Ribes rubrum ( Redcurrant ) is a deciduous, fruiting plant that is native to the colder climates of Europe and western Asia. The Redcurrant provides sweet, tarty berries early in the summer and is a popular ingredient in pies, jams, preserves, drinks and as a condiment for game meats. The plant itself is attractive and its leaves carry medicinal value when infused in teas.
Suitable for Sub-Arctic, Cold and Temperate climates.
Cultivars of Ribes rubrum were bred to produce larger berries by gardeners in France and Belgium as far back as the 17th century. It is in France where the expensive Lorraine Jelly was first made in 1344 and used like Australians use vegemite. As of 2021, an 85-gram (3 ounces) jar of Lorraine Jelly cost 18 euros.
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Growth
Ribes rubrum is a flowering deciduous shrub that grows to a compact height of up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) and a width of about the same, 1.2 metres (4 feet). Redcurrant shrubs prefer full sun with some shade and will grow in most soil types. Leaves are arranged spirally with five-lobes on each stem. The flowers are yellow/green in pendulous racemes as long as 8 cm (3 inches) and mature into translucent red berries during early to middle summer.
Though it can take around 3-5 years for plants to reach fruiting age, an established plant can then produce up to 4 kilograms (8 pounds) per year thereafter.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Grossulariaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Arctic, Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20°C to 30°C / -4 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, 50/50 sand and soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Semi-Shade, keep young plants shaded from hot summer sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.2 metre (4 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.2 metres (4 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
3-4 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
50-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification – 3-4 months and then 6-8 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 750
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 15 years.
FACTS ABOUT RIBES RUBRUM ( Redcurrant )
Ribes rubrum was cultivated in monastery gardens during 11th century Russia where the leaves were infused in teas and used in traditional medicine. Russia has a long history with Redcurrants making jams, preserves, desserts and kissel, a sweet healthy drink made from the juice.
In Germany, syrup from Redcurrants is added to soda water to create a drink called Johannisbeerschorle, which translates to John’s Berry. John’s Berry was derived from St. John’s Day (24 June) which is when the Redcurrants are said to begin ripening in Europe.
Leaves of the Redcurrant plant can be made into poultices which are used to relieve sprains or reduce the pain of dislocations.
For more information about the health benefits of Redcurrants click here.
