Item Number: FV340
Wilder Red Currant
Wilder Red Currant
Nice Addition to Your Edible Landscape
- Zones: 4 to 7
- Chill Requirements: 800 to 1,000 chill hours.
- Bloom Time: Flowers of Red Currant plants bloom in early to mid-spring.
- Approximate Harvesting Dates:Late June to early July.
- Looks: Wilder Red Currants display clusters of small, bright red berries that grow on upright shrubs.
- Personality: Resilient and adaptable, Red Currant shrubs can withstand various soil conditions and climates.
- Facts of Note: Red Currants are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, commonly used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
- Pollinator Requirement: While some varieties are self-pollinating, better yields are often achieved with cross-pollination from another Red Currant variety nearby.The Wilder Red Currant: A Fruitful Journey
Varieties of Currants
White Currant: A unique variety with pale, translucent berries, offering a mildly sweet taste.
Black Currant (Ribes nigrum): Known for its deep, rich flavor and versatility in culinary applications.
Zante Currant: Tiny, dried seedless grapes, not to be confused with true currants.
Wilder Red Currant (ribes rubrum) An In-Depth Exploration
The Wilder Red Currant, a member of the Ribes family, stands as a testament to nature's bounty, offering not only visual allure but also a burst of flavor. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the unique characteristics, cultivation nuances, and culinary potential of the Wilder Red Currant. As a distinctive member of the Ribes family, these currants share qualities with their close relatives, black currants, and gooseberries.
Red currants, though less common than their black counterparts, have found a niche in North America's agricultural landscape. These petite, translucent red berries belong to the Ribes genus and are cultivated in cooler regions across the continent. While not as extensively grown as black currants, red currants thrive in climates with cold winters and moderate summers. Their tangy and slightly sweet flavor makes them a favorite for culinary applications, from jams and sauces to desserts. North American gardeners appreciate the versatility of red currants, adding a touch of elegance to both home gardens and commercial orchards. As interest in diverse and unique berries continues to grow, red currants play a flavorful role in North America's agricultural tapestry.Characteristics:
Visual Appeal:
- The Wilder Red Currant, with its small, vibrant red black berries, exhibit an enticing visual appeal. Clusters of these tiny gems dangle from the branches, creating a picturesque display in gardens and landscapes.
Flavor Profile:
- Known for their bright and tangy flavor, Wilder Red Currants offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. The burst of flavor from these tiny berries makes them a versatile addition to both sweet and savory dishes.
Nutritional Value:
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Wilder Red Currants contribute to a healthy diet. They contain vitamin C, potassium, and various antioxidants that support overall well-being.
Cultivation:
Growing Conditions:
- Wilder Red Currants thrive in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight. Choose a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. These hardy plants can tolerate cooler climates and are adaptable to various soil types.
Planting:
- Plant Wilder Red Currants in the early spring or fall, ensuring proper spacing to facilitate air circulation and sunlight exposure. Consider their close relatives, black currants, and gooseberries, when planning your garden layout for a harmonious mix of flavors.
Watering and Pruning:
- Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Prune the bushes to encourage airflow and reduce the risk of diseases. Pruning also aids in shaping the plant and promoting fruit production.
Fertilization:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to provide essential nutrients for robust growth and fruit development. Regularly monitor the soil's nutrient levels to adjust fertilization accordingly.
Culinary Uses:
Eaten Fresh:
- Wilder Red Currants are a delightful treat when eaten fresh. Their juicy and tangy nature adds a refreshing element to fruit salads, desserts, or simply enjoyed on their own as a nutritious snack.
Preserves and Jams:
- The vibrant flavor of Wilder Red Currants makes them ideal for preserves, jams, and sauces. Their natural pectin content helps achieve the perfect consistency in jams, making them a popular choice for homemade spreads.
Baking and Cooking:
- Incorporate Wilder Red Currants into a variety of baked goods, including muffins, tarts, and pies. Their zesty flavor complements both sweet and savory dishes, adding a unique twist to culinary creations.
Beverages:
- Explore the versatility of Wilder Red Currants in beverages. From refreshing summer drinks to flavorful cocktails, these currants can be transformed into delightful concoctions that tantalize the taste buds.
Common Uses in Cooking:
Culinary Complement:
- The dynamic trio of red currants, black currants, and gooseberries can be creatively integrated into a range of dishes. Their combined flavors elevate salads, sauces, desserts, and beverages, providing a delightful culinary complement.
Health Benefits:
- Beyond their culinary appeal, these fruits contribute to overall health and well-being. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, they offer a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
Wilder Red Currants, with their vibrant appearance and versatile flavors, stand as a testament to the diverse offerings within the Ribes family. Whether eaten fresh, used in preserves, or incorporated into various culinary creations, these tiny berries add a burst of flavor to every dish. Considered alongside their close relatives, black currants and gooseberries, Wilder Red Currants become a part of a rich tapestry of flavors, enhancing both gardens and kitchen tables. Embrace the culinary adventure these berries offer, exploring the nuances of taste and the health benefits they bring to your plate.
