Omari Gates
Red currants are a great addition to any garden, especially in Australia, where they thrive in the right conditions. These small, hardy shrubs produce an abundance of bright red berries that are delicious fresh or cooked. Red currants are part of the Grossulariaceae family and are native to Northern Europe, but they have been successfully cultivated in Australia. They prefer a full sun position with damp, fertile, well-drained soil and protection from strong hot winds. With the right care, red currants will reward you with a bountiful harvest of tasty berries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | UK, Europe |
| Sunlight | Partial sunlight/full sun position |
| Shelter | Shelter from cold/strong hot winds |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, moist, fertile |
| Frost | Frost tolerant |
| Watering | Requires little watering; keep well watered for optimum fruit production |
| Planting time | Autumn to early Winter |
| Planting distance | 1.5–1.8 m apart |
| Pruning time | Winter |
| Pruning method | Leave 8–10 healthy, strong main branches; prune to an outward-facing bud |
| Support | Tie to a wire or trellis 80–100 cm high |
| Shape | Open 'goblet' with a single main stem |
| Yield | Up to 4–5 kg of fruit |
| Storage | Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze |
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What You'll Learn
- Red currants grow best in partial sunlight, well-drained soil, and a cold climate
- They can be grown from seeds or established plants, yielding up to 4-5kg of fruit
- Red currant bushes require support and should be pruned to a vase or goblet shape
- Fertilise in late winter and add mulch to prevent weeds and insects
- Red currants are frost-tolerant, but avoid planting where frost can settle
Red currants grow best in partial sunlight, well-drained soil, and a cold climate
Red currants thrive in partial sunlight, well-drained soil, and a cold climate. They are a member of the Ribes genus, which originated in Northern Europe, and they require a cold winter to assist with fruit set. Red currants are typically planted in the late fall or early spring, and they need full sun for at least half of the day. In warmer climates, they do best with morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon, as intense sunlight can burn their leaves.
Red currants prefer a cool, moist growing location with good airflow and well-drained soil. They can be planted in pots or directly in the ground, but they should be spaced adequately to allow for growth and air circulation. When planting, it is important to incorporate organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients. The soil should have a loamy feel, balancing moisture retention and drainage. The ideal soil pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.2 to 6.5.
Red currants are heavy feeders, and stable manure or a balanced fertilizer can be used to provide additional nutrients. Young plants require less fertilizer, and it is important to apply it lightly to avoid over-fertilization. After planting, a mulch of straw, wood chips, or peat can be spread around the base to control weeds and help keep the soil cool. Flowers that develop during the first year should be removed to promote strong structural and root growth.
Red currants typically produce fruit in their second year, but it can take up to five years for the plants to mature fully. They produce most berries on 2- and 3-year-old canes, and pruning should be done during the winter to maintain the ideal shape and promote air circulation. By removing all but the strongest canes each year, you can ensure a healthy and productive plant.
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They can be grown from seeds or established plants, yielding up to 4-5kg of fruit
Red currants can be grown from seeds or established plants. They are a great addition to shrubberies and can tolerate a wide range of climates as long as they are protected from hot sun. They are highly frost tolerant and enjoy cold winters. They grow best in partial sunlight and require little watering.
Red currants can be grown from seeds, but this may be a less reliable method as it can take up to five years for the seeds to mature and bear fruit. To grow from seeds, plant them in full sun, 1.5m apart, with the plant crown at soil level. The soil should be rich, damp, well-drained, and full of organic matter or well-broken-down animal manure.
Alternatively, red currants can be grown from established plants, which will yield up to 4-5kg of fruit. These plants can be purchased from a garden centre or nursery and should be planted in autumn to early winter to allow for establishment before spring. When planting, add supports, such as a wire trellis, to aid in the growth of the plant and make harvesting easier. The soil should be humus-rich, moist, and well-drained.
To care for your red currant plants, fertilise them with a well-balanced fertiliser in late winter and add a mulch to prevent weeds and insects. Pruning should be done in winter, leaving between eight and ten healthy, strong main branches each year. The ideal shape for the bush is an open "goblet" with a single main stem and an open space in the middle to allow for light and air circulation.
