Ribes glaciale
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. Plants can harbour a stage of 'white pine blister rust', so they should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees. This species is dioecious. Both male and female plants must be grown if fruit is required, one male plant being sufficient to fertilize about 5- 6 female plants[K].
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 4 - 5 months cold stratification at between 0 to 9°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions the seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 15cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked.
Habitat
Forests and shrubberies, 2600 - 4400 metres from Afghanistan to S.W. China
Native range
E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.