Why are red currants illegal?

The federal government had banned the growing of black and red currants in 1911 when the burgeoning logging industry put pressure on lawmakers to eliminate the currants because they were thought to be an intermediate host of white pine blister rust.

Are red currants illegal?

Did you know … that the growing of Red Currants was banned in the United States in the early twentieth century? Red currants are a small, glossy, bright red berry. The federal ban was lifted in 1966, but several northern states continued to prohibit the cultivation of such berries until the early twenty-first century.

How long does it take for a currant bush to bear fruit?

Most currants will not produce fruit until 1 to 3 years after planting. Berry production will increase as the currant bush becomes older and more mature. Of course, depending on the variety of currant you choose, you may get fewer or smaller fruit.

Are red currants invasive?

Ribes rubrum (Red Currant) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

Why are currants banned in America?

The nutrient-rich berries were banned in 1911 because they were thought to produce a fungus that could damage pine trees. As new disease-resistant berries were produced and new ways to prevent the fungus from damaging timber were developed, some states started to lift the ban in 2003.

How fast do red currants grow?

Expect to get fruit 1 to 3 years after planting.

Do currants spread?

Currant bushes can pollinate their own flowers, so you only have to plant one variety to get fruit, although you’ll get bigger fruit if you plant two different varieties.

Do red currants have thorns?

Currants and gooseberries can be easily distinguished by the presence or absence of thorns; gooseberries usually have thorns, while currants do not. Ribes plants are long-lived perennial shrubs that are cold-hardy, some to USDA Zone 2.

How tall do currants grow?

Currant bushes (Ribes) are thornless understory shrubs, growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. They can grow 3-6 feet wide and tall, and can range in color from red, white, pink, or black.

Where should I plant currants?

Currants grow well in sun or partial shade, and appreciate afternoon shade in warm climates. Currant shrubs prefer the cool conditions in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 5. Plants may drop their leaves when temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 C.) for an extended period of time.

How long do red currant bushes last?

Once planted, redcurrant plants will remain productive for almost 20 years. Even if you don’t want to eat the fruit, redcurrants are highly ornamental and a great way of attracting birds to your garden.