Redcurrants tolerate a range of soil conditions, but prefer moist, well-drained soil. They do best in full sun, but can be grown against a shady, north-facing wall, although this will result in fruit that ripens later and is less sweet.
Do redcurrants need acid soil?
Redcurrant and whitecurrants are tolerant of quite wide ranging conditions but avoid poor drainage. As far as ph is concerned they prefer to be neutral to slightly acid, but this is only a preference. As long as the soil has good drainage but isn’t too thin or dry then your new bushes should thrive.
Where can you grow red currant?
Grow redcurrants and whitecurrants in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Keep them well supplied with nutrients by adding a mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost annually. A sunny spot is preferable, although they should still crop well in semi-shade.
What is the best fertilizer for currants?
A composted material rich in nitrogen, such as well-rotted manure, makes an excellent fertilizer for currants and gooseberries. Because composted materials release their nutrients more slowly than synthetic fertilizers, apply a few shovels-full per plant in late fall.
How long does it take to grow red currant?
The red currant shrub will grow vigorously in its first year and then flower and fruit the second year however sometimes it may take up to 5 years to mature and bear fruit. Multiple branches of these small bushes produce a multitude of flowers which are coloured pale green that develops into small bright red berries.
Can red currants be grown in pots?
They are easy to tuck into a landscape and are a wonderful addition as a border plant or on their own in the garden. They can even be cultivated in a pot and added to a container garden. Red currant (Ribes rubrum) is a member of the genus Ribes and part of the gooseberry family (Grossulariaceae).
What soil is best for currants?
They need well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. If your soil is clay or sandy, work in lots of organic matter before planting, or prepare a raised bed. Currants grow well in sun or partial shade and appreciate afternoon shade in warm climates.
Do currants need a trellis?
Currant bushes will need a trellis that is in the full sun to part shade to thrive. Take care to notice what plants are around the area as well, see the companion plant section below. Water regularly.
Do red currant bushes spread?
Redcurrant ‘Jonkheer van Tets’ – excellent deciduous variety which bears an abundance of large, well flavoured berries on long trusses between July and August. It is a small bush with mid-green foliage and a spreading growth habit, producing fruits equally well in full sun or partial shade.
Do currants have deep roots?
Container Growing Currants
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.
What is the best fertilizer for red currants?
In early spring, feed redcurrants growing in the ground with a high potassium general fertiliser, such as Vitax Q4. Scatter one and a half handfuls per square metre/yard around the base. Then add a mulch of garden compost or well-rotted farmyard manure to deter weed growth.
What can I feed my currant bushes?
Blackcurrant bushes need plenty of watering and feeding – particularly if container grown. In spring, feed with pelleted chicken manure or other high potash fertiliser, and add a thick mulch. Keep weed-free during the growing season and when the fruits start to mature, net your plants to protect from the birds.
When should I prune my currants?
Prune in winter to leave between eight and ten healthy, strong main branches each year. On one-year-old bushes, prune back new shoots by half. Prune to an outward facing bud to influence the direction that the shoot grows, aiming for an open-centred goblet shape.
Can red currants grow in shade?
Redcurrants and whitecurrants
Redcurrants will give a good crop, even trained onto a north-facing wall. They’re related to blackcurrants, but can be grown like gooseberries, in partial shade. The fruit tastes sweeter when grown in sun.
When should red currants be pruned?
Pruning Whitecurrants & Redcurrants
Most pruning is done in the late winter or early spring when it is not freezing. A bush, grown on a leg which is 10-15cm of bare stem from the ground up, with an open centred, bowl shaped plant is the best form when grown in the open.
How do you look after redcurrant bushes?
CARING FOR AND PRUNING REDCURRANTS
Redcurrants really are a very easy plant to look after. Just make sure the area around them is free from weeds and grass and that the plants are well watered in dry periods.
How big does a red currant bush get?
3-6 feet wide
Please read my disclosure for more info. Currant bushes (Ribes) are thornless understory shrubs, growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. They can grow 3-6 feet wide and tall, and can range in color from red, white, pink, or black.
How much sun do red currants need?
Currants yield their sweetest fruit crop in a full sun environment, but unlike most fruiting plants, they also tolerate partial shade conditions as well. 4. Make sure you have the right soil type. Currant plants grow best in a rich, well-drained garden with a soil pH of 6.5.
Do redcurrants need staking?
Growing redcurrant and whitecurrant standards
It should be staked wherever it is grown because the head can get top heavy.
How do you plant red currant bushes?
Plant in spring, just as the plants are emerging from dormancy. Set plants slightly deeper than they grew in their nursery pots. Mulch after planting to keep the soil cool and moist. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
How do you fertilize currants?
Currant and gooseberry plants are heavy feeders. To give the plants a healthy start, work manure into the soil before planting. Annual topdressings of composted manure are beneficial as well. If plants are not vigorous, lightly broadcast about 1/4 to 1/2 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant.