush producing strings of glossy berries in summer. Grow in sun or light shade and prune in winter to keep plants open and productive. Currants are great in desserts, jellies, summer puddings, and baking.

• Vegetable Type: Redcurrant
• Key Characteristic: Clusters of glossy berries great for jellies and summer puddings.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy (suitable for most UK gardens).

PLANTING ADVICE

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Best grown in the ground with support where required.

• Outdoor cultivation

Suitable for outdoor cultivation in full sun or light shade depending on variety.

• Greenhouse cultivation

Can be grown under cover for earlier crops, though typically grown outdoors.

CARE & HARVEST

Water well in dry weather and protect fruit from birds. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune after fruiting or in winter depending on the variety. Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting.

• Watering: Water well during flowering and fruiting. Container-grown plants will need more frequent watering in warm weather.
• Feeding: Use an ericaceous fertiliser in spring and mid-summer to maintain healthy growth.
• Cutting and prunning: Remove any damaged or diseased growth as needed.
• Harvesting: Harvest when fruits are fully coloured and come away easily with a gentle pull. Harvest little and often for best flavour.
• Pest and diseases: Monitor regularly for pests and remove affected growth promptly.