How do you grow blackcurrants?

Blackcurrants tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but prefer well-drained, moisture-retentive conditions. They need a rich, heavy soil. Blackcurrants prefer full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Avoid frost pockets – frosts can drastically reduce yields, even on some modern cultivars that are later flowering.

Where is the best place to plant a blackcurrant bush?

Where and when to plant. Blackcurrants prefer well-drained but moisture-retentive soil, although they will cope in most other soil conditions. They prefer full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Avoid sites prone to cold winds or late frosts, which can damage the flowers and reduce the crop.

How long do black currants take to fruit?

Most currants and gooseberries are self-fruitful. One variety will set fruit on its own. Prune annually to remove weak or dead canes and to open up the canopy. Expect to get fruit 1 to 3 years after planting.

How long does it take to grow blackcurrant?

It takes at least 2 years to produce a good standard Blackcurrant so the price is much more expensive than a normal bush. Cultivation as to soil requirements and pruning is just the same, there is no difference.

Do you need two black currant plants?

Always ask for disease-resistant varieties. Currant bushes can pollinate their own flowers, so you only have to plant one variety to get fruit, although you'll get bigger fruit if you plant two different varieties.

How to Plant Blackcurrants

Do currants need a trellis?

In Wisconsin and adjacent states, currants and gooseberries (two closely related fruit crops) are generally grown without trellises, as extension publications recommend.

How long do blackcurrant bushes last?

Blackcurrants are usually trouble free and may live for 10-15 years. Net the bushes down to ground level to prevent birds from stealing the fruit . Or grow in a fruit cage. Reversion and Big Bud Mite may reduce their life but frost can be a problem particularly in Northern regions with early flowering varieties.

Can you plant blackcurrants in pots?

Blackcurrants can be grown in large containers (minimum diameter 50cm) in John Innes no 3 or multipurpose compost with added grit and plenty of drainage material in the base.

Do blackcurrants spread?

Blackcurrant 'Ebony' – a good, disease-resistant variety, producing very sweet, large fruits from early to mid-July. Plants have a slightly open, spreading habit for easy picking.

Should you cut back blackcurrant?

PRUNING BLACKCURRANT BUSHES

The basic principles behind pruning blackcurrant are to keep the plant within the space available, to encourage new growth on which they produce fruit and to keep the centre of the bush relatively open to allow the circulation of air and help avoid fungal diseases.

What do you do with blackcurrants in the garden?

Will blackcurrants grow in shade?

Blackcurrants. These plants are easy to grow and produce a heavy crop of glossy currants that are rich in vitamin C. Plants tolerate light shade and can be grown in the ground or in pots.

When should you pick blackcurrants?

Blackcurrant fruits are ready for picking in the mid to late summer (July and August) and are at their best about seven days after they have turned blue-black. They can be gathered individually or, if you want them to stay fresh for a little longer, you can harvest them as whole trusses.

How big does a black currant bush get?

Black currant bushes are more vigorous than red currants. They are fuller and more upright with straighter branches, and grow to 5-6 feet tall and wide. The leaves are bigger and the branches provide more interest in the winter because the red buds are bigger.

How tall do currant bushes get?

Currants are deciduous fruiting shrubs with thornless canes and upright growth habits. They typically grow 4-6ft in height and about 2-3ft wide. These plants produce red, white or black, semi-transparant berries in clusters like small bunches of grapes.

Are black currants self pollinating?

European blackcurrants and the other colors are self-pollinating (but of course, having multiple plants always helps to make harvests and fruits bigger, even with 'self-pollinating' plants).

How often should I water black currants?

From fruit set to harvest, currants need 1 inch of water every week. After the initial watering, a soaker hose or drip irrigation system can maintain an adequate water supply. In the spring, purchase container-grown currant plants from a reputable nursery. The plants should be one to two years old.

What to do with blackcurrants after picking?

Blackcurrants freeze really well, so if you manage to get hold of more than you need, you can just pop them into the freezer. Place in a sealed bag or container and freeze for up to six months. Unlike many berries, they also store well in the fridge and should be good to go for five or six days after picking.

When can you transplant blackcurrants?

"Blackcurrants are pretty tough Noel, so you should find they cope well with transplanting. This is best done when the bushes are dormant between autumn and spring, and like most plants it's best to make sure they don't get too dry during their first year in their new home.

Can you eat blackcurrants raw?

While black currants have a strong taste, they're delicious to eat raw when they're ripe. You can also use them in a variety of recipes. Some ways to prepare black currants include: Cooking with sugar and other fruits to make a jam.

How deep do currant roots go?

Plant currants in pots 12 to 18 inches wide and deep or wider; currant roots do not grow deep. Currant roots do not mind growing in a tight space. Plant currants in an organic potting mix. Keep the soil evenly moist; feed plants an all-purpose fertilizer.

What can you not plant next to blackberries?

Avoid planting asparagus near blackberry bushes as the roots may compete with each other. Also avoid planting blackberries near nightshades like tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes. Some mixed advice surrounds different fruit companion plants for blackberry bushes.

What is eating my blackcurrant leaves?

BLACKCURRANT SAWFLY

They eat the soft parts of the leaves leaving the veins completely alone. The fruit is also untouched.

Is wood ash good for blackcurrants?

ANSWER: Wood ash is generally quite alkaline and can easily reduce the acidity of the soil where it is added. Fruit bushes prefer a slightly acidic soil so adding wood ash is not normally beneficial to them and can harm them depending on how much ash is added.