The plants are self-fertile, meaning you only need one plant to produce berries.
These plants can also be planted in the fall to establish roots before winter dormancy.
These shrubs do not tolerate soggy, waterlogged soil or cramped growing conditions.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Allow for good airflow around the plant.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Plant 3 to 5 feet apart.
If planting in rows, give at least 8 feet between rows.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Plant nursery plants an inch deeper than their pot, in holes deeper and wider than their root systems.
Warning
Red currants are members of theRibesgenus, banned in some states.
Soil
The soil must have good water-holding capacity and be well-drained with good aeration.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Silt or clayloamwith a high amount of organic matter is ideal.
Sandy soil heats up too much in hot weather.
To counter this, amend the soil withorganic matterand keep it moist with 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Deep drip irrigation works best for their shallow roots.
They dont do well in temperatures above 85F.
The combination of a warm, humid climate with poor air circulation makes them especially susceptible topowdery mildew.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fertilizer
Red currants are heavy nitrogen feeders.
Fertilize the plants in the early spring with one-quarter to one-third pound ofcomplete fertilizerin a circle around each plant.
Also, give the plants an extra nitrogen boost by scattering composted manure around the plants.
Elena Pejchinova / Getty Images
Pollination
Red currants are self-fruiting.
However, all cultivars produce more fruit with insect cross-pollination.
Black currants areRibes nigrumand are sweeter than red currants, which tend to be more tart.
Virginie Blanquart / Getty Images
Red currants produce berries on old wood, while black currants fruit on new growth.
Black currant shrubs produce white blooms, while red currant flowers have more of a yellowish tint.
Harvesting
Red currants turn red when ripe.
Instead, cut off the whole berry clusters simultaneously with bypass pruners or scissors.
Plant currants in pots 12 to 18 inches wide and deep.
Currant roots do not grow deep.
These plants prefer organic potting mix, all-purpose fertilizer, and evenly moist soil.
Get pots with ample drainage holes.
Pruning
Red currants produce most berries on 2- and 3-year-old canes, and pruning follows that pattern.
The goal is to have eight fruit-producing canes of different ages on the plant.
Prune during dormancy and permanently remove all diseased, broken, or misshapen canes.
Remove all except six to eight strongest canes in the first winter after planting.
Repeat this in year three.
Remove all old canes that do not bear fruit any longer.
They are easy to identify by their dark color.
you might also grow red currants from seed.
In the wild, seeds germinate in the spring.
Refresh the soil and trim the roots to avoid plants getting rootbound.
Protect new spring foliage, buds, and flowers with a floating row cover from late frost.
The best way to prevent powdery mildew is to plant resistant varieties.
Proper pruning and spacing between plants also reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Because of the white pine blister rust, red currants are still banned in certain states.
Red currant bushes are long-lived and can bear fruit for up to 20 years.
No, red currant bushes do not have thorns.
10., 2015, pp.
1374-1382, doi:10.1094/PDIS-12-14-1338-RE
White Pine Blister Rust.
University of Minnesota Extension.
Currant and Gooseberry Variety Review.Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Red Currants in the Garden.Utah State University Extension.
