Redcurrants

Redcurrants are a versatile and delicious fruit and you can grow them with ease in your own garden. Packed full of Vitamin C as well as other vitamins, redcurrants are great used in jams, desserts or eaten straight from the bush. Redcurrants store very well and can even be frozen to use at a later date.

How to grow

Growing as a bush, redcurrants require little training and a little annual pruning is all that is required. By following a few simple rules even the most inexperienced of gardeners is sure to succeed at growing these plants. We have a wide range of secateurs and books available which will ensure that pruning is straight forward and hassle free.

Position

Redcurrants fare well in both sun and partial shade. You should plant your bushes in an area that has some shelter from frost and cold winds as late frosts early on in the season can cause flower drop and reduce the amount of fruit produced. You may also wish to consider planting a hedge or installing some screening to protect plants.

Soil

The most important point when growing redcurrants is to prepare the soil correctly. Like most fruit they will require a fertile and moist soil in order to produce plump and succulent fruit. To ensure that you can provide the correct conditions for your fruit bushes incorporate plenty of well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost in to the planting hole to maximize water retention.

Care

Once planted your redcurrant bushes will require regular watering and feeding with a well balanced fertilizer. Protection from plant pests may be necessary as birds and small mammals will often eat fruits. You should consider constructing plant netting or a fruit cage to ensure you can enjoy a large crop of fruits.

Harvesting

Redcurrants are ready to harvest when they have turned red. If you intend to store your fruit for a period of time harvest on a dry day as this will ensure that fruit store for a longer period of time and don’t succumb to mold resulting from damp conditions.

Top Tip

As moisture is important to plants it is essential that water is not lost from the surrounding soil on hot days and throughout summer months. Mulch around your plants to conserve water and keep roots cool or plant with Water Beads. You may also wish to consider installing an irrigation system for efficiency.

Blue Water Beads

Use Blue Water Beads to match or contrast with your décor. Place them in a clear pretty bowl or decorated plate with an upturned rim. Mix with other contrast colors from your overall color scheme to pull this together as a centerpiece. It will be a real conversation starter!

Clear Water Beads

Use Clear Water Beads when you just want the delivery system without making a color statement. Mix clear Water Beads with a color to create a lighter effect. Layer them with other colors to provide more visual interest.

Green Water Beads

Use Green Water Beads as a nice understory for potted plants, or a neutral color in a clear vase with a multi-colored bouquet. Layer with Clear for a lighter touch.

Melon Water Beads

Use Melon Water Beads to enhance the color of pink or red flowers, or contrast with white ones.

Orange Water Beads

Use Orange Water Beads to spice up a room. This color works well with Southwest style decorating. Layer them with Teal and Clear for a truly stunning display.

Pink Water Beads

Use Pink Water Beads for a light touch of color to complement pink flowers or contrast with white or purple ones. Put them into a clean candle jar with a tight fitting lid and decorate a little girl’s room.

Purple Water Beads

Use Purple Water Beads in urn-shaped vase as an addition to a contemplation nook. Purple is the color of spirituality and calm, so let these beautiful Water Beads become a focal point for your meditative or prayerful practice.

Teal Water Beads

Use Teal Water Beads to complement aqua and teal colored flowers – like those interesting dyed carnations! Combine with orange and white for southwest style decorating. Combine with clear to remind you of Native American turquoise and silver jewelry.