Walter Siegmund (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Currant
Ribes
Edible
Edible PartsFruit
Overview
Small, tart berries that grow on easy-care deciduous shrubs, currants come in red, black, and white varieties each with distinct flavors and uses. Black currants are nutritional powerhouses with four times the vitamin C of oranges, while red currants make jewel-like jellies and sauces. Once banned in the US for harboring white pine blister rust, they are now legal in most states and enjoying a well-deserved revival.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones3 — 6
Height1m
Spread1.32m
Growth HabitShrub
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeRich, moist, well-drained soil with consistent moisture
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant bare-root in spring; hardy to zone 2; very cold tolerant |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Aug | Harvest entire clusters when all berries are colored; use immediately or freeze |
| Cold (1-2) | Prune | Mar — Mar | Prune in late winter; remove canes over 3 years old; keep 8-12 canes |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant bare-root in early spring; space 4-5 feet apart |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Pick whole strigs; strip berries with a fork |
| Cool (3-4) | Prune | Feb — Mar | Prune while dormant; thin to improve air circulation |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter dormancy; prefers cool climates |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Harvest when fully colored; high in vitamin C |
| Moderate (5-7) | Prune | Jan — Feb | Winter pruning; black currants fruit on 1-year wood, red/white on 2-3 year |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Plant while dormant; poor performance above zone 8 |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | May — Jun | Harvest in late spring |
Uses
Culinary
- Red currant jelly classic with roasted meats
- Black currants made into cassis liqueur, jams, and cordials
- Fresh in tarts, pies, and compotes
Medicinal
- Black currants exceptionally high in vitamin C and anthocyanins
- Gamma-linolenic acid in seed oil supports skin and joint health
- Traditional use for sore throats and cold relief
Other Uses
- Productive hedgerow and edible landscaping shrubs
- Wildlife food source for songbirds
