Prickly Currant Plant - Growing Prickly Currant Plant
Image from Melbourne Bushfood
Native Currant is a medium sized tropical plant which produces dark red berries and is native to Queensland and New Guinea. The berries are red in color at mid ripening and bitter but they get darker and sweeter as they ripen. The berries are formed between summer and autumn and grow in clusters forming a spectacular view.
The berries are edible and can be eaten raw or processed into jams and jellies.
The tree can also be used as a decorative tree to add delight to the garden/compound.
Image from Melbourne Bushfood
Good for:
- Beginners
- Frost
- Drought
Water
Moderate
Sunlight
Full sun/Part Shade
Size
Up to 5m high and 2.5m wide
Planting
Planting
For best results, plant in a loamy, well-drained soil, and place your plant in full sun. You can also grow in part shade for reasonable results. This dense, prickly bush typically grows up to 5m tall and 2.5m wide. It's the perfect little fruiter for a patio or balcony garden.
Frost tolerance
Native Currant is supposed to be a frost tolerant plant and can survive frost of up to -5 degrees, but if you live a cold climate we recommend to protect it during Winter and don’t over water it.
Sunlight
This lovely species does exemplary well in full sun and fairly well in part shade.
Maintenance
Watering & Drought Tolerance
Water moderately at tender age. is drought tolerant at maturity age. Ensure the soil is completely dry before watering.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing should be done before blooming season. If you grow in pots, use Osmocote premium potting mix and low Phosphorus Native Fertiliser.
Harvesting
Harvesting should be done when the fruit is almost ripe to avoid damaging the fruit when fully ripe. Allow the fruit to fully ripen at home. Harvesting can be done by handpicking the fruits directly from the tree.
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