Planting, caring for & harvesting currants
General information about currants
The small, healthy berries grow on the deciduous, hardy shrub in different varieties. They are available in black, red or white. With the right care, a shrub can yield for up to 15 years.
Soil & location
The native shrub thrives in almost all garden soils, but prefers medium-heavy, nutrient-rich soils. The location can be full sun to partial shade. White currants are best planted in a semi-shady spot.
When and how do I plant currants?
The best time to plant out most fruit trees is in the fall. This allows the shrub to benefit from the winter moisture and grow reliably. Instructions for planting out currants:
- Prepare the site: Remove weeds and loosen the soil
- Dig a planting hole and add compost
- Place the root ball in a bucket of water so that it can soak up
- Pruning: Select the strongest 5 to 6 shoots and cut the remaining shoots a few centimetres above the ground
- Planting: Place the shrub a few centimetres to a hand's width deeper into the soil than before
- Planting distance: 1 to 1.5 m
Caring for currants
- Before budding in spring and in autumn before winter dormancy, the shrub is happy to receive a fertilizer application
- Due to the shallow roots, regular watering is required immediately after planting and during dry periods
- Annual pruning keeps the bush in shape and ensures the yield (pay attention to varietal differences!)
Harvesting currants
- Harvest period from June to July
- Cut off the entire panicle with secateurs and strip the berries with a fork
Titelbild von Capri23auto auf Pixabay.
