What soil does Redcurrant grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, acidic.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Redcurrant be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Redcurrant need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Redcurrant cost?

It sells for roughly €7.90 to €14 in local shops, depending on size.

Redcurrant

Ribes rubrum

Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) is a fruit plant. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €7.90.

Illustration of Redcurrant — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Redcurrant is an easy, low fruit bush that carries long strings of tart berries in June and July. A single bush crops on its own because it is self-fertile, though several varieties together crop more reliably. Give it an airy spot with some afternoon shade, keep the soil moist and cut out branches older than four or five years in winter.

Watch out for

In Central Europe it copes badly with hot, dry lowland summers: in scorching sun and drying soil it drops its leaves early and the berries stay small and fall, so watering and mulching are needed. It also dislikes strongly calcareous, alkaline soil. The most common pest is the currant clearwing moth, whose caterpillar bores out the inside of the canes, along with the redcurrant blister aphid that puckers the leaves. Diseases include leaf spot (with early leaf drop), powdery mildew and, less often, rust.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, green

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	1–1.5 m × 0.9–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, green
Harvest	June–July
Self-fertile	yes
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	120 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €7.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
40-60 cm	approx. €12
60-80 cm	approx. €9
80-100 cm	approx. €13
100 cm	approx. €13
100-120 cm	approx. €14
110-120 cm	approx. €14
size not stated	approx. €7.90 – €12

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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