Whitecurrant 'Versailles Blanche' Ribes rubrum 'Versailles Blanche' (W/c)

Water

The White Currant should be watered deeply once a week, although this may vary depending on your climate and soil type. Ideally, it needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In rainy climates, you might need to water less frequently. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering and adjust your schedule accordingly. Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation can provide a slow, consistent supply of water that encourages deep root growth without over-saturation.

Light

White Currant flourishes in a location with full sun to partial shade. It does best with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though some afternoon shade can be beneficial in very hot climates. Planting it in a spot where it receives morning sunlight is ideal, as this can help dry any dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Temperature

White Currant plants are cold-hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, thriving in areas with temperatures between 35°F and 75°F. They can usually withstand winter lows down to about -40°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can damage the plant. During the growing season, high temperatures over 85°F might stress the plant and affect fruit production, so providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial.

Pruning

White Currant benefits from annual pruning to maintain plant health and promote vigorous growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration, which is essential for fruit production. Thin out older stems, leaving the strongest canes, as this encourages new growth and a bountiful harvest for the coming season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

White currants like 'Versailles Blanche' thrive in well-draining soil with ample organic matter. The ideal soil pH for white currants is between 6.5 and 6.8. A balanced mix can be achieved with equal parts loam, peat, and well-rotted manure or compost to foster healthy growth and fruiting.

Repotting

White currant bushes, such as 'Versailles Blanche', do not typically require frequent repotting as they are often grown directly in the ground. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish the soil and give the roots more space.

Humidity & Misting

White currants, including 'Versailles Blanche', prefer moderate humidity levels. They usually adapt to average outdoor humidity in their growing zones without the need for additional humidity control.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  3-7 USDA

Life cycle

Ribes rubrum 'Versailles Blanche', commonly known as White Versailles Currant, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in the spring, after experiencing a cold stratification period that breaks seed dormancy. Following germination, the seedlings develop into young plants with a set of true leaves and subsequently mature into fruit-bearing shrubs over the course of several years. Flowering occurs in early spring, with the plants producing greenish-yellow flowers that are pollinated by insects. After successful pollination, the flowers develop into clusters of white, translucent berries by midsummer, which are harvested when ripe. Post-harvest, the plants enter a period of dormancy during the winter months, with leaves falling as temperatures drop. The currant bushes then regenerate in the spring, completing the annual cycle and ready to enter the flowering stage again.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Ribes rubrum 'Versailles Blanche', commonly known as White Currant, is most commonly propagated through hardwood cuttings. This technique is best performed in the dormant season, particularly in late fall or early winter. To propagate, one should select healthy, mature stems from the current or previous year's growth and cut them into lengths of about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15-20 centimeters). Each cutting should have at least two or three buds. The lower end of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development and the cutting is planted in well-drained soil with the lower two-thirds of the stem buried. Maintaining consistent moisture levels without waterlogging is crucial for the successful rooting of the cuttings. Over the course of a few months, the cuttings will develop a root system and can be transplanted to their final location in the garden.