Red Currant

Red currants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil near pH 6.0-6.5 with steady moisture and relief from intense afternoon heat. Feed moderately in spring and retain productive two- and three-year-old wood while opening the bush to light.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

48 in

First harvest

2–3 years

Tips

• Check local Ribes restrictions and space nursery bushes about 4-5 feet apart.
• Keep establishing roots evenly moist and mulch without piling material against the stems.
• Use compost and soil-test-based spring fertilizer rather than repeated heavy nitrogen feeding.
• Build a framework during establishment, then remove the oldest branches while preserving fruiting spurs on younger wood.
• Harvest entire clusters once evenly red and inspect leaves for currant sawfly larvae that can quickly strip foliage.

Plant dormant bare-root bushes in early spring or container-grown bushes in spring or fall.

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