Standard currants look decorative and take up less space in the bed than shrubs. However, they require more care. Annual pruning is particularly important. Only with a correct pruning, the plants form many new shoots for a rich harvest.

The annual pruning of standard currants

  • Remove old branches
  • Cut out dead and weak shoots
  • clear crown
  • Cut the trunk into shape

The best time to cut

It is best to cut high stems in early spring immediately after the last frost days.

Depending on the thickness of the branches, pruning shears or pruning shears are suitable for cutting back.

Leave one-year shoots

Cut off all old shoots. The most and sweetest fruits grow on the young branches. You should only remove weak or too dense young shoots.

First, all branches hanging down are cut off in such a way that only the one-year-old branches remain on the standard trunk.

Then all upright branches that are bare are removed directly at the base. You can recognize such shoots by the fact that any existing buds feel dry. By pruning, you encourage the growth of new branches next year.

Thin out high stems

Weak shoots in the crown should be pruned out. They take unnecessary strength from the plant and bear only a few berries themselves. This also applies to young shoots that grow across the crown.

By thinning out you ensure that the fruits on the main shoots get enough sun. You can then harvest larger and sweeter currants.

Cut the red currant stem into shape

With shrubs, the shape is not as important as with standard trees. They are popular precisely because they look so decorative in the garden.

Trim any branches and twigs that grow too far up or to the side so that the tall stem retains its compact, even shape.

tips and tricks

Make sure that you only use clean scissors that are as sharp as possible. The cuts must be made precisely so that the wood does not tear. Disease nests in the cracks. Also make sure that the scissor blades are completely clean so that you don't transfer fungal spores from other plants to the currant.

Category:

Vegetable garden