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Redcurrants and white
currants are two varieties of the same fruit and
require completely different conditions to blackcurrants,
more nearly resembling the gooseberry in their
culture and habit. They do not crop so heavily
as other soft fruits, and birds will take the
red berries if not covered. Bu they make a delicious
conserve to have with meats and make a pleasant
sweet if allowed to grow large, being at their
best served with a sprinkling of red wine.
These currants grow on a leg or as cordons and
take up little space. They are not troubled by
frost but are not happy in a cold windy garden.
They also require a light soil but as they are
shy in forming new wood, they need as much nitrogenous
humus as possible. This helps to conserve soil
moisture so that the fruits grow large and to
produce new growth each year.
Plant between November and March when the soil
is suitable, removing any growths from the ‘leg’
before doing so. Plant 90-120cm (3-4ft) apart,
120cm (4ft) for the vigorous Laxton’s No.
1. in March, cut back the shoots to 7cm (3in)
of their base, which will be above the ‘leg’,
to form a nicely shaped head.
The fruits begin to colour mid-July, when they
should be covered with muslin against birds. Remove
the fruits at exactly the right moment, when fully
ripe. If left on the plants too long they will
become soft.
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