UK compost
What compost for jonkheer van tets redcurrant in the UK?
Ribes rubrum 'Jonkheer van Tets'
More about jonkheer van tets redcurrant in the UK
Which compost jonkheer van tets redcurrant needs
For jonkheer van tets redcurrant the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Tolerates a wide range of soils including heavier ground, provided drainage is good. Enrich with well-rotted compost at planting. Less greedy than blackcurrants but appreciates potassium-rich, fertile conditions.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows jonkheer van tets redcurrant perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Jonkheer van Tets Redcurrant does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the jonkheer van tets redcurrant soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Jonkheer van Tets Redcurrant in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for jonkheer van tets redcurrant in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Tolerates a wide range of soils including heavier ground, provided drainage is good. Enrich with well-rotted compost at planting. Less greedy than blackcurrants but appreciates potassium-rich, fertile conditions. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for jonkheer van tets redcurrant?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for jonkheer van tets redcurrant and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow jonkheer van tets redcurrant perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does jonkheer van tets redcurrant need grit or perlite added?
Yes — jonkheer van tets redcurrant must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does jonkheer van tets redcurrant need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Fertile, free-draining loam, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-6.8). Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More jonkheer van tets redcurrant care
See the full jonkheer van tets redcurrant care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.