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

Redcurrants are small, bright berries known for their tart flavor, perfect for making jellies, jams, sauces, and even wines. These beautiful berries are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of climates. Whether you’re looking for a productive variety or one that fits into a small garden, redcurrants offer versatility and charm. This guide will explore the top 20 redcurrant varieties to grow, with tips on how to cultivate healthy and productive bushes.

1. Rovada

Rovada is one of the most popular redcurrant varieties due to its high yields, large berries, and long, attractive fruit clusters. The berries have a tart flavor, perfect for jams and jellies.

Tip: Plant Rovada in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the berries juicy.

2. Jonkheer van Tets

Jonkheer van Tets is an early-season variety known for its large, bright red berries and sweet-tart flavor. It’s great for fresh eating and preserves.

Tip: Jonkheer van Tets prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Prune annually to improve airflow and increase fruit production.

3. Red Lake

Red Lake is a reliable, high-yielding variety with medium-sized, tart berries. It’s perfect for fresh eating, baking, and making sauces.

Tip: Plant Red Lake in full sun to partial shade. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

4. Laxton’s No. 1

Laxton’s No. 1 is an early-season redcurrant variety with medium-sized berries and a tart flavor. It’s ideal for making jellies and sauces.

Tip: Laxton’s No. 1 redcurrants need full sun and regular watering. Prune after the harvest to promote new growth.

5. Rondom

Rondom is a late-season variety known for its long fruiting clusters and abundant yields. The berries are tart and great for preserves.

Tip: Rondom redcurrants thrive in well-drained soil with regular watering. Prune annually to maintain size and promote better fruiting.

6. Stanza

Stanza is a mid-season variety that produces large, sweet-tart berries, perfect for fresh eating and making jams.

Tip: Stanza redcurrants require full sun and regular watering. Thin the bush to improve air circulation and fruit quality.

7. Tatran

Tatran is a high-yielding variety known for its sweet-tart flavor and vibrant red berries. It’s ideal for fresh eating and preserving.

Tip: Tatran redcurrants thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Prune after fruiting to maintain size and shape.

8. Rosetta

Rosetta is a large, robust variety with long clusters of bright red berries. The fruit has a sweet-tart flavor, perfect for making preserves.

Tip: Plant Rosetta in full sun for the best yields. Water regularly, especially during fruiting, to ensure juicy berries.

9. Wilder

Wilder is a mid-season variety that produces medium-sized, tart berries with a strong flavor. It’s great for making jellies and sauces.

Tip: Wilder redcurrants prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Thin the bush to improve air circulation and fruit quality.

10. Cascade

Cascade is an early to mid-season variety with large, bright red berries and a mild, sweet-tart flavor. It’s great for fresh eating and preserving.

Tip: Cascade redcurrants need full sun and regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

11. Junifer

Junifer is an early-season variety known for its large berries and tart flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating, sauces, and jams.

Tip: Plant Junifer in full sun and provide well-drained soil. Prune annually to maintain the shape and increase fruiting.

12. Cherry Red

Cherry Red is a high-yielding variety that produces small to medium-sized, sweet-tart berries, ideal for fresh eating and preserving.

Tip: Cherry Red redcurrants need regular watering and full sun for the best yields. Prune to remove old wood and encourage new growth.

13. Tatran Supreme

Tatran Supreme is an improved version of Tatran with larger, sweeter berries. It’s excellent for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Tatran Supreme prefers full sun and consistent watering. Thin the bush to improve air circulation and promote better fruiting.

14. Perfection

Perfection is a late-season variety that produces long clusters of medium-sized, sweet-tart berries. It’s perfect for jams, jellies, and sauces.

Tip: Perfection redcurrants thrive in full sun and need regular pruning to maintain their size and shape.

15. Redstart

Redstart is an early-ripening variety that produces small to medium-sized berries with a tart flavor. It’s great for fresh eating and preserves.

Tip: Redstart redcurrants need full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently, especially during fruiting.

16. Haughton

Haughton is a mid-season variety with large, sweet-tart berries. It’s ideal for fresh eating, making jellies, and baking.

Tip: Haughton redcurrants thrive in full sun to partial shade. Prune after harvest to promote new growth.

17. Versailles

Versailles is a late-season variety with large, juicy berries and a sweet-tart flavor. It’s great for fresh eating, sauces, and preserves.

Tip: Plant Versailles in full sun with regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

18. London Market

London Market is an old-fashioned variety with medium-sized, tart berries. It’s perfect for making jellies and sauces.

Tip: London Market redcurrants need full sun and well-drained soil. Prune annually to maintain the size and encourage better fruiting.

19. Prince Albert

Prince Albert is a late-ripening variety known for its long clusters of tart, bright red berries. It’s great for making jams and sauces.

Tip: Prince Albert redcurrants require full sun and regular pruning to maintain size and shape. Water regularly during fruiting for the best results.

20. Heros

Heros is a reliable, high-yielding variety with medium-sized berries and a sweet-tart flavor. It’s great for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Heros redcurrants thrive in full sun with regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Tips for Growing Redcurrants Successfully

1. Full sun to partial shade: Redcurrants thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Choose a spot with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Well-drained soil: Redcurrants prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in waterlogged areas, as this can lead to root rot.
3. Water consistently: Redcurrants need regular watering, especially during the growing season and fruit development. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
4. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
5. Prune annually: Prune redcurrant bushes in late winter or early spring to remove old, weak, or diseased wood and improve air circulation. This encourages new growth and increases fruiting.
6. Fertilize in spring: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to support healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth.
7. Protect from birds: Birds love redcurrants, so use bird netting or other deterrents to protect your fruit as it ripens.
8. Support the branches: Use stakes or a trellis to support the branches, especially when they are heavy with fruit. This helps prevent breakage and improves air circulation.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for redcurrant bushes to produce fruit?
Redcurrant bushes typically begin producing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting, with full yields by the 4th or 5th year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant redcurrants?
The best time to plant redcurrants is in early spring or late fall when the plants are dormant. This gives the roots time to establish before the growing season.

Q3: How often should I water redcurrant bushes?
Water redcurrants deeply once a week, more frequently during hot or dry weather, especially while the fruit is developing.

Q4: Can redcurrants be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or compact redcurrant varieties can be grown in large containers. Ensure the container has good drainage and water regularly.

Q5: How do I protect redcurrants from birds?
Use bird netting or other deterrents to protect your redcurrants as they ripen, as birds are attracted to the bright, juicy berries.