Red currant (Ribes triste)

Red currant

Also known as: Wild red currant, Northern redcurrant

Red currant (Ribes triste) is a member of the gooseberry family. Also known as American red currant, it's indigenous to North America, as well as being found in parts of Asia. It’s an exceedingly adaptable plant that can grow in all kinds of light conditions. Its fruit is edible, but it’s a bit on the tart side.

Scientific classification

Species

Red currant (Ribes triste)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

30 cm to 91 cm

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

4 cm to 7 cm

Flower Size

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Red currant

Attributes of Red currant

Growth Rate

Displaying a moderate growth rate, red currant actively cultivates its physique throughout the summer season. This speed permits balanced growth, fostering dense leaf production and steady height increase. Summer's end sees the display of its title-worthy red fruits, a horticultural spectacle. However, growth slows during cooler seasons, yet primarily, it's summer when red currant truly flourishes.

Distribution of Red currant

Distribution Map

Red currant is primarily a plant native to the northern regions of the Eastern hemisphere, including parts of the Asian continent, and northern Europe. While naturally found in these areas, it does not have a broad introduced range and remains largely within its native locales, with no extensive records of cultivation across other major regions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Bogs, Woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Red currant

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 21 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Red currant prefers moderate moisture and consistent soil hydration without waterlogging. It is moderately drought-tolerant, requiring watering every three weeks. As an outdoor plant in temperate regions, red currant adapts well to seasonal rainfall, benefiting from natural precipitation cycles in garden settings.

Fertilize: Fertilize red currant annually using balanced nutrition fertilizer, then switch to high-nitrogen in spring. Adhere to package recommendations; avoid over-fertilization. Use slow-release formulas for consistent nutrients, especially during dormancy. Regular feeding is crucial for healthy growth and addressing nutritional deficiencies.

Pruning: Red currant is a deciduous shrub known for its tart berries. Prune in early spring, removing dead branches and trimming one-third of older stems to promote new growth. Maintain an open center for better air circulation, ensuring healthier plants and enhanced fruit yields.

Propagation: Red currant is propagated via cuttings from healthy, disease-free stems with multiple leaf nodes. Dip cut ends in rooting hormone, then plant in well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture and adequate light while preventing waterlogging to ensure successful root development.

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