How to Grow Whitecurrant White Versailles for a Bumper Harvest

Ribes rubrum, Ribes Rubrum ‘Versailles Blanche’

Whitecurrant White Versailles (Ribes rubrum White Versailles) is a fantastic addition to any garden. This vigorous, deciduous shrub produces heavy crops of large, pale yellow berries with a pleasantly sweet flavour. Whether you want to grow your own soft fruit for summer puddings or simply enjoy the beauty of a whitecurrant bush, this guide will give you everything you need to know.

White Versailles currant is a favourite among gardeners due to its early cropping, heavy trusses of fruit, and its sweeter-than-redcurrants taste. These hardy bushes thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, producing delicious berries perfect for eating fresh, making jelly, or adding to desserts.

White Versailles currant is a high-yielding whitecurrant variety known for its large, yellow-white berries that ripen in early July. The long trusses make for easy picking, and the fruit is sweeter than redcurrants, making it perfect for eating fresh. Its pleasant sweet flavour makes it ideal for use in summer puddings and preserves.

When looking for whitecurrant plants, ensure you buy from a reputable nursery. Bare root and potted plants are available, typically in a 3-litre or 5-litre pot. Opting for grown plants from trusted garden centres ensures a strong start in your garden.

Whitecurrants thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid poorly drained or sandy soils, as they can hinder growth. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or compost to give the plants the best start.

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Space bushes 1.5m apart to allow airflow.
• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
• Position the plant at the same depth as it was in the pot.
• Backfill with fertile soil, firm gently, and water well.

Yes! If space is limited, whitecurrants grow well in a large pot. Choose a litre-sized container with good drainage and use quality compost. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and feed with a balanced fertiliser.

• Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially in dry spells.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring for strong growth.
• Mulching: Add organic matter around the base to retain moisture.
• Protect the currants from birds by using netting during fruiting season.

Prune annually in late winter to encourage strong growth:

• Remove any weak or crossing canes.
• Cut back older wood, leaving new shoots for cropping.
• Aim to keep an open, bushy shape to improve air circulation.
• Always prune at the appropriate time to ensure good fruiting.

Whitecurrants are generally trouble-free but may suffer from aphids or sawfly larvae. Regularly inspect foliage and use organic controls if necessary. Ensuring well-drained soil and good airflow around plants helps prevent fungal issues.

Whitecurrants are ready to pick in early July. Harvest the fruit in long trusses, rather than individual berries, to prevent damage. The sweet flavour improves if left to ripen fully on the bush.

Whitecurrants are perfect for eating fresh, making jelly, or adding to summer puddings. Their pleasantly sweet taste pairs well with other fruits in desserts, and they also freeze well for future use.

Key Points to Remember:

• Grow in full sun and well-drained soil for best results
• Space plants 1.5m apart for good airflow
• Feed with fertiliser in spring and prune previous year’s wood annually
• Protect the currants from birds to secure your crop
• Harvest in early July and enjoy in pudding, jelly, or fresh

Whitecurrant White Versailles is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a hardy, heavy-cropping whitecurrant with a sweet flavour. Whether growing in a pot or in a garden bed, it rewards with reliable crops year after year.

To see the RHS article please click here

For more information on Fruit for your garden please click here

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Ribes Rubrum ‘White Versailles’?

A: Ribes Rubrum ‘White Versailles’ is a white currant bush known for its sweet, pale green fruit. It’s a great addition to any garden, especially for those who enjoy growing their own berries!

Q: How do I care for my White Versailles whitecurrant plants?

A: To keep your White Versailles whitecurrant plants healthy, plant them in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sun. Adding well-rotted compost will help them establish strong growth.

Q: Can I grow Ribes Rubrum in a pot?

A: Absolutely! Choose a pot with good drainage and use quality potting soil. A pot size of at least 10 litres is recommended to give your white currant bush enough room to grow.

Q: When is the best time to buy whitecurrant bushes?

A: The best time to buy whitecurrant bushes is in early spring or autumn when they are dormant. This ensures you get strong, healthy plants ready for the growing season.

Q: How tall do Ribes Rubrum ‘White Versailles’ grow?

A: Ribes Rubrum ‘White Versailles’ typically reaches a height of about 1 to 1.5 metres (3 to 5 feet) and spreads to a similar width, creating a bushy, productive shrub.

Q: Are white currants sweeter than redcurrants?

A: Yes, white currants are generally sweeter than redcurrants, making them ideal for fresh eating or adding to desserts. Their mild, pleasant taste is perfect for summer treats!

Q: How do I encourage cropping in whitecurrants?

A: To encourage a good crop, plant them in well-drained soil and a sunny location. Regular pruning will also help promote better fruit production.

Q: What do the flowers of Ribes Rubrum look like?

A: The flowers of Ribes Rubrum ‘White Versailles’ are small and greenish, appearing in clusters before the fruit develops. They add subtle beauty to the plant in spring.

Q: Can I grow whitecurrants in partial shade?

A: While whitecurrants prefer full sun, they can tolerate partial shade. However, less sunlight may result in a smaller fruit yield, so a bright spot is ideal.

Q: Where can I find Ribes Rubrum ‘White Versailles’ for sale?

A: You can find Ribes Rubrum ‘White Versailles’ for sale at local garden centres and online retailers. Ensure you purchase from reputable suppliers to get healthy, high-quality plants.