Wild Currant berries grow in large, grape-like clusters that ripen at different stages, providing a spectacular ornamental display! With its flavour varying depending on ripeness, Wild Currant berries are tart and cranberry-like when young, but develop into dark, sweet fruit as they mature. You can enjoy them raw on their own, but Wild Currant berries make for an incredible ingredient in all kinds of sweet and savoury recipes such as jams, jellies, sour sauces, syrups, desserts and wines.

 

You can expect this spectacular native to produce its edible berries between March and April. 

 

Once the fruits have turned a deep, dark red colour that's when they're ready for harvest. Waiting until this stage will guarantee the most delicious taste! 

 

Quick Care

Botanical Name	Antidesma erostre
Size Plant:	Seedling pot, min 20 cm tall
Frost Tolerance:	Tolerates Light Frost
Drought Tolerance:	Drought Tolerant
Soil Type:	rich, fertile soils.
Sun:	Full-sun/Part-shade
Size:	2-4m Shrub.
Pots:	Does well in pots.
Feeding:	Feed a high-quality native plant food every 6 months.

 

Planting

For best results, plant Wild Currant in rich, fertile soils and place your plant in full sun. You can also grow in part shade for reasonable results. This dense, glossy shrub can attain a height of up to 2-4m. It's the perfect fruit tree for hedging or screening.

 

Frost tolerance

Only able to tolerate light frost, It is recommended if you live in a cooler climate like Melbourne to keep your plant well protected, particularly in the Winter months.

 

Sunlight

This lovely species does well in full sun but it can thrive in part sun but with lower fruiting amounts.

 

Maintenance

Watering & Drought Tolerance 

A low-maintenance shrub, Wild Currant will not require much watering, however reliable moisture over the warmer months is recommended. During wintertime, you can hold back on watering.

 

Fertilising your Blue Brush Cherry 

Being a plant that generates large volumes of fruit, to ensure continued fruiting it's important that you feed regularly. We recommend feeding your plant with a dose of cow manure or organic fertiliser if you don’t have great soil.

 

Harvesting

Harvesting should be done when once the fruits have turned a deep, dark red colour that's when they're ready for harvest. Waiting until this stage will guarantee the most delicious taste! They keep well in the freezer, making it easy to gradually accumulate the desired quantity for cooking.

 

Growing Blue Brush Cherry in pots

 

Wild Currant does well in pots! Use a high-quality potting mix without fillers or additives and add your own plant food for the highest success.