Currants are small, deciduous shrubs belonging to the genus Ribes. They are prized by home gardeners for their fruit, which is rich in flavor and antioxidants, producing clusters of berries in various colors. Before purchasing, gardeners must navigate choices regarding variety, legal requirements, and the source of the stock to ensure a successful planting.
Choosing the Right Currant Variety
The initial decision centers on the four primary color groups of currants, each offering a distinct flavor profile and culinary use. Red currants (Ribes rubrum) are the most common, characterized by a sharp, tart flavor balanced by natural sweetness. Their high pectin content makes them the preferred choice for making stiff jellies, jams, and sauces.
White currants, which are actually a pale, translucent mutation of the red currant, possess a much sweeter and milder flavor with lower acidity. These varieties, such as ‘White Imperial’ or ‘Primus,’ are often favored for fresh eating and garnishes due to their delicate taste. Pink currants, like ‘Pink Champagne,’ fall between red and white, offering a pleasant balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Black currants (Ribes nigrum) present the boldest flavor, often described as musky, earthy, and highly aromatic. They contain five times the Vitamin C of red or white varieties and are typically processed into juices, syrups, liqueurs, and intensely flavored preserves rather than eaten raw. Selecting a variety should be based on your intended use; cultivars like ‘Consort’ or ‘Titania’ offer disease resistance.
Essential Legal Restrictions Before Buying
Before placing an order for any Ribes species, which includes currants and gooseberries, check local and state regulations. This genus acts as an alternate host for the fungal disease White Pine Blister Rust (WPBR), caused by Cronartium ribicola. While the rust does not harm the currant plant, it can be devastating to five-needle pine trees, such as the Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus).
To protect valuable timber forests, many states, particularly in the Northeast and Upper Midwest United States, still maintain strict bans or require permits for planting Ribes species. The European black currant (Ribes nigrum) is the most susceptible to WPBR and is often prohibited, even if other currant colors are allowed. Many nurseries will not ship a restricted plant to a quarantined state, making compliance a prerequisite for purchase.
Modern horticulture has introduced several cultivars that are immune or highly resistant to the rust, and these varieties are often exempt from legal restrictions. Cultivars like ‘Consort’ and ‘Titania’ are specifically bred for resistance and are legally permissible in many areas where susceptible varieties remain banned. Always verify your local laws and look for plants marketed as rust-resistant or “immune.”
Best Sources for Purchasing Currant Plants
The source you choose for your currant plants can significantly impact the variety selection, price, and health of the stock. Reputable online nurseries and mail-order catalogs offer the widest array of cultivars, including the newest rust-resistant introductions that may not be available locally. These vendors often specialize in fruit and berry stock, providing expert knowledge and the convenience of home delivery.
A common form of delivery from online sources is bare-root stock, consisting of dormant plants shipped without soil, which helps reduce shipping costs. Local garden centers and traditional nurseries offer the benefit of instant gratification, as plants are typically sold potted and actively growing. Selection, however, may be limited to varieties known to perform well locally or those legally approved for the area.
Specialty fruit and berry growers, sometimes operating through farmer cooperatives or dedicated orchards, are a good option. These sources are highly knowledgeable about disease-resistant stock and may offer local advice specific to your microclimate. Regardless of the vendor, ensure they are reputable and knowledgeable about the WPBR restrictions.
Seasonal Buying Windows and Plant Assessment
The ideal time to buy a currant plant depends heavily on whether you choose bare-root or potted stock. Bare-root plants are typically ordered in the late fall or winter and shipped for planting in late winter or early spring. This timing allows the plant to establish its root system before the stress of summer heat.
Potted plants, which are actively growing in a container, can be purchased and planted later in the spring, though earlier planting reduces the risk of transplant shock. When receiving a bare-root plant, immediately inspect the roots to ensure they are firm, plump, and moist, with no sign of mold or excessive drying. A healthy plant should show active, unblemished buds along the canes.
If the roots appear damaged or dried, trim them cleanly before soaking them in water for a few hours to rehydrate the tissue. For potted stock, check that the canes are sturdy and the foliage is a vibrant green without yellowing or visible spots, which could indicate a pest or fungal issue like powdery mildew. Choosing vigorous, one- or two-year-old stock from a reliable supplier provides the best chance for a successful harvest.