Currants are the classic berry fruit in the garden. The red berries in particular are very popular. But growing black and white currants is also worthwhile because the flavors differ significantly from each other.
How to plant currants in the garden?
To plant currants in the garden, choose a sunny, wind-protected location with permeable, humus-rich soil. Plant the shrubs in late fall or early spring and maintain a planting distance of 1.5 to 2 meters. A layer of mulch helps prevent weeds and reduces the need for fertilizer.
Where do currants grow best?
If you want to grow currants, choose a sunny location that should be somewhat sheltered from the wind.
The berries also thrive in partial shade, but the fruits then remain smaller and are not as sweet.
Which soil is suitable for cultivation?
The berry bushes love permeable, humus-rich soil. Enrich lean potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon) with mature compost. Prevent waterlogging, as the shrubs do not tolerate this well.
When is the best time to plant currants?
It is best to plant currant bushes in late autumn. If necessary, you can also put them in the ground in early spring.
How are the shrubs planted?
- Dig planting hole
- Refine soil with compost
- Don't plant the currant bush too deep
- Press the earth firmly
- Water the plant
The planting hole should be about twice as large as the root ball. The hole is filled with ripe compost.
A layer of mulch under the bushes prevents weeds from emerging. In addition, you don't have to fertilize the berries as often.
How large should the planting distance be?
Depending on which varieties you are growing, you should maintain a planting distance of 1.50 to 2 meters in the row and at least 2 meters between the rows.
When are currants harvesting time?
The harvest season begins at the end of June and lasts until August. Black currants ripen slightly later than red or white currant varieties.
Can currants be transplanted?
Basically, the bushes can be transplanted. To do this, the plants must be generously dug up and planted in the new location.
However, after transplanting, it takes two to three years for the bushes to bear fruit again. Since currants only produce fruit for a maximum of 15 years, it is usually not worth transplanting them. It is cheaper to plant young plants straight away.
How are currants propagated?
Propagation is done by cuttings. These are cut from the annual shoots of a well-bearing plant and stuck into the ground.
It is also possible to lower shoots to create new bushes. However, the young plants need three years until they produce their first berries.
Which plants are suitable as neighbors?
Currant bushes should not be too close together or too close to other plants. An exception is wormwood, which hardly gets along with any other plants.
Plant wormwood under the currant bushes to prevent column rust.
Tips & Tricks
Currants are self-fruitful. However, you will get better harvests if you grow at least two currant bushes of each variety. The flowers are then better fertilized.
