Currant Red R

“Currant Red Russian” is an off-type that came from Currant Gold Russian several years ago. I have been growing it each year and continue to find a very vigorous plant that is twice as productive as Currant Gold Russian. The fruits are red and larger than the gold original; however, the leaves and growth habit are still currant-type. The fruits are large currants, not cherries. I have grown Currant Red Russian in 3-gallon pots cascading down the front of a shelf as well as in hanging baskets. It stayed a manageable size and continued to produce well. The jewel-like fruits are sweet and acidic with the small seeds we normally see in currant varieties. I highly recommend Currant Red Russian for anyone who has trouble growing cherry varieties in the heat and humidity…it just doesn’t seem to care what the weather is.