Whitecurrant 'Blanka'Ribes rubrum

Whitecurrants prefer a position in full sun but will tolerate semi shade. Shelter from cold winds and late spring frosts as these conditions may damage the flowers, and reduce the yield of fruit later in the year. Grow whitecurrants in rich, moist, well drained soil. Incorporate plenty of well rotted manure into the ground prior to planting. Plant whitecurrant bushes between late autumn and spring, at a distance of 1.5m (5') apart and a depth of 5cm (2") lower than the soil mark on the stem. Planting whitecurrants slightly deep will encourage the production of extra stems from below ground level.

These plants are lifted from the nursery field when dormant, and sent to you in late autumn or spring for planting. They often look dead on arrival, but they are just resting in the dormant period and will establish quickly for a strong start in the garden come spring. Set out in prepared soil in holes wide enough and deep enough to lay out the roots. Tread down the planting soil to knock out air pockets. Water well to settle. Apply a mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures. If conditions prevent immediate planting, set roughly into loose soil or a pot of compost (‘heeling in’) to protect the roots. Set these at the same level as they were in the nursery field – you should see a soil line at the base of the stem. Stake trees, taller shrubs and roses to prevent root disturbance.

Keep whitecurrant plants well watered during dry periods, particularly as the fruits are developing. Netting the bushes will help to protect the currants from birds. Whitecurrants can be harvested from July.

Whitecurrants form fruit on 2 year old wood, so after planting the leading shoots need only be pruned by half to encourage branching. In subsequent years, reduce any new growth by half. Take care not to cut back into the previous year's wood unless removing the occasional weak or damaged stem to encourage healthy new shoots to develop. Culinary note: Whitecurrants make particularly good jellies. Suitable for freezing.

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