Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Digeroo on April 05, 2012, 15:51:38

Title: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: Digeroo on April 05, 2012, 15:51:38
We have a heavy frost forecast but many of my fruit trees are in flower.  I know that plums suffer if the open flowers are frosted but can anyone tell me if the same happens to the currant family.  Gooseberries in flower as well.  Do I need to rush off and cover the bushes.
Title: Re: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: goodlife on April 05, 2012, 16:17:47
I really don't know...BUT..I've never covered my bushes..nor have I ever seen them being covered..not even in Finland (where late spring frosts are 'proper' frosts). I've never had any currants or gooseberries that would have failed produce a crop other than for disease, wrong timing with pruning or lack of water.
So I suspect they are not 'bothered' with frost. I'm certainly not covering mine..too late for it now anyway.
Title: Re: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: Digeroo on April 05, 2012, 16:21:46
Many thanks for that.  Actually I have had a red currant in the garden which is an excellent fruiter and I have never worried about it, but it is sheltered from the worse of the wind by houses.  Things are a bit more raw on the allotment. 
Title: Re: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on April 05, 2012, 17:33:29
I lose plum crops to cold weather regularly, but I've never had any problems with currants.
Title: Re: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: Digeroo on April 05, 2012, 17:53:06
Many thanks. 
Title: Re: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: saddad on April 05, 2012, 22:24:25
My red currants always fruit... irrespective but I have had some poor years with the Jostaberry... where I've only had too many fruit... rather than mountains..  :-X
Title: Re: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: Digeroo on April 05, 2012, 22:33:25
I was given rooted josterberry two years ago but last year it only had four flowers and I am not sure what happened to the berries.  So I am very pleased that it is now covered in flowers.   I wanted to get to finally tasting them  ;D
Title: Re: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: grannyjanny on April 06, 2012, 09:56:26
Something else for me to look for ;D. Thank you Digeroo. There were berries on a white currant at a GC last week & they looked fine.
Title: Re: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: saddad on April 06, 2012, 12:51:28
I always have a few spares...  :-X
Title: Re: Are Red Currant/Josterberry flowers frost hardy
Post by: grannyjanny on April 06, 2012, 13:09:08
Is that an offer David? ;D.