Red Lake Red Currant

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-5 Feet

Mature Spread

3-5 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Red Lake Red Currants are compact, mini-stemmed, deciduous shrubs that are thornless and grow into 3 to 5 foot high mounds. They have striking, glossy green, 3 inch wide, lobed leaves that can turn bright orange, red, and yellow, dropping early in the fall. In the spring, ornate, dangling clusters of greenish-yellow blooms form, followed by small red berries in the summer which ripen in July. These scarlet currants are a delicious tart fruit most commonly used in jellies and jams. Red Currants are high in vitamin C and cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Red Lake Red Currant Care

Pruning should take place during dormant seasons. Remove damaged and dead branches and branches grazing the ground. Stems older than 3 years old should be cut down. As your plant grows in maturity, it can tolerate heavier pruning. Vigorous shoots should not be pruned. Mature plants yield approximately 3 to 10 pounds per bush. Skin of red currants is delicate and can burst when picking. To avoid this, harvest the whole cluster at once.

Red Lake Red Currants should be planted in the late fall or early spring in full sun to dappled shade. Space your plants 3 to 5 feet apart in a row with 8 to 10 feet between rows. Ideal soil conditions for the Red Lake Red Currant include fertile soil that is well-drained. They are adaptable to many different soil types and pH. Red Lake Red Currant does not tolerate salt well, so it is inadvisable to plant currants in soils that are high in sodium.

Growing Red Lake Red Currant Shrubs

Ripe Currants attract birds, and it will be important to cover your currants for protection. Red Lake Red Currant is low-maintenance and easy to grow. It’s not susceptible to insects or diseases, but it will need adequate airflow to avoid powdery mildew. Red Lake is not susceptible to White Pine blister rust. Currant worms can defoliate plants, so watch your currant for signs of premature leafing.

Red Currants are generally self-fruitful but benefit from cross-pollination. They typically produce a light crop their second year after planting, and full crop by the third season. They grow to be around 3 to 5 feet tall and wide.

Growing Red Lake Red Currant in Containers

Red Lake Red Currants can be grown in containers from 2 to 2. 5 feet wide and at least 24 inches deep. They make wonderful, decorative options for small gardens. Growing currants indoors requires more delicate pruning when the plant is dormant.

Watering & Feeding Red Lake Red Currant Shrubs

You should water your Red Lake Red Currant regularly, and more often in extreme heat. They work well with a drip system because of their shallow roots. To help retain water, add a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch at the base of the plant. Red Currants are heavy nitrogen feeders. The optimal fertilizer for Red Currants is stable manure or all purpose plant food. You should apply it yearly, in the spring, before new growth begins.

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1231009523-pc