Technically, all currant varieties are self-fertile. This means you can get away with planting just one bush and still get fruit. However, if you want a bumper crop, here’s a pro tip: planting a second variety nearby significantly boosts pollination and yield. Let’s dive into the different types of currants you can add to your backyard.
Red Currant Varieties (Ribes rubrum)
Red currants are the crowd favorites. They’ve got that perfect sweet-tart balance, they’re incredibly juicy, and they’re packed with vitamins. Here are a few standouts:
Jonkheer van Tets
This is a classic heirloom variety that’s been around forever. It’s an early bird, ripening as early as mid-to-late June. The dark red berries are large, juicy, and have a bold, slightly tart, and earthy flavor. Jonkheer van Tets loves nutrient-rich soil and is generally very hardy and winter-tough.
Rote Holländische (Red Dutch)
Another fan favorite! This variety is a vigorous grower and is exceptionally robust and frost-resistant. The berries have a lovely tart aroma. People love the “Red Dutch” because it’s low-maintenance but still delivers a massive harvest year after year.
Other great varieties to check out:
- Red Lake
- Hero
- Rote Vierländer
- Heinemanns Spätlese
- Rondom
- Rovada
Black Currant Varieties (Ribes nigrum)
Black currants have a much deeper, more distinct flavor compared to their red and white cousins. One thing to keep in mind for pruning: most black currants fruit on young wood (one-year-old stems), whereas red and white currants prefer two- or three-year-old branches.
Bona
Bona produces large, beautiful berries that taste best when popped straight into your mouth right off the bush. It’s an early harvester for a black currant and is known for being very resilient.
Ometa
If you’re looking for something sweet and incredibly aromatic, Ometa is your go-to. The harvest season kicks off in July, and the plant itself has a nice, bushy, vigorous growth habit.
White Currant Varieties (Ribes rubrum)
White currants are actually very similar to red ones in terms of care and harvest timing, but they tend to be a bit sweeter. Here are two you should definitely consider:
Weiße Versailler (White Versailles)
This is a true heirloom variety that’s been around since 1850! It produces medium-sized, very sweet berries that are a huge hit with kids. You can expect fruit starting in mid-July. Because they are so juicy, White Versailles currants are perfect for juicing or making preserves. Just make sure to give them a sunny, warm spot with plenty of nutrients.
Weiße aus Jüterbog
This variety is a fast grower and produces medium-sized fruit with a delicious, balanced sweet-tart flavor profile.