Best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers cool summer climates. Some part afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates such as the St. Louis area. Best sited in locations protected from strong winter winds and frost pockets. Appreciates a good organic mulch for the root zone. Water regularly as needed to provide consistent moisture for the soils. Avoid overhead watering however. Plants are self-fertile. They are often sold as bare root plants by nurseries. Space 3’ apart. Prune as needed during the dormant season. It is generally recommended that stems older than 3 years on red currants be removed. It may take 4-5 years for plants to become well-established and reach full fruit-bearing potential.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Ribes rubrum, commonly called red currant is grown primarily for its fruit.

Genus name comes from the Danish word ribs meaning red currant.

Specific epithet means red.

'Red Lake' is a red currant cultivar which is grown primarily for fruit production. It is a compact, mounding, deciduous shrub which grows 3-5' tall. Clusters of greenish-yellow flowers bloom in spring, and are noticeable but not particularly ornamental. Flowers give way to long, pendant clusters of bright red currants which ripen in July. Medium green leaves are 3-5 lobed, and are aromatic when crushed. Red currants, although tart, may be eaten ripe off the shrub, but are perhaps more often harvested to make jams, jellies and pies.