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The Soil pH for Red Currants
The Soil pH for Red Currants. Although the idea of red currants (Ribes rubrum) may bring up antiquated images of berries strung around Christmas trees, this native plant of western Europe lends itself to modern gardens in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. You can eat the tart fruit of the red currant off the stem,...
Although the idea of red currants (Ribes rubrum) may bring up antiquated images of berries strung around Christmas trees, this native plant of western Europe lends itself to modern gardens in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. You can eat the tart fruit of the red currant off the stem, pickle them, bake them into pies, use them in jellies or even pair them with savory dishes such as roasts. The plant isn't terribly picky about soil and tolerates a range of acidity and consistency.
pH Range
The deciduous red currant shrub prefers soil with a limited pH range of about 5.5 to 6.5. Red currant plants do not do well in highly acidic soils; they prefer basic -- also known as alkaline -- soils, neutral soils or soils with only a slight acidity.
Determining Soil pH
Soil test kits and testing meters, available at brick-and-mortar and online home and garden centers, provide an easy-to-obtain analysis of soil pH and nutrient content. Each kit is a little different, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can enlist your local Cooperative Extension Service System office to help test your soil and advise you on potential amendments for helping your soil reach just the right pH for red currants and other plants (see link in Resources).
Soil Characteristics
The pH range isn't the be-all-end-all when it comes to soil conditions for growing red currants, although the plant doesn't have rigid soil needs. Red currant grows in soils with sandy, loamy or clay consistency. Clay and loam are preferable, however, as sandy soils may lack the ideal water-retention qualities. Amend sandy soils with compost, peat or manure before planting red currant. Although this shrub thrives in consistently moist soil, it prefers well-drained soil to waterlogged earth. Soil with at least a moderate amount of nutrients does this plant well, and it flourishes in soil with a high-nutrient content. Red currant does not tolerate soil with a high salt content.
Other Requirements
Red currant plants prefer dappled shade and are hardy down to about minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged sunlight and air or soil temperatures above 85 degrees may cause leaf burn. Generally, currants prefer cool, moist environmental conditions with plenty of air circulation, but not too much strong wind. Applying nitrogen fertilizer at an annual rate of about 4 ounces per square yard and potassium at a rate of about 1/2 ounce per square yard encourages healthy growth in currants.
