How big does a red currant bush get?
5-6 feet tall
They are fuller and more upright with straighter branches, and grow to 5-6 feet tall and wide. The leaves are bigger and the branches provide more interest in the winter because the red buds are bigger. Alternatively, red currant bushes are smaller (3-5 feet tall and wide) and a little more scraggly-looking.
How long does it take for red currants to fruit?
Blackcurrants bear a small amount of fruit on one year old wood, bearing most of it on two year old wood. Redcurrants (Gooseberries too), never bear fruit on one year old wood. Fruit comes on the two and three year old wood.
Do red currant bushes need full sun?
Currants and gooseberries will grow in full sun to partial shade. You will get more fruit if the plant is in full sun. Space plants at least 3 feet apart.
How long does it take for a currant bush to bear fruit?
Most currants will not produce fruit until 1 to 3 years after planting. Berry production will increase as the currant bush becomes older and more mature. Of course, depending on the variety of currant you choose, you may get fewer or smaller fruit.
How long do red currant bushes last?
Once planted, redcurrant plants will remain productive for almost 20 years. Even if you don’t want to eat the fruit, redcurrants are highly ornamental and a great way of attracting birds to your garden.
How fast does a red currant grow?
Mature size varies from around six to ten feet tall; width is typically similar, so do allow it enough space. A fast grower, it may reach four or five feet in just a few years and even produce blossoms as well.
Do birds eat red currants?
All currant-eating birds love a redcurrant, so provide protection for them while they are fruiting.
What grows well with red currants?
Companion Plants:
| Good | |
|---|---|
| Chives | Nasturtiums |
| Kiwi | Oregano |
| Marigolds | Tarragon |
| Marjoram |
Where do redcurrant bushes grow?
They do best in full sun, but can be grown against a shady, north-facing wall, although this will result in fruit that ripens later and is less sweet. They like a sheltered site, out of strong winds, but avoid planting in frost pockets as late frosts can damage the flowers.
How to grow and care for red currant bushes?
Planting red currant bushes 1 Red currant bushes prefer rather well drained soil. 2 Adding manure, organic soil conditioner or compost is a great initiative upon planting. 3 This step is an important one, so refer to our guidance for planting.
What can you do with redcurrants in the summer?
These small smooth red berries grow in clusters on woody stalks. They have a sweet slightly tangy flavour and are an excellent source of vitamin C. Uses: Use fresh or cooked in desserts especially summer pudding or to make a coulis. Redcurrants are traditionally made into a rich, red jelly which is served as an accompaniment to lamb and venison.
What kind of fertilizer to use on currant bushes?
Water currant shrubs regularly to keep the soil moist from the time they begin growing in spring until after harvest. Plants that don’t get enough water during spring and summer may develop mildew. Too much nitrogen also encourages diseases. Give them only a couple of tablespoons of 10-10-10 fertilizer once a year in early spring.
How long do you keep redcurrants in the fridge?
Redcurrants are traditionally made into a rich, red jelly which is served as an accompaniment to lamb and venison. To store: Keep in the fridge for 2-3 days or until the best before date. To prepare: To remove the berries from the stalks, hold each stalk at the top with the berries at the bottom and run a fork down each one.