{"title":"Currant \u0026 Jostaberry","description":"\u003cp\u003eHardy bush fruits for jam, juice and fresh eating. Jostaberry is a thornless cross between black currant and gooseberry.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"red-lake-currant","title":"Red Lake Currant","description":"\u003cp\u003eRed Lake Currant (Ribes rubrum) is a cold-hardy red currant variety grown for heavy clusters of bright red, tangy berries. It’s a compact, easy-to-manage fruiting shrub that does well in gardens where summers aren’t brutally hot, and it’s a great option for jams, jellies, syrups, baking, and fresh snacking if you like a tart berry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eQuick facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePlant type: Deciduous fruiting shrub\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3-7 (can succeed in 8 with afternoon shade and consistent moisture)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-fertile, but more than one currant plant nearby can increase yield\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade (partial shade is helpful in warmer areas)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch3\u003eMature height: About 3-5 ft\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch3\u003eMature width: About 3-5 ft\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 3-4 ft between plants (more space makes pruning and picking easier)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFruit details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBerry color: Bright red\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tart to sweet-tart, more tart when under-ripe, mellows as it fully colors up\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jelly, jam, sauces, juice\/syrup, baking, fresh eating, freezing\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eRipening and harvest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRipening window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically early to mid-summer (timing depends on your region)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow it fruits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Berries form in dangling clusters (strigs) that are usually harvested by the cluster\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYield:\u003c\/strong\u003e Productive once established, with heavier crops after a couple growing seasons under good care\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and growing preferences\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruit fill. Avoid letting the root zone dry out for long periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulch:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps keep roots cool and soil moisture steady.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light feeding in early spring is usually enough, too much nitrogen can push leaves at the expense of fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeat note:\u003c\/strong\u003e In hot summer climates, give afternoon shade and extra water to reduce stress and improve fruit quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePruning\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhen: Late winter to early spring while dormant\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove weak, crowded, or older canes and keep a mix of new and middle-aged stems. This improves airflow and keeps the plant producing well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePlanting tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in a spot with good airflow and well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater in thoroughly after planting and keep consistently moist while establishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf planting more than one currant, spacing them out improves light and makes harvesting easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat you’re getting\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRed Lake Currant is a reliable, productive red currant known for strong yields and classic tart currant flavor, ideal for home gardeners who want a hardy berry shrub for preserves and baking.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FruitBushes","offers":[{"title":"Single - Potted","offer_id":45110955737167,"sku":"CUR-RED-LAKE-1-POTT","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Pack - Bare Root","offer_id":45146772209743,"sku":"CUR-RED-LAKE-3-BARE","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7906\/0815\/files\/1920px-20140622Ribes_rubrum1.jpg?v=1791761463"},{"product_id":"consort-currant","title":"Consort Currant","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Consort Black Currant (Ribes nigrum 'Consort') is one of the most significant varieties in North American horticulture. It was specifically bred by Agriculture Canada in the 1950s to solve a major legal and environmental problem: White Pine Blister Rust (WPBR). Because traditional black currants act as a host for this disease (which kills white pine trees), they were banned in many states for decades. 'Consort' was the first widely available variety with total immunity to WPBR, helping to bring black currant cultivation back to home gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FruitBushes","offers":[{"title":"3 plants \/ 2.5 inch pot","offer_id":45110955802703,"sku":"CUR-CONSORT-3-POTT","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7906\/0815\/files\/1920px-Currant1.jpg?v=1791761465"},{"product_id":"jostaberry","title":"Jostaberry","description":"\u003cp\u003eJostaberry is a hardy fruiting shrub that produces dark purple, grape-sized berries with a sweet-tart flavor. It is a hybrid of black currant and gooseberry, grown for strong production, good garden toughness, and easy harvesting. The berries are excellent for fresh eating when fully ripe, and they are especially popular for jam, syrup, juice, pies, and freezing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrow zones and site needs\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch3\u003eUSDA grow zones: Typically 3-8\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun for best yield and flavor, part shade is tolerated (helpful in hotter summer areas)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained soil with added organic matter, avoid waterlogged spots\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep evenly moist during establishment and while fruit is sizing up for the best berry set\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBloom time: Spring\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRipening window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-summer in many regions, often June to July depending on climate\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick when berries are fully dark and slightly soft. Flavor improves as fruit finishes ripening on the bush.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrowth rate and mature size\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrowth rate: Moderate to fast once established\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Commonly 4-6 ft tall and 4-6 ft wide\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, branching shrub, usually thornless or nearly thornless\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eJostaberry is generally self-fertile, so one plant can produce fruit on its own. Planting a second jostaberry often improves total yield and can help with more consistent crops, especially if you have good pollinator activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePlanting and care basics\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 4-5 ft between plants for airflow and easy picking\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e In late winter or early spring, remove a few older stems to encourage new growth and maintain a productive shape\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulching helps with moisture control and steady growth, especially in summer heat\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eImportant note\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn some areas, currants, gooseberries, and related hybrids have restrictions due to local plant regulations. If you are unsure, check local rules before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FruitBushes","offers":[{"title":"5 Pack - Bare Root","offer_id":45110958260303,"sku":"JOS-ITEM-5-BARE","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 Pack - Bare Root","offer_id":45146772308047,"sku":"JOS-ITEM-6-BARE","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7906\/0815\/files\/il_fullxfull.7417292194_omjb_5a511b82-cad1-4bc5-be41-56055c0788f7.jpg?v=1777241915"}],"url":"https:\/\/fruitbushes.com\/collections\/currant.oembed","provider":"FruitBushes.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}