Currants

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Currants

Latin name

Ribes ssp.

Family

Rosaceae

Origin

in the higher altitudes of the wider area of ​​the Northern Hemisphere. Native botanical species are found in Europe, Asia and North America.

Crop classification

berry-fruit

Growing shape

spindle, shrub

Spacing

0,3-0,8 x 3,0-4,0m

Soil type

permeable, medium heavy, rich in organic matter

Soil pH

6,5 - 7,5

Yields

white currants 20t/ha, red 10-16t/ha, black 5-10t/ha

lightbulb

Interesting

One cup of red or white currants provides about 77% of the daily intake of vitamin C. The fruit is also loaded with fiber, vitamin K and manganese, and also contains iron and potassium.

accessibility

Usage

direct consumption, processing into nectar and juices, distillation, jams, wine

Suitable growing locations 

Currants are particularly demanding on the humus content of the soil. Medium-heavy soils with a pH of 5.5-7.0 suit them. They generally do well in higher growing locations, up to 600m, black up to 300m. The average annual temperature should be around 6-8°C, for black 7-9°C, annual precipitation should be in the range of 500-700mm. 

Suitable growing forms 

Currants can be grown in the form of a bush, in a clip of 2.5-3 x (0.3) 0.7-0x9 m, or in the form of a tree on a golden currant rootstock. Currants can also be grown in the form of a wall, when individual shoots are tied to a support in the form of a babmus peg.  

Suitable varieties 

Among suitable varieties of red currants, we especially recommend the Rovada variety with large berries and long tassels and the Junifer variety. Jonkheer van Teets, or Detvan and Tatran are also suitable varieties. Black currants include the Swedish varieties Titania and Triton and the older variety Ojebyn, the Polish varieties Tiben and Tisel, the Slovak varieties Eva, Otelo, Favorit and the Scottish nobles Ben Lomond, Ben Nevis and others. For white currants, we recommend the Slovak varieties Primus and Blanka. 

Diseases and pests 

diseases: anthracnose 

pests: aphids