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Red currant bushes require support and should be pruned to a vase or goblet shape
Red currants are a great addition to your garden, especially if you're looking for a shrub that produces an abundance of small, bright red berries. They are a variety of the Ribes plant and are deciduous bushes that originated in Northern Europe. Red currants are best grown in areas with cold winters and partial sunlight. They can be grown in areas that are too wet and shady for other fruits.
Pruning should be done in winter, leaving between eight and ten healthy, strong main branches each year. The ideal shape is an open 'goblet' with a single main stem and an open space inside the bush to allow light in and aid air circulation. This open space in the middle of the plant is crucial to prevent disease. On one-year-old bushes, prune back new shoots by half, and prune outward-facing buds to influence the direction of new growth. In the following winters, shorten new leading shoots by half. Once they've reached the desired size, pruning becomes simpler, focusing on pruning the previous year's growth back to a single bud.
Red currant bushes will grow vigorously in their first year and then flower and fruit in the second year, but sometimes they may take up to five years to mature fully and bear fruit. With the right care and support, your red currant bushes will thrive and provide you with an abundance of delicious berries.
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Fertilise in late winter and add mulch to prevent weeds and insects
Red currants are a great addition to your garden, especially if you're after a plant that doesn't require a lot of maintenance once established. They are a hardy, deciduous shrub that produces an abundance of small, bright red berries with a tart flavour. They are frost-tolerant and require little watering.
To ensure your red currants thrive, fertilise the plant in late winter and add mulch. This will help prevent weeds from growing, which may encourage insects and compete with your currant bushes for nutrients.
When it comes to fertiliser, a well-balanced fertiliser is best. You can also top dress with well-broken-down animal manure or compost. Red currants like rich, moist, and well-drained soil, so the mulch will help retain this moisture while also suppressing weeds.
In terms of planting time, it is recommended to plant red currants in autumn to early winter so they can establish themselves before spring. They grow well in large pots (45cm plus) and in the ground. If planting in the ground, space them 1.5m apart, with the plant crown at soil level.
Red currant bushes also benefit from support structures, such as a trellis, which helps make harvesting easier and increases yields.
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Red currants are frost-tolerant, but avoid planting where frost can settle
Red currants are a relatively hardy plant, able to withstand frost and cold temperatures. However, they are susceptible to frost damage during their early spring bloom, so it is important to avoid planting them in areas prone to late frosts.
Red currants are native to northern Europe and Siberia, and they thrive in cold, moist conditions. They are well-adapted to cool, temperate climates and can even tolerate light frosts once established. Their ideal growing environment is in rich, well-drained soil, with full sun exposure and protection from strong winds.
To protect your red currant plants from frost damage, choose a planting site that is sheltered from cold winds and receives morning sun, with afternoon part-shade. Avoid north-facing slopes or the north side of fences, as these areas can be prone to late frosts. Instead, opt for slightly sloping ground that delays the arrival of spring and protects young buds and flowers from frost damage.
While red currants are generally frost-tolerant, some cultivars are more susceptible to frost damage than others. For example, the 'Jonkheer van Tets' cultivar, a Dutch variety, is an early bloomer that is susceptible to late frosts. On the other hand, the 'Rovada' cultivar is a late bloomer that usually avoids frost damage.
By choosing the right planting site and considering the characteristics of different cultivars, you can successfully grow red currants in Australia while minimising the risk of frost damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Plant your red currant seeds in autumn to early winter, allowing them to establish before spring.
Red currants thrive in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter or well-rotted animal manure. They prefer partial sunlight and a sheltered spot with protection from strong hot winds. Red currants also enjoy cool temperatures and do well in areas with cold winters.
Plant red currant seeds approximately 1.5 metres apart, leaving enough room for the bushes to grow. Provide supports for the bushes, such as a trellis, to aid their growth and make harvesting easier.
Red currants should be pruned during winter. Leave between eight and ten healthy, strong main branches each year. Fertilise the bushes each spring with a general fertiliser and top dress with compost or well-rotted manure. Keep the bushes well-watered, especially during dry periods.
