If you want to multiply currants yourself, you need patience. It takes three years for the new plants to bear the first berries. Propagation of currant bushes pursued by cuttings. It's so easy that even garden novices can easily grow new shrubs.

Propagating currants by cuttings

  • Prepare the seedbed
  • cut cuttings
  • Put in the breeding bed
  • Protect with mulch
  • Transplant in the second year
  • Cut in the third year
  • Plant in permanent location

Prepare seedbed and cut cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is most successful in late autumn. Prepare a nursery bed by loosening the soil about 30 centimeters deep and adding some sand.

Choose annual shoots of a currant plant that bears a lot of fruit. Take a few cuttings 20 to 30 centimeters long. With a sharp knife, make the cut just below one eye. This is where new roots form most quickly.

Always cut cuttings at an angle. With straight cuts there is a risk of water collecting on the surface that cannot run off. This would cause the cutting to rot.

Insert cuttings

Plant the cuttings four inches apart in the prepared soil so that only two eyes remain above the surface.

Gently press down on the soil. Water the cuttings carefully.

Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch made of compost, leaves, straw, or other mulching material over the soil.

Transfer young currant plants

By the following fall, the cuttings should have developed numerous roots. Transplant the young plants to another location so that the root system continues to strengthen.

The first pruning in the second year

In the second autumn it is time to cut the young currant bushes for the first time. All weak branches are removed.

Six strong shoots may remain on the plant. The first berries will later grow on them. Cut the remaining main shoots in half.

Transplant to permanent location

The young currant plants are then transplanted to their final location.

Choose a sunny, sheltered location. Before planting, prepare the soil well by loosening it, amending it with compost and pulling the weeds.

Do not place the young plants too deep in the ground at a distance of 1.50 to 2 meters. Press the earth firmly and pour in the currants.

First harvest after three years

In the third year you can harvest the first fruits from your new currant bushes.

tips and tricks

Currant bushes can also be propagated by lowering. To do this, bend one shoot down so that it lies on the ground. Cover several sections of soil at least 15 centimeters long. The first roots should have formed by next spring, so you can separate the seedlings from the mother plant.

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