Northern Red Currant vs Frontenac Grape - TreeTime.ca

Northern Red Currant vs Frontenac Grape

Ribes triste

Vitis x Frontenac

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Red Currant
Frontenac Grape

The Northern Red Currant is also known as the Swamp Red currant due to its preference for moist soil. As long as the soil is wet, this shrub can live in any degree of sunlight.

The currant itself is a bright red-purple berry enjoyed by many animals and some people for its sour flavour, similar to garden red currants. The flowers of this shrub are tiny and red or greenish-purple.

Frontenac Grape is a prairie hardy climbing vine that produces juicy, flavorful grapes. Expect aromas of cherry, plum, and berry from the wine and juice you make from this grape.

Note: if you want grapes for fresh eating, you might want to look at Brianna or Valiant Grape.

This vine requires a fence or trellis to encourage upward and outward growth. Consistent pruning and maintenance is necessary to reliably produce fruit, which usually occurs between 3 and 4 years of age.

Note: We do not ship grape vines to BC due to regulatory restrictions from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Northern Red Currant Quick Facts

Frontenac Grape Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: high


Flowers: reddish or greenish purple
Fruit: purple-blue
Berries: shiny, sour, bright red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: swamp red currant