Redcurrant 'Jonkheer van Tets' (Ribes rubrum) - hardy small fruit - 9 cm pot - Height 35 cm

Yes, the Jonkheer van Tets redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) is recognized as one of the most productive redcurrant cultivars. It produces very long, dense, and even clusters of numerous well-colored berries. Fruiting generally begins in the second year after planting. To maximize yield, place the shrub in full sun and regularly prune old branches. With plenty of sunlight and fertile soil, each plant can produce several kilos of redcurrants per season.

The currants of the Jonkheer van Tets Gooseberry bush generally ripen between mid-June and mid-July depending on the region and 'exposure. The berries are ready to pick when 'they display a uniform bright red color and come off the cluster easily. It is preferable to pick the whole cluster rather than the berries one by one, which preserves their integrity. The harvest can 'spread over two to three weeks if the weather conditions are cool. The harvested fruits keep for two to three days in the refrigerator or freeze perfectly for later use.

When planting in the ground, dig a hole 40 to 50 cm deep and wide, mix in mature compost, and ensure the bottom is well-drained. Place the plant so that the crown is level with the soil surface and water thoroughly after planting. In a pot, choose a container d'at least 30 to 40 cm in diameter with drainage holes, filled w'ith a mixture of multipurpose potting soil and compost. Planting is ideal in 'autumn to allow the gooseberry bush to 'establish its roots before 'winter, but can also be done in spring. A surface mulch reduces 'evaporation and keeps the soil around the roots cool.

Yes, the Jonkheer van Tets redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) is a self-fertile cultivar: it does not need a pollinator from another variety to produce fruit. A single plant is therefore sufficient to obtain a good harvest. However, planting several plants side by side, even of the same cultivar, generally improves cross-pollination by insects and increases the volume of the harvest. Bees and bumblebees readily visit the spring flowers of the redcurrant, which contributes to more abundant fruit set. It is therefore a very accessible fruit bush, even for a small garden or a large terrace.

The Jonkheer van Tets gooseberry is a fully hardy shrub, capable of withstanding temperatures down to'as low as -20°C or even lower depending on conditions. It is perfectly suited to French winters, whether'oceanic, continental, or semi-mountainous. No special protection is'needed for plants in the ground once they are well established. When grown in pots, the root system is more exposed to frost through the container walls: light mulching or protecting the pot is sufficient during'severe cold spells.

Yes, the Jonkheer van Tets gooseberry bush grows very well in a container on a balcony or terrace, provided you choose a pot large enough, at least 30 to 40 cm in diameter. You must 'ensure that the balcony or terrace receives 'plenty of sunlight, as full sun is essential for a generous crop. It must be watered more regularly than 'when planted in the ground, especially during hot and windy periods. A well-drained, compost-rich growing medium and a spring application of 'fruit fertilizer are enough to keep the bush productive for several years.

The Jonkheer van Tets Gooseberry (Ribes rubrum) has moderate growth, generally gaining 20 to 30 cm per year in good conditions. At maturity, it typically reaches a height of 1 to 1.5 m with a similar spread, making it a compact shrub that is easy to incorporate into any type of garden. Its bushy shape can be managed with annual pruning in late winter. It bears fruit from the second or third year after planting, with production intensifying over the years. Its longevity is remarkable: a well-pruned and maintained plant can produce generously for twenty years or more.