For more information, please enjoy our Growing Guide for planting and growing currants.
Check Your Zone Compatibility:
Our Guarantee To You
Since 1976, we've served our customers at every stage of growing. Please contact us at any time. We are happy to support and assist you.
Description
Description
- Zones: 4 to 7
- Chill Requirements: 800 to 1,000 chill hours.
- Bloom Time: Flowers of Red Currant plants bloom in early to mid-spring.
- Approximate Harvesting Dates:Late June to early July.
- Looks: Wilder Red Currants display clusters of small, bright red berries that grow on upright shrubs.
- Personality: Resilient and adaptable, Red Currant shrubs can withstand various soil conditions and climates.
- Facts of Note: Red Currants are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, commonly used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
- Pollinator Requirement: While some varieties are self-pollinating, better yields are often achieved with cross-pollination from another Red Currant variety nearby.The Wilder Red Currant: A Fruitful Journey
Varieties of Currants
White Currant: A unique variety with pale, translucent berries, offering a mildly sweet taste.
Black Currant (Ribes nigrum): Known for its deep, rich flavor and versatility in culinary applications.
Zante Currant: Tiny, dried seedless grapes, not to be confused with true currants.
Wilder Red Currant (ribes rubrum) An In-Depth Exploration
The Wilder Red Currant, a member of the Ribes family, stands as a testament to nature's bounty, offering not only visual allure but also a burst of flavor. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the unique characteristics, cultivation nuances, and culinary potential of the Wilder Red Currant. As a distinctive member of the Ribes family, these currants share qualities with their close relatives, black currants, and gooseberries.
Red currants, though less common than their black counterparts, have found a niche in North America's agricultural landscape. These petite, translucent red berries belong to the Ribes genus and are cultivated in cooler regions across the continent. While not as extensively grown as black currants, red currants thrive in climates with cold winters and moderate summers. Their tangy and slightly sweet flavor makes them a favorite for culinary applications, from jams and sauces to desserts. North American gardeners appreciate the versatility of red currants, adding a touch of elegance to both home gardens and commercial orchards. As interest in diverse and unique berries continues to grow, red currants play a flavorful role in North America's agricultural tapestry.Characteristics:
Visual Appeal:
- The Wilder Red Currant, with its small, vibrant red black berries, exhibit an enticing visual appeal. Clusters of these tiny gems dangle from the branches, creating a picturesque display in gardens and landscapes.
Flavor Profile:
- Known for their bright and tangy flavor, Wilder Red Currants offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. The burst of flavor from these tiny berries makes them a versatile addition to both sweet and savory dishes.
Nutritional Value:
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Wilder Red Currants contribute to a healthy diet. They contain vitamin C, potassium, and various antioxidants that support overall well-being.
Cultivation:
Growing Conditions:
- Wilder Red Currants thrive in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight. Choose a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. These hardy plants can tolerate cooler climates and are adaptable to various soil types.
Planting:
- Plant Wilder Red Currants in the early spring or fall, ensuring proper spacing to facilitate air circulation and sunlight exposure. Consider their close relatives, black currants, and gooseberries, when planning your garden layout for a harmonious mix of flavors.
Watering and Pruning:
- Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Prune the bushes to encourage airflow and reduce the risk of diseases. Pruning also aids in shaping the plant and promoting fruit production.
Fertilization:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to provide essential nutrients for robust growth and fruit development. Regularly monitor the soil's nutrient levels to adjust fertilization accordingly.
Culinary Uses:
Eaten Fresh:
- Wilder Red Currants are a delightful treat when eaten fresh. Their juicy and tangy nature adds a refreshing element to fruit salads, desserts, or simply enjoyed on their own as a nutritious snack.
Preserves and Jams:
- The vibrant flavor of Wilder Red Currants makes them ideal for preserves, jams, and sauces. Their natural pectin content helps achieve the perfect consistency in jams, making them a popular choice for homemade spreads.
Baking and Cooking:
- Incorporate Wilder Red Currants into a variety of baked goods, including muffins, tarts, and pies. Their zesty flavor complements both sweet and savory dishes, adding a unique twist to culinary creations.
Beverages:
- Explore the versatility of Wilder Red Currants in beverages. From refreshing summer drinks to flavorful cocktails, these currants can be transformed into delightful concoctions that tantalize the taste buds.
Common Uses in Cooking:
Culinary Complement:
- The dynamic trio of red currants, black currants, and gooseberries can be creatively integrated into a range of dishes. Their combined flavors elevate salads, sauces, desserts, and beverages, providing a delightful culinary complement.
