Red Currant: How to Grow Shiny Bunches of Vitamins (Jonkheer van Tets)

Red Currants (Ribes rubrum), especially the Jonkheer van Tets variety, are among the most productive and resilient crops in the garden. Unlike black currants, red currants have a deeper root system and tolerate short droughts better. The bunches of this variety can reach 10 cm in length, making harvesting incredibly easy.

Soil: Where Do Red Currants Turn Translucent Red?

While hardy, red currants need loose, organic-rich soil to produce large berries.

• Best Choice: Fertile Loamy soils (Type 1) or light Sandy soils (Type 2) with a neutral pH.
• Soil Check: Perform the sausage test. If the soil rolls into a stick that breaks easily when bent (Type 1), it's ideal: moisture is sufficient, and roots won't suffocate.

Best Companions (Good)

• Onions and Garlic: Protect the bushes from bud mites thanks to their essential oils.
• Dill: Attracts beneficial insects that pollinate red currant flowers.
• Gooseberry: Shares similar requirements, but maintain a 1.5-meter distance for easy picking. Check our guide on Invicta gooseberries.

Main Enemies (Bad)

• Walnut Trees: Walnut juglone is a toxin that will cause red currants to drop their leaves by mid-summer.
• Black Currant (too close): Although related, black currants are more prone to powdery mildew, which can spread to red currants.
• Building Shade: In the shade, red currant berries will be small and very tart.

AgroPlanner Tip: Red currants are long-lived, fruiting in one spot for up to 20 years. In our app, the bush occupies a 2x2 grid. The system will help you calculate the ideal distance from fences and will flag the walnut toxic zone in red to ensure your clusters stay sweet and large.