Top 20 Currant Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Currants are small, nutrient-packed berries that come in a range of colors and flavors. Whether you prefer red, black, or white currants, these berries are perfect for making jams, jellies, and juices, or for fresh eating. Currants are relatively easy to grow in home gardens, and selecting the right variety is key to a productive and healthy crop. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 currant varieties to grow and share essential tips to ensure a bountiful harvest.

1. Red Lake (Red Currant)

Red Lake is one of the most popular red currant varieties, known for its large clusters of bright red berries with a tart, tangy flavor.

Tip: Plant Red Lake in full sun or partial shade, and ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to promote fruit production.

2. Ben Lomond (Black Currant)

Ben Lomond is a cold-hardy black currant variety that produces large, sweet-tart berries. It’s great for jams, jellies, and juices.

Tip: Mulch around the base of Ben Lomond currants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, as they prefer consistently moist soil.

3. White Imperial (White Currant)

White Imperial currants produce translucent white berries with a mild, sweet flavor. They’re perfect for fresh eating or making desserts.

Tip: White Imperial currants prefer partial shade in hot climates to prevent the fruit from scorching.

4. Jostaberry (Hybrid)

A cross between black currants and gooseberries, Jostaberries produce large, dark berries with a sweet, complex flavor.

Tip: Jostaberries need a lot of space to grow, so plant them in an area with plenty of room for their spreading growth habit.

5. Rovada (Red Currant)

Rovada is a high-yielding red currant variety with long clusters of bright red, sweet-tart berries that are excellent for cooking and preserving.

Tip: Prune Rovada currants annually to remove old wood and encourage new growth, which produces better fruit.

6. Ben Sarek (Black Currant)

Ben Sarek is a compact, high-yielding black currant variety with large berries. It’s perfect for smaller gardens and containers.

Tip: Plant Ben Sarek in well-drained soil and water consistently to prevent the berries from drying out.

7. Blanka (White Currant)

Blanka is a productive white currant variety known for its large, sweet berries and long fruiting season.

Tip: Ensure Blanka currants receive plenty of sunlight for the best yields, but they can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.

8. Pink Champagne (Pink Currant)

Pink Champagne currants produce light pink berries with a sweet, mild flavor, making them great for fresh eating or adding to salads.

Tip: Mulch around the base of Pink Champagne currants to keep the soil cool and moist during the summer months.

9. Titania (Black Currant)

Titania is a disease-resistant black currant variety that produces large, flavorful berries, perfect for making syrups and jams.

Tip: Fertilize Titania currants in early spring with an organic compost or balanced fertilizer to boost growth and fruiting.

10. Laxton’s No. 1 (Red Currant)

Laxton’s No. 1 is an old red currant variety known for its heavy crops of tart, red berries that are ideal for preserves and sauces.

Tip: Prune Laxton’s No. 1 currants annually to promote new fruiting wood and maintain a healthy shape.

11. Primus (White Currant)

Primus is a high-yielding white currant variety that produces large, sweet, translucent berries. It’s perfect for making jellies and desserts.

Tip: Plant Primus in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and water regularly to encourage large, juicy berries.

12. Ben Alder (Black Currant)

Ben Alder is known for its excellent juice quality and is a popular choice for making wines and preserves due to its rich, tart flavor.

Tip: Water Ben Alder currants deeply and consistently, especially during the growing season, to prevent the fruit from becoming too small.

13. Redstart (Red Currant)

Redstart is a newer red currant variety that produces large, sweet-tart berries in long clusters, perfect for jams, jellies, and fresh eating.

Tip: Redstart currants benefit from an annual mulch of organic compost to maintain soil moisture and provide nutrients.

14. Gloire des Sablons (Pink Currant)

Gloire des Sablons is a pink currant variety that produces small, pale pink berries with a delicate, sweet flavor.

Tip: Ensure Gloire des Sablons receives plenty of sunlight, and prune regularly to keep the plant healthy and productive.

15. Ben Nevis (Black Currant)

Ben Nevis is a cold-hardy black currant variety that produces medium-sized, tart berries with a strong flavor, ideal for juicing and preserves.

Tip: Ben Nevis currants need well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive, so avoid planting in heavy clay soil.

16. White Grape (White Currant)

White Grape currants produce large clusters of sweet, pale yellow berries that are excellent for fresh eating or making jellies.

Tip: Water White Grape currants regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent the berries from becoming too dry or small.

17. Ben Conan (Black Currant)

Ben Conan is a compact black currant variety with large, sweet-tart berries. It’s ideal for making jams, sauces, and juices.

Tip: Ben Conan currants benefit from regular feeding with an organic fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.

18. Pink Pearls (Pink Currant)

Pink Pearls produce delicate, pink berries with a sweet flavor and are great for fresh eating, adding color to salads, or making preserves.

Tip: Pink Pearls currants require regular pruning to remove older branches and encourage new fruiting wood.

19. Wilder (Red Currant)

Wilder currants are a highly productive red variety that produces large clusters of bright red, tart berries, perfect for making preserves.

Tip: Keep the soil around Wilder currants moist but well-drained, especially during the fruiting season, to ensure plump, juicy berries.

20. Fay’s Prolific (Red Currant)

Fay’s Prolific is a high-yielding red currant variety with large, tart berries that are perfect for making jams, jellies, and sauces.

Tip: Fertilize Fay’s Prolific in early spring to encourage healthy growth and heavy fruiting. Prune after harvest to maintain its shape.

Tips for Growing Currants Successfully

1. Choose the right location: Currants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Plant them in a location with well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
2. Mulch heavily: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
3. Water consistently: Currants need consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, more frequently in hot or dry weather.
4. Pruning is essential: Prune currants annually in late winter or early spring to remove older branches and encourage new, productive growth. This helps improve fruit size and yield.
5. Fertilize in spring: Use an organic or balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth and heavy fruiting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over fruit.
6. Pest control: Watch out for common currant pests like aphids, spider mites, and sawfly larvae. Use organic or chemical treatments as needed to protect your plants.
7. Cross-pollination: While currants are generally self-fertile, planting multiple varieties nearby can increase fruit set and yield.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for currant bushes to produce fruit?
Currant bushes typically begin producing fruit in their second or third year after planting, with full yields by the fourth or fifth year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant currants?
The best time to plant currants is in early spring or late fall, when the plants are dormant.

Q3: How often should I water currants?
Currants should be watered deeply once a week, more frequently in hot or dry weather, to keep the soil consistently moist.

Q4: Can currants be grown in containers?
Yes, currants can be grown in containers, especially compact varieties like Ben Sarek. Use a large container with good drainage and fill it with well-drained, acidic potting mix.

Q5: How do I protect currants from birds?
Birds love currants, so cover your bushes with bird netting or other deterrents to protect the fruit as it ripens.