Description
White Currant (Ribes rubrum)
White currant is a hardy, self-fertile deciduous shrub from the Grossulariaceae family, grown for its pearl-like berries with a light, sweet flavour and mild tartness. A cultivar of red currant, it shares the same fruiting habit, producing on spurs along older wood. Spring flowers give way to creamy-white berries ripening from mid-summer.
Vigorous in its first year, the shrub forms a strong framework and typically begins fruiting by the second year, though full maturity may take up to five years. It reaches around 1 m high and 60 cm wide, ideal for beds, borders, and raised gardens.
Thriving in cool, temperate, and arid climates, white currants need cold winters for consistent fruiting. Plant bare-rooted canes from autumn to winter while dormant to establish strong roots before spring.
They grow best in full sun but benefit from part shade in warmer areas to prevent heat stress. Use rich, well-drained soil (pH 6–6.5); though tolerant of heavier soils, drainage is key for healthy growth.
Where to Plant
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Garden beds: Best for most gardeners; ensure sun, airflow, and shelter from wind.
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Raised beds: Ideal for poor or heavy soil, or in arid/warm areas to improve drainage and watering efficiency.
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Converted lawn or compacted ground: Use cardboard as a weed barrier, add compost and mulch, and plant through the surface layer.
How to Plant (Autumn to Late Winter)
1. Soak bare-rooted canes in water for 1–2 hours before planting.
2. Prepare the soil with compost and a complete fertiliser. In arid or Mediterranean climates, add moisture-retentive material such as coco coir or well-rotted straw.
3. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots. In warmer areas, create a small mound at the base of the hole to improve drainage.
4. Plant at the same depth as it was growing in the nursery — do not bury the base.
5. Space 1.5 m between plants; 1.8–2.5 m between rows.
6. Water in well and mulch generously, keeping mulch clear of the main stem.
7. Prune stems to 10–30 cm above ground level after planting to promote strong branching.
Mulching, Fertilising & Watering
- Mulch: Apply organic mulch (compost, straw, or sugarcane) around the base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch 5–10 cm away from the stems and top up in late spring and late summer as needed.
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Fertilising: White currants are hungry feeders and should be fertilised each spring with a general-purpose organic fertiliser. Top-dress with well-rotted manure or compost to maintain soil fertility.
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Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Increase watering during hot or dry weather, and reduce in winter — but don’t allow the soil to fully dry out.
Pruning
White currants produce fruit on older wood, mainly on 2- to 3-year-old spurs. Regular pruning helps maintain a healthy, open structure, improves airflow, and supports reliable cropping. Aim to develop a goblet-shaped bush that allows light and air to reach the centre.
Prune in winter while the plant is dormant. In frost-prone areas, prune in late winter to protect developing buds.
Establishment Phase (Years 1–2)
- After planting, cut all stems to 10–30 cm above the ground to encourage strong new shoots.
- First winter: Keep 3–5 strong, outward-facing shoots and cut them back by half. Remove all others.
- Second winter: Maintain 6–8 healthy branches. Shorten new growth by half, remove any weak, inward, or crossing branches, and prune side shoots to 2–4 buds.
Tip: Always cut just above a bud. Use an upward-facing bud for vertical growth or an outward-facing bud to keep the centre open.
Maintenance (Year 3 Onward)
- Keep 8–12 main branches.
- On fruiting branches, trim last year’s small side shoots back to 1 bud to form short, productive fruiting spurs.
- Trim newer side shoots that haven’t fruited yet to 2–4 buds to prepare them for future cropping.
- Remove any low, crowded, crossing, or old branches to keep the bush open and productive.
How to spot old wood:
Older branches are usually thicker, darker, and woodier. These are less fruitful and should be removed to make room for younger, more productive stems.
Optional Mid-Summer Pruning
For vigorous plants, you can lightly prune in mid-summer after the first flush of growth:
- Shorten leafy side shoots to around five leaves. This improves airflow, encourages bud formation for next year’s fruit, and helps keep the plant’s shape neat and manageable.
Harvesting
Harvest white currants in early to mid-summer, once berries are fully coloured, glossy, and slightly soft to the touch. Pick entire trusses for ease and to prevent damage to the fruit. Crops typically begin from the second year, though some plants may take longer to mature. The berries have a light, sweet flavour with a gentle tartness, making them ideal for eating fresh or using in jellies, baking, preserves, and summer drinks. They store well in the fridge for a few days or can be frozen immediately for longer-term use.
Pests & Diseases
White currants are generally low-maintenance, but occasional issues may occur. Monitor regularly and maintain airflow through pruning.
- Pests: Aphids and red spider mites may occur. Birds are also known to target ripening fruit, so consider using netting for protection.
- Diseases: Powdery mildew and rust are the most common fungal problems, especially in humid or crowded conditions. Leaf spot can also occur in wetter areas. Maintain good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove any affected material. Organic treatments may be applied if needed.
Plant Safety
Grown for their edible berries. Take care when handling plants and supervise young children and pets around the shrub.
Supplied as a bare-rooted cane.