How to Grow Redcurrant & Whitecurrant
Bush Berry
Redcurrants and whitecurrants make handsome, long-lived bushes with translucent strings of fruit. Whitecurrants are usually milder in flavour, while redcurrants have more bite. Both are excellent for a sunny garden wall, open bed or allotment row, and can also be trained as neat cordons.
Planting
Plant bare-root bushes between November and March, spacing goblet-shaped plants 1.2 to 1.5 m apart. Container-grown plants may be planted whenever conditions allow. Set at the previous soil mark, water thoroughly and mulch with garden compost. Train a young bush into an open goblet with several evenly spaced branches, or plant 45 cm apart for cordons against horizontal wires. Tie cordon stems loosely to supports as they lengthen.
Care & pruning
Redcurrants and whitecurrants fruit on a permanent spur framework. In winter, remove dead, damaged and crossing wood, maintaining an open goblet or a single cordon stem. In summer, shorten new side shoots to five leaves; in winter reduce these laterals to two buds to create fruiting spurs. Mulch annually and apply an organic fertiliser in spring if soil is poor. Water in dry weather while fruit develops and keep weeds from the base.
Harvest
Pick from July into August when berries are evenly coloured, plump and translucent. Harvest whole strings using scissors or fingertips, handling them gently. Leave fruit for a few extra days if a sweeter flavour is wanted, but net plants first because birds quickly notice ripening currants.
Common problems
Birds are the main loss, so cover bushes with securely supported netting before colour develops. Aphids can curl young leaves; rub off small colonies and encourage natural predators. Leaf spot and mildew are less troublesome where plants are open and watered at the roots. Remove fallen leaves and damaged fruit after harvest, and avoid overcrowding or excessive nitrogen-rich feeding.
Growing Redcurrant & Whitecurrant: frequently asked questions
How do I grow redcurrant & whitecurrant in the UK?
Plant bare-root bushes between November and March, spacing goblet-shaped plants 1.2 to 1.5 m apart.
How do I care for redcurrant & whitecurrant?
Redcurrants and whitecurrants fruit on a permanent spur framework.
When is redcurrant & whitecurrant ready to harvest?
Pick from July into August when berries are evenly coloured, plump and translucent.
General guidance for UK gardens and allotments. Timing varies by region and season; the RHS or a local garden centre can advise. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.