I know - there are no seeds here. But this lush lithograph made my nose twitch in anticipation of the smell of crushed raspberries.
And red currants! The way the sun shines through them and they light up!! My grandmother grew red currants along the bank next to the road. She made jelly every year. It was so clear and brilliant red, sweet and tangy. I'm thinking of planting some this year. They can do fine without full sun so I might be making jelly in a year or two myself!
I live in Connecticut which has no regulations about growing currants. Most New England states do have regulations as the currant is a host for a fungus that attacks white pines. A very thorough UMass info sheet gives the low down on growing currants. Excerpt below...
Ribes are a very diverse genus with hundreds of different varieties that differ in plant size and form, and fruit flavor, shape, texture, color and hairiness. While most are hardy to Zone 3 or Zone 4, a few are hardy to Zone 2.
- Red currants : Fruits range in color from dark red to pink, yellow, white and beige, and they continue to sweeten on the bush even after they appear to be in full color. Popular cultivars include 'Cascade', 'Detvan', 'Jonkeer van Tets', 'Red Lake', 'Rovada', 'Tatran', and 'Wilder'. Many people consider ‘Rovada’ to be the best red currant cultivar. Plants are dependable, vigorous, late ripening, and very productive, bearing long-stemmed clusters of large red berries that are easy to pick.
- Unlike most other fruit crops, currants and gooseberries tolerate partial shade and prefer a cool, moist growing area. Northern slopes with protection from direct sun are ideal. Planting along the side of a building or shady arbor is suitable as well. Avoid sites with poor air circulation, which increases the incidence of powdery mildew. Sloping ground alleviates this condition. Also avoid light-textured, sandy soils. Rich, well drained soils that have a high moisture holding capacity are best. Incorporate organic matter (compost, peat, or manure) to improve the soil, particularly if it is somewhat sandy. The ideal soil pH is about 6.5.
