Description
Crandall clove currant is a distinct type of currant grown as much for its spring bloom as for its fruit. In bloom, the plant produces clusters of yellow flowers with an unusually strong clove-like fragrance. Later in the season, those flowers give way to dark berries valued for aroma and complexity rather than simple sweetness.
Unlike black currants, clove currants are better adapted to heat, humidity, and a wider range of soils. Crandall is one of the best-known selections within this group and is often cited for having higher-quality fruit than most clove currants, especially for preserves, syrups, wine, and infusions.
Overview
- Clove currant (Ribes odoratum) with intense floral fragrance
- Yellow spring flowers followed by dark summer fruit
- Fruit valued for aromatic depth and processing quality
- More adaptable than traditional black currants
- Well suited to home growers and low-input landscapes
Growing Details
Latin Name: Ribes odoratum
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; adaptable to most well-drained soils
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 3
Rootstock: Own-root (propagated from cuttings)
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Typically 5–7 ft tall and wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Ripening Time: Mid to late summer (varies by region)
Pollination: Generally self-fertile; yields may improve with another clove currant planted within 20–30 ft
Pests & Diseases: Generally low; less susceptible than black currants
Yield: Moderate to good once established
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Clove currants are often grown first for their fragrance. Crandall stands out within this group for combining an unusually strong bloom scent with better-than-average fruit quality.
- Regional Insight: Crandall performs well across the Midwest, Plains, and much of the Pacific Northwest
- Explore more currants in our collection: Currants
