Description
Cascade produces medium to large berries, noticeably bigger than the wild currants it descends from, in a vibrant red that holds its colour through cooking.
The flavor sits in a useful place: tangy enough to be a real currant, balanced enough not to be punishing fresh. The clusters are juicy and come off cleanly, which makes this a straightforward choice for anyone whose main plan for the crop is a shelf of jam.
Overview
- Medium to large vibrant red berries, bigger than a wild currant.
- Balanced tartness rather than sharp acidity.
- Juicy clusters, excellent for jam, jelly and syrup.
- Straightforward and reliable.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Ribes rubrum ‘Cascade’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 3
Rootstock: Grown from cuttings
Bearing Age: Light crop the year after planting; full crops by the third or fourth year
Size at Maturity: Upright and compact, about 3 to 5 ft tall and wide
Ripening Time: Mid season; July into August
Pollination: Self-fertile; one bush sets a full crop, and a second currant nearby increases berry size
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Currants carry enough natural pectin to set a jam without any added. Taste before you reach for the packet.
- Regional Insight: Currants are cool-climate fruit, at their best where summers stay moderate and winters are properly cold.
- Explore more berries in our collection: Berries
