White currants are not a separate variety. They only differ from red currants in their color, which has a light cream tone. The taste is slightly less intense than the aroma of the red representatives of the currant.
How to plant white currants?
White currants are best planted in late autumn or early spring. Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with loose, humus-rich and water-permeable soil. Maintain a planting distance of 1.5 - 2 meters within a row and at least 2 meters between rows.
White currants – cultivated form of the red currant
Botanically speaking, all currant varieties belong to the gooseberry family. In contrast to black currants, white currants are not an independent variety, but are a breeding of the red currant. Because of its bright berries, it has the addition of sativa to the Latin family name Ribes.
The fruits of the currant grow in panicles on small shoot branches. The two to three year old shoots are particularly abundant.
Most white currant varieties are self-fruitful. It is therefore enough to grow a plant in the garden. However, the harvest will be larger if you plant at least one more currant bush. That could also be a red currant.
When to plant white currants?
The best planting time is late autumn. If necessary, you can plant white currants in early spring.
Where do they thrive best?
White currants thrive best in a sunny to partially shaded spot. A little wind protection ensures better harvests.
What should the earth be like?
- Loose
- Not too dry
- Humos
- Water permeable
- Weedfree
How do you plant white currants?
Trim the bushes before planting. Place them deep in the soil so that the eyes are covered by soil.
What planting distance should you keep?
A distance of 1.50 to 2 meters in the row is sufficient. A distance of at least 2 meters should be maintained between rows.
When is harvest time?
You can harvest the first white currants after St. John's Day, June 24th. The harvest lasts until the end of July.
Can you transplant white currants?
Basically yes. Since the bushes last a maximum of 15 years, moving them is only worthwhile for young bushes. After transplanting, it takes three years for them to produce berries again.
How are white currants propagated?
Propagation takes place via cuttings or planters.
Does the white currant get along with other plants?
Like all berry bushes, the white currant needs some distance from other plants. Wormwood is the only herb that you can plant well under a currant. However, it is better to spread a layer of mulch under the plants.
What care do white currants need?
White currants are undemanding. Regular pruning is necessary to promote shoot formation. The plants should be checked regularly for diseases and insect infestation.
Tips & Tricks
White currants are said to have an aroma that is slightly reminiscent of champagne. It's not just berry lovers who appreciate this. Birds also like to eat white currants. You should therefore protect the shrub with a net (€16.00 on Amazon).
