How to Grow Currants

mediumGardening3 years to full crop10 steps

Tools Needed

Pruning shears — For trimming suckers and old canes

Currant plants — One- or two-year-old plants(As needed)

Mulch — Straw or leaves(As needed)

Fertilizer — Manure or general fertilizer(Liberal application)

Select a planting site with cool, moist soil; partial shade (such as under a young orchard) is suitable.

Tip: Ensure the site is in the open, at least 5 feet away from fences or obstructions to allow for easy cultivation.

Set one- or two-year-old plants at a spacing of 4 by 6 feet.

Tip: Plants can also be propagated using mature cuttings from new or previous year's canes.

Trim the bush by cutting off most of the suckers below the surface of the ground.

Tip: Clean cultivation is essential for the best response.

Maintain consistent soil moisture.

Tip: If the season is dry, apply a mulch of straw or leaves to help plants establish themselves.

Apply manure or fertilizers liberally to ensure well-paying crops.

Tip: Keep the patch free of weeds and wild growth.

Prune based on variety: Red and white currants bear mostly on wood that is two years old or older.

Tip: Cut out canes as they grow older to make room for new growth.

Allow a succession of young shoots to grow to replace the old bearing wood.

Tip: Regular thinning and trimming prevent the plants from weakening.

Monitor for pests, specifically worms that eat the leaves.

Tip: Neglected patches are more susceptible to pests and disease.

Wait approximately three years to secure a good crop.

Tip: A well-handled patch can continue bearing for 10 to 20 years.

Harvest the fruit once ripe.

Tip: Expected yields can range between 50 to 100 barrels per acre.

Currants are among the hardiest and most productive fruits in Northern climates.
Avoid planting along fences to prevent interference with cultivation.

Synthesized from 7 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →

GrowstuffView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →