Redcurrant (Ribes sativum)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. Hardy to about -20c. There is some confusion in nomenclature with some botanists recognising 2 species of red currants, this species and R. spicatum (syn R. rubrum), whilst others say that R. rubrum is a distinct species. The red currant is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties. Red currant fruits are an absolute magnet for birds and so the plants will usually need some protection to allow the crop to ripen[K]. Alternatively, you can put this attraction for the birds to good use by planting red currants specifically for the birds. Whilst they are eating these fruits they will not be eating your other fruits[K]. Plants can harbour a stage of 'white pine blister rust', so should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification at between 0 and 5°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 in jams, compotes, jellies, puddings, pies etc. There are rather a lot of seeds in each fruit[K].
Habitat
Hedges and woods, avoiding acid soils.
Native range
W. Europe, possibly including Britain.