Online Catalogue | FAQ's | Questions About Growing Plants | Growing Red/White Currant Bushes
General Information
Red and white currants are of the genus Ribes. They grow in a similar to a gooseberry bush, although they are not spiny, and produce very small berries on long strigs. Fruit is produced on both the young and the old wood. The fruit is great for making jelly, juice and wine.
We take our own cuttings from parent plants, and plant them out in rows in our fields. We look after them through the summer while they are growing, and then lift and dispatch them from November until March/April (depending on the season).
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Planting
LOCATION AND SOIL
Red and white currants prefer a sunny position, but will also grow in partial shade. Try to choose a fairly sheltered location, and avoid frost pockets. They can be grown in a wide range of soils, acidic or alkaline, but may need a regular supply of water in light soils.
PREPERATION
Prepare the soil in advance of planting by digging in well-rotted compost to a spades depth. You could also add in some fertiliser. Allow enough space for the bushes to be planted 4-5 feet apart.
PLANTING METHOD
Dig a hole big enough to accept the roots without bunching or curling, and ensure that the hole is deep enough to ensure the roots are covered. Firm in well to ensure that there is no air around the roots.
PRUNING AND CARE
Like gooseberry bushes, they will fruit on both their young and old wood. They can be pruned in the same way as a gooseberry bush.
We recommend creating an upright bush (or a one or two-shooted cordon) by cutting away lower branches to create a clear leg of about 6-8 inches (15-20cm). Initially after planting, the remaining branches can be trimmed to half of their length, or to leave 3-4 buds on each branch. Try to make the last bud on the branch an outward-facing one. Each winter trim the new (greener, less woody) shoots produced during the year to half of their growth, leaving any side shoots at about 2 inches in length. This can also be repeated in the summer if growth is vigorous, leaving 4-5 leaves on each side shoot.
It is also possible to grow them like a blackcurrant bush, but the branches may need supporting when laden with fruit.
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Fruiting and Cropping
POLLINATION
Red and White currant bushes are self-fertile, so only one bush is needed.
FRUIT PROTECTION
Birds will eat red and white currants, so try to keep them away from the ripened fruit with scarers, netting or a fruit cage. They also like the leaf buds in the spring, so keep an eye on them at that time.
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Pests and Disease
Red and white currants can be susceptible to leaf spot, capsids, aphids and sawfly, but generally attract few problems.
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Feeding and Watering
Water well during dry weather, and mulch with well-rotted compost in the winter/spring. A dressing of an organic fertiliser may also be beneficial.
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Online Catalogue | FAQ's | Questions About Growing Plants | Growing Red/White Currant Bushes
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