Health Benefits:
- Beyond their culinary appeal, these fruits contribute to overall health and well-being. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, they offer a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
Wilder Red Currants, with their vibrant appearance and versatile flavors, stand as a testament to the diverse offerings within the Ribes family. Whether eaten fresh, used in preserves, or incorporated into various culinary creations, these tiny berries add a burst of flavor to every dish. Considered alongside their close relatives, black currants and gooseberries, Wilder Red Currants become a part of a rich tapestry of flavors, enhancing both gardens and kitchen tables. Embrace the culinary adventure these berries offer, exploring the nuances of taste and the health benefits they bring to your plate.
For more information, please enjoy our Growing Guide for planting and growing currants.
About Currants: Currants are easy to grow and ready to harvest in early to mid-summer. Long-lived and very winter hardy, they are intolerant of summer heat. Currants are cooperative berries to train as an espalier along a fence. Currants prefer full sun in cooler, humid areas with plenty of summer rain such as the Pacific Northwest and upper Midwest. In hotter areas they will do better in part shade. Protect blooms from late spring frost damage. Need at least 120-140 frost-free growing days. Tolerate a wide range of soils, but require good drainage and prefer a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
Browse our collection of currants.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Cannot ship to the following states: HI, MA, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, PR, RI, WV
Cannot ship via USPS.
Cannot ship via SmartPost.
Shipping Weight: 5.0 lb
Dimensions: 26.0"L x 3.0"W x 3.0"H
Features
Features
- Long-Lived
- Self-fruitful
- Thornless
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee
* Claim deadline is June 15th
We guarantee that your dormant tree or plant will arrive in good, viable condition. If your tree arrives in substandard condition, notify us within 3 days of delivery. Please email pictures of the box, inside packaging, the tree and its roots to helpdesk@groworganic.com. We will investigate your claim and process a request to exchange or refund the damaged product.
If your dormant tree or plant has not grown new leaves by June 15th, you may be eligible for our Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee. This guarantee provides for a store credit for the purchase price of the tree, excluding shipping. Please see the Instructions below.
Important Dates:
- April 1st Dormant trees/plants must be planted in the ground
- May 15th Perform scratch test, if no new leaves have grown
- June 15th Deadline to apply for a dormant tree/plant credit
All required documentation must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. Claims or documentation received after June 15th will be denied, without exception. Instructions listed below
Terms and Conditions
We cannot guarantee that your tree or plant will remain alive and healthy after it is received, or bear fruit as there are too many variables in your environment that are beyond our control (i.e. soil preparation, weed and pest control, proper irrigation, chill hours, compatible hardiness for your growing zone, proper choice of pollinator, extreme weather, rodent damage, disease, etc.).
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide a replacement tree/plant of the same species either that same growing season or in future years. Customers are responsible for all shipping fees associated with replacement trees and plants.
If we determine that the tree you purchased directly from us is not viable, we will issue you a store credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of the affected dormant tree or plant. Shipping is not included in the dormant tree/plant guarantee. Store credits can be used to purchase any product we sell and are valid for use only until July 1st of the following year.
Historically, 98% of our dormant trees and plants grow and thrive when they have been cared for and planted using our growing guides. Dormant trees and plants must be planted in the ground by April 1st in order to be eligible for credit. If the ground in your area is still frozen solid, you may temporarily plant your tree or plant in a pot.
Potted, non-dormant trees or plants are excluded from this guarantee as they are not dormant at the time of shipment. Evergreen trees such as citrus, avocado and olive trees are not available for credit under the Dormant Tree and Plant Guarantee.
Instructions
We guarantee that your dormant fruit tree or plant will leaf out, if you care for it according to our growing guides. In the unlikely event that your dormant tree or plant does not have leaves by May 15th, follow these simple steps to apply for a store credit:
Before you call or email, please perform a “scratch test” to determine if the tree or plant is still alive. This video shows how to check for live tissue under the bark. Scratch tests need to be done a few inches above and below the graft.
Green Cambium Layer / Living Trees
If the cambium layer under the bark is green, give your tree a little more time. It is still alive, but hasn’t come out of dormancy yet. Check to make sure that it is getting the right amount of deep root water, enough sunlight and that the weather is warm enough for that type of tree/plant to come out of dormancy. Every tree has its own personality and will come out of dormancy at different times. Be sure to submit the required documentation listed below by June 15th, if it doesn’t grow leaves.
Brown Cambium Layer / Dead Trees
If the scratch test shows a brown cambium layer or if your dormant tree/plant doesn’t have leaves by June 1st, please email us at helpdesk@groworganic.com. All required documentation listed below must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. To be considered for the guarantee claim, all required documentation must be received by June 15th. Incomplete submissions will be denied.
Required Documentation
- Order number
- Name of dormant tree/plant and the quantity affected
- Photos of each tree or plant showing:
- The roots (tree or plant must be pulled out of the ground)
- The scratch test areas
- The entire tree/plant
We reserve the right to not issue credit for items that have already been replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence that the tree/plant was not killed by root rot, rodent or mechanical damage.
