Terms & Conditions of Sale / Privacy Policy / Guarantee Policy / Returns Policy / Delivery  /Security

Ribes sativum (alba):Reliable and easy to grow. The bushes respond to a cool well mulched soil   and can be grown well on poorer soils than Blackcurrants and raspberries.  Partial shade and a northerly aspect is not a problem for this  plant.  

Pruning -  Can be grown in various forms - as bushes growing to about 1.5m in height,  space at 1.5m(5ft) apart with 1.8m(6ft)  between rows ; as fans (same spacing as bushes) ; as cordons (space at 45cm (18”) and as half standards  (easy for picking and economical on space). Pruning is not a science here  aim  to prune in the winter reducing last seasons growth by 1/3rd  most fruit is produced on small spurs

Pest & Disease -The main problem of this fruit  is protection  from the birds - a fruit cage or netting will be essential - if you do not want to share /loose your crop!!. The bushes will sometimes be attacked by leaf blister  and by caterpillar  but neither seem to affect the crop seriously.

Harvesting -  Fruit is best stewed , frozen or made into jelly. The  acidity will provide a good ‘set’ when mixed with less acidic fruits for jam or jelly making. greenhouse, cloches, polythene will produce an earlier crop and help protect the fruit from birds. Growing in containers is also successful as long as watering is plentiful and regular!! Replace plants after 3 or 4  years as cropping will deteriorate .  It is good practice to divid your strawberry bed into 3 or 4 sections  each containing a different age plant. Straw up plants when the green fruits are seen.  This straw should be removed after fruiting and the plants tied of dead/old leaves and runners .

Pest & Disease: slugs, birds and mould are the maim problems.  Slugs should be picked off or traps set. Mould can be avoided by ensuring good airflow  and removing any fruits that do start to show signs of mould  and birds - netting or another form of protection essential  .  

Harvesting: Pick fruit regularly to avoid mould   - use as soon as soon as possible after picking - I like to sit in the tunnel and consume the crop!!

Varieties: Whitecurrant Blanka