Red Jade is a vigorous red currant cultivar that produces stunning long strigs of ruby red berries on ornamental bushes reaching 6 to 8 feet tall. Hardy from zones 3 to 8, this self-fertile variety thrives in full sun and moderate moisture, rewarding gardeners with both visual beauty and abundant harvests. The berries shine like jewels against attractive foliage, making Red Jade as lovely to look at as it is productive to eat.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-8
96in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Red Jade produces large clusters of glossy ruby red berries that hang from the plant like ornamental garlands. The vigorous growth habit and disease resistance, particularly to powdery mildew and leaf spot, mean you'll spend more time harvesting and less time troubleshooting. For both backyard enthusiasts and those thinking bigger, this cultivar delivers serious productivity without the fussiness often associated with soft fruits.
Red currants from this variety are harvested at full ruby ripeness and eaten fresh off the stem, their bright tartness perfect for snacking or preserving. The long strigs make them exceptionally attractive for garnishing desserts, and their pectin-rich juice transforms into jewel-toned jellies and preserves. Home and commercial growers alike value them for their ornamental appeal combined with genuine culinary utility.
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Harvest Red Jade currants when the berries reach full ruby red color, typically in early to midsummer across zones 3 to 8. Pick entire strigs by grasping near the base and gently pulling away from the plant, or strip individual berries by hand if you prefer. The berries will continue to ripen for several weeks, so multiple pickings allow you to select fruit at peak sweetness; berries left on the plant a few extra days develop deeper flavor.
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