Redcurrant
Ribes sativumfam. Rosaceae
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Pl. AA76 — Ribes sativum
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IOverview
Overview
Redcurrant, scientifically known as Ribes sativum, is a deciduous shrub native to the temperate regions of Europe, including Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Spain. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 5-9, it grows to a height of about 1 meter. Redcurrants are known for their edible fruit, which is both ornamental and useful, making them popular in gardens where they add vibrant red berries to the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Redcurrant?
Redcurrant, scientifically known as Ribes sativum, is a deciduous shrub native to the temperate regions of Europe, including Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Spain. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Redcurrant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows to about 1 meter tall. For best results, keep the soil consistently damp and provide ample sunlight, though some afternoon shade may help prevent scorching. Propagate through cuttings or by dividing established plants. Harvest the fruit for eating fresh or preserving.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Redcurrant for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, hardy redcurrant bush for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
Redcurrant plant or seeds, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining, light, medium, or heavy but not too compacted.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in spring or sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and plant out after danger of frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Monitor for pests and diseases, treating if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after fruiting to encourage new growth. Harvest fruits when they are bright red and fully ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting winter pruning, planting in poor soil, and failing to monitor for pests.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The redcurrant fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is often used in jams, jellies, and desserts. The berries can also be dried for later use. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 24 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 24 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 6 native· 24 introduced
Europe17 regions
native (6)BelgiumFranceGermanyNetherlandsSpainUnited Kingdom
introduced (11)AustriaBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyRussiaUkraine
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)JapanKazakhstanSouth Korea
Broader regions
introduced:Connecticut, Colorado, Czechoslovakia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, British Columbia, Baltic States, Labrador
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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