Redcurrant Laxton's 3Ltr

'Laxton's No. 1' is a traditional English redcurrant that has been a favourite in British kitchen gardens for around a century. It remains one of the most widely grown varieties because it is so dependable. In mid-July it produces heavy crops of glossy, bright scarlet berries hanging in long strings, which makes picking easy. Their sharp, fresh flavour is perfect for redcurrant jelly, summer pudding, sauces and cordials, and they look beautiful scattered over desserts. They freeze well, too.

It flowers later than many redcurrants, so the blossom usually escapes damage from late frosts, and it is well regarded for its resistance to mildew, which makes crops more reliable year after year. The bush is upright when young and spreads as it matures, eventually reaching around 1.5m or more in height and up to 1.5m across. It is self-fertile and grows well in full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Like whitecurrants, it can also be trained as a cordon or fan against a wall or fence. Dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost before planting, and if you're planting more than one bush, space them about 1.5m apart.

Redcurrants fruit on short spurs along older wood, so the aim is to keep a strong, permanent framework with an open centre. In winter, shorten the main branches by around half and cut side shoots back to one or two buds. In early summer, pinch back the new side shoots to five leaves. Feed with a high-potash fertiliser in spring, mulch well, water during dry spells while the fruit swells, and cover with netting before the berries colour.

Supplied in a 3 litre pot and can be planted at any time of year, though autumn is ideal. Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.