Currants are the classic soft fruit in the garden. The red berries in particular are very popular. But the cultivation of black and white currants is also worthwhile, because the aromas differ significantly from each other.

In which location do currants thrive best?

If you want to grow currants, choose a sunny location that is somewhat sheltered from the wind.

The berries also thrive in partial shade, but the fruits then remain smaller and are not as sweet.

What soil is suitable for cultivation?

The berry bushes love a well-drained, humus-rich soil. Enrich poor potting soil with mature compost. Avoid waterlogging, because the shrubs do not tolerate this well.

When is the best time to plant currants?

It is best to plant currant bushes in late autumn. If necessary, you can also bring them into the ground in early spring.

How are the shrubs planted?

  • Dig a planting hole
  • Refine soil with compost
  • Do not plant the currant bush too deeply
  • press down the earth
  • water the plant

The planting hole should be about twice the size of the root ball. The hole is filled with mature compost.

A layer of mulch under the shrubs prevents weeds from growing. In addition, you do not have to fertilize the berries as often.

How big should the planting distance be?

Depending on which varieties you are growing, you should keep a planting distance of 1.50 to 2 meters in the row and at least 2 meters between the rows.

When are currants harvest time?

The harvest season begins at the end of June and lasts until August. Black currants ripen a little later than red or white currant varieties.

Can currants be transplanted?

In principle, the shrubs can be transplanted. For this, the plants have to be generously dug up and used at the new location.

However, after transplanting, it takes two to three years for the shrubs to bear fruit again. Since currants only produce fruit for a maximum of 15 years, it is usually not worth transplanting them. It is better to put young plants straight away.

How are currants propagated?

Propagation is by cuttings. These are cut from the annual shoots of a well-bearing plant and stuck into the ground.

It is also possible to lower shoots to gain new shrubs. However, the young plants need three years until they bear the first berries.

Which plants are suitable as neighbors?

Currant bushes should not be too close together or too close to other plants. An exception is wormwood, which is otherwise not compatible with any other plant.

Plant wormwood under the currant bushes to prevent column rust.

tips and tricks

Currants are self-fertile. However, you will get better harvests if you grow at least two currant bushes of each variety. The flowers are then better fertilized.

Category:

Vegetable garden