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Currants
(Key to abbreviations at bottom of page)
There are a number of currants that will grow on the Prairies. Currants are a great way to introduce fruiting plants into the home landscape. Most currants are self fruitful, so a pollinator is not required.
Currants should be pruned annually to prevent overcrowding or disease problems. Black currants bear fruit on the young new wood of the previous season's growth. The oldest wood should be pruned out to encourage new growth. Red currants, white currants and gooseberries produce fruit on short spurs found on two and three year old wood. Wood three years old and older should be removed. The remaining stems on all currants should be thinned to prevent overcrowding
Mulch your currant patch in the spring. This will help with weed control, help maintain moisture levels and keep the soil cooler.
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Black Currants
Berries are black and range in size from 7mm to 12mm (1/4 to 1/2 inch). They are an excellent source of vitamin C. Bushes grow to a height of 1m and spread to a diameter of about 2m.
THE UNIQUE FLAVOUR MAKES DELICIOUS JAM AND JUICE. A FAVOURITE IN OUR HOUSE!
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Name
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Zone
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Uses
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Taste
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Description
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BEN LOMOND
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2
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E,C,JA,J,W
| Semi-sweet
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Bushes grow to 2 metres, spread about 2 metres and have good disease resistance. Large thumbnail sized berries.
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BEN NEVIS
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0
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E,C,JA,J,W
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Semi-sweet
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Large berries, very prolific. Grow relatively upright.
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WILLOUGHBY
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0
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E,C,JA,J,W
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Semi-sweet
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Mid sized berries. An old variety, dependable producer
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Gooseberries
Bushes grow to about 1m in height and diameter. The fruit ripens in July. GOOSEBERRIES MAKE EXCEPTIONAL JAM!
Name
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Zone
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Uses
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Taste
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Description
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PIXWELL
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1
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E,C,JA,W
| Semi-sweet
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Thumbnail sized fruit is green turning to bronze when fully ripe. AN ABUNDANT PRODUCER!
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JOSTA
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2
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E,C,JA,W
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Semi-sweet
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A cross between black currants and gooseberries producing a unique flavoured berry. Berries are about 7mm in size; plant grows to about 1m.
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Kiwi Fruit
For pollination one male plant is required for every seven female plants. Fruit measures approximately one by two inches.
Name
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Zone
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Uses
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Taste
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Description
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ARCTIC BEAUTY KIWI FRUIT
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3
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E,C,JA,
| Semi-sweet
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A beautiful vine with multicoloured leaves. TASTES LIKE REGULAR KIWI FRUIT!
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Missouri Currants
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Missouri currants, also known as golden currants or abol currants, are versatile plants. They are adapted to a wide range of growing conditions including hot and dry. Plants grow to about 3m (10 feet). Bright yellow trumpet shaped flowers are borne in clusters and are very fragrant. THIS WONDERFUL CURRANT IS NOT GROWN NEARLY ENOUGH!
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Name
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Zone
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Uses
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Taste
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Description
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MISSOURI CURRANT
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2
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E,C,JA,W
| Semi-sweet
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Thumbnail sized berries have a deliciously spicy taste.
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Red Currants
Pea sized fruit is borne in clusters. Plant grows to about 1.5m (5 feet) in height and diameter. RED CURRANTS ARE GREAT FOR JELLY AND SAUCES!
Name
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Zone
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Uses
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Taste
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Description
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RED LAKE
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0
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E,C,JA,W
| Semi-sweet
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Very hardy. Produces large clusters of bright red berries.
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WILDER
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0
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E,C,JA,W
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Semi-sweet
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A productive shrub that grows vigorously in our climate.
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White Currants
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Pea sized fruit is a translucent white. White currants make a nice clear jelly on their own. When added to stronger flavoured fruits such as black currants they produce a more mellow flavoured jam or jelly. SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR THE DEDICATED JAM MAKER!
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Name
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Zone
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Uses
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Taste
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Description
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WHITE PEARL
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3
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E,C,JA,
| Semi-sweet
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Has a nice tangy flavour
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Key to Variety Chart
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Fruit Uses
E .... Eating
C .... Cooking
JA .. Jam
J .... Juice
W ... Wine
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