Currants that are grown as standard stems have some advantages. The berries can be easily harvested while standing. The shrub doesn't take up so much space - and a standard tree is definitely decorative. To keep it in shape, you need to trim it regularly. This is how it's done!
How do I cut a red currant as a standard tree?
To cut a red currant as a standard tree, remove the old wood at the base in early spring, leave up to twelve young shoots and remove side shoots on the standard tree. Cut shoots that run through the crown or point downwards and shorten annoying branches.
Why do currants have to be cut as a standard tree?
There are several reasons why you need to prune standard currants regularly:
- Topiary
- Removing old wood
- light out
- cut off diseased shoots
- Cut shoots from the standard trunk
Red currants bear their fruit on two- and three-year-old wood. Older branches are therefore unnecessary. They fall victim to the scissors when they are cut back.
By pruning (€14.00 on Amazon) you encourage the currant to form more shoots. This makes the crown of the standard tree appear more compact.
The best time to cut standard currants
Red currants are best cut in early spring, before the bush sprouts.
Some gardeners recommend cutting red currants immediately after harvest. This is not advisable for tall stems because you want to keep the shrub in shape.
How is the currant standard tree cut?
Remove the old wood at the base and leave only young shoots. There should not be more than eight to twelve strong young shoots on the main trunk.
How long the shoots have to be also depends on the variety. If you don't know which standard variety to grow in the garden, seek advice from an experienced gardener.
In addition to the old wood, cut off all shoots that run through the crown or point downwards. Finally, shorten any branches that disrupt the overall appearance of the currant standard trunk. You can do this work again in the fall.
Free the high trunk from side shoots
Side shoots often grow out of the standard trunk. Cut these off immediately. This is the only way the standard tree can keep its shape.
High-stem crowns are almost always refined. The finishing point is usually located directly under the crown. The side shoots growing underneath are not true to the variety. No berries grow on it, but rather fruits of the grafting base.
Tip
In addition to the standard currant, shoots occasionally sprout from the ground, so-called water shoots. You should always cut these off straight away. They only develop into weak bushes that bear little fruit.