Ribes rubrum "Vīksnes Tumši Sarkanā", +/- 1 m plant height

• Type: Redcurrant
• Latin name: Ribes rubrum
• Cultivar: Vīksnes Tumši Sarkanā
• Mature height: 120–150 cm
• Width: 100–150 cm
• Height when sold: ≈ 1 m
• Light: sunny or semi-shaded
• Winter hardiness: USDA 3–7 (fully hardy in Estonia)

Planting Plant in spring or autumn (September) in a sunny spot in fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil; dig a 40×40 cm hole, mix in compost and set the bush 5–7 cm deeper than in the pot to encourage new shoots. Space bushes 1–1.5 m apart.

Watering Water regularly, especially during flowering, berry growth and dry spells (about 20–30 L per bush per week). Mulch 5–7 cm deep to hold moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning Red and white currants fruit on older wood: keep 12–15 branches of different ages (up to 6–8 years), each spring remove the oldest, weak and inward-growing ones and shorten the tips of young shoots.

Feeding and winter care Feed in spring with a nitrogen fertiliser or compost and after harvest with a phosphorus- and potassium-rich fertiliser. The bush is hardy and needs no protection; in autumn clear fallen leaves to reduce disease.