How to Grow Red Lake Currant

Red Lake Currant

Ribes sativum 'Red Lake'

shrub

Red Lake is a popular cultivar of red currant, a deciduous shrub that produces bright red, glossy berries in drooping clusters. The berries are tart and excellent for jams, jellies, and culinary use, while the plant is ornamental and relatively hardy. It's a compact, productive variety ideal for home gardens and small spaces.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit production

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Water: Consistent moisture during growing season; water deeply 1-2 times weekly, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain moisture.

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Spacing: 48-60 inches

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Days to maturity: 2-3 years to first substantial harvest

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as in nursery container; keep crown at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

compost peat moss aged manure perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-7, with best performance in zones 4-6

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

First growing season

Young shrub focuses on root development and branch formation; minimal flowering

Water consistently, remove any flowers to direct energy to roots, mulch well, prune lightly to shape. Avoid heavy fertilizing.

Vegetative Growth (Year 1-2)

12-18 months

Shrub develops sturdy framework with multiple stems and abundant foliage; vigorous cane growth

Prune to maintain open center structure, remove weak or crossing canes, thin excess growth. Continue consistent watering.

Flowering (Early Spring, Year 2+)

2-3 weeks

Small greenish-yellow flowers appear in drooping racemes before leaves fully emerge

Protect from late frosts if possible; ensure good air circulation. No heavy pruning during this phase.

Fruiting (Early Summer)

4-6 weeks

Small green berries develop from flowers and gradually ripen to bright translucent red over 3-4 weeks

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Thin clusters if extremely dense. No major pruning.

Harvest (Mid-Summer)

2-4 weeks harvest window

Berries reach full color (bright red) and achieve peak sweetness-to-tartness balance; fully ripe and glossy

Harvest clusters when fully red; handle gently to avoid bruising. Prune after harvest. Begin regular dormant season pruning.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

gooseberry black currant raspberry blueberry sage thyme chives

Avoid planting near:

white pine ribes species with white pine blister rust (in susceptible areas) heavy shade-casting trees

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in spring; encourage beneficial insects; remove heavily infested shoots
Hand-pick larvae, prune affected foliage, apply spinosad if severe
Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or sulfur dust; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
Prune out infested canes, remove and destroy affected wood, maintain plant vigor
Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur fungicide or baking soda spray early

Uses

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Jams, Jellies & Preserves

Culinary

Red Lake currants are prized for their high pectin content, making them ideal for traditional jams and jellies. The bright red color and tart flavor create vibrant, flavorful preserves without requiring excessive added pectin. [source]

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Fresh Eating & Cooking

Culinary

Use fresh berries in desserts, pastries, sauces, and beverages. The tart-sweet flavor complements both savory and sweet dishes. Makes elegant garnishes for cakes and cheese plates. [source]

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Traditional Herbal & Nutritional Support

Medicinal

Red currants are rich in vitamin C, anthocyanins, and antioxidants. Traditionally used in herbal medicine to support immune function and general wellness. [source]

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Natural Dyes

Household

Currant berries and leaves have been historically used to produce red and pink dyes for textiles and craft projects, particularly in traditional natural dyeing. [source]

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Wildlife Attraction

Wildlife

The abundant berries attract birds and other wildlife, making Red Lake currant valuable for supporting pollinators and beneficial insects in the garden. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest in mid-summer when berries are fully red and slightly soft to the touch, typically June-July depending on climate. Pick entire clusters by cutting the stem rather than picking individual berries to minimize damage. Berries continue to sweeten for several days after turning red. Most productive in the morning when berries are cool. Fruit stores 1-2 weeks refrigerated or can be frozen for long-term storage.

Fun Facts

🌱 Red Lake was developed in Minnesota and released in the 1920s-1930s, bred specifically for cold hardiness and consistent production in northern climates.
🌱 Currant plants can live 15-20+ years with proper care, making them a long-term investment in a home garden; some heritage plants are 30+ years old.
🌱 Red currants have been cultivated in Europe for centuries and were particularly favored in Victorian gardens for their ornamental drooping fruit clusters and culinary versatility.

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