Red Stem Rhubarb
Cherry Red Currant is a productive fruit shrub that earns its name from glossy, deep red berries clustered along the branches like jewels. These bareroot shrubs arrive dormant and establish quickly, reaching bearing age in just 2 years, making them one of the fastest currants to move from planting to harvest. Space them 4 feet apart in full sun, and by mid to late summer you'll be harvesting generous clusters of tart-sweet berries that birds find irresistible (which means you'll want netting nearby).
Full Sun
Moderate
?-?
?in H x ?in W
Perennial
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
What makes Cherry Red Currant special is its speed to productivity and the abundance of glossy red berries that ripen mid to late summer. The clusters are large enough to harvest in groups, which is far more efficient than picking individual currants one by one. Birds will certainly want to claim them before you do, so early netting becomes part of the garden rhythm. These are hardy, reliable shrubs that slot easily into a full-sun spot and repay attention with years of consistent fruit.
These berries shine in preserves and jams, where their natural acidity and pectin content create beautiful, jewel-toned results. Fresh currants are tart enough to balance desserts, complement cheese boards, or be cooked down into syrups and sauces. Some gardeners simply freeze them in bulk and thaw as needed throughout winter for baking, compotes, or adding to beverages.
Plant Cherry Red Currant shrubs outdoors while they are still dormant. Upon arrival, moisten the bareroot shrubs lightly and store them in a cool, damp location until you're ready to plant. Space them 4 feet apart to allow room for mature growth and air circulation. Planting during dormancy gives them the best chance to establish strong roots before growth begins in spring.
Wait until the berries have reached their final deep red color, then harvest. You can pick individual currants if you prefer, but it's far more efficient to harvest entire clusters at once, simply snip the whole bunch from the branch. Berries should feel slightly firm and be fully colored. Harvest regularly throughout mid to late summer and early fall to catch fruit at peak ripeness and encourage continued productivity. Use netting to protect ripening berries from birds, and harvest as soon as color develops fully to beat the birds to your crop.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.