Growing and caring for currants

Currants: Growing and caring for any variety is essentially the same. But overall, the process is largely similar. It's important to plant the bush correctly, providing it with all the necessary conditions. The first couple of years will require careful and attentive care. Then, with minimal care, you can reap a wonderful harvest year-round.

Black currant

When are they done? planting holes If you're planting under a bush, you'll definitely need to add fertilizer. Currants should be planted in the fall. The best time is late September or early October. However, the holes should be prepared two weeks before planting. The width should be about 30 cm, but up to 60 cm is acceptable. As for depth, around 30-40 cm for each bush.

When digging a hole, carefully remove the top layer. This is the fertile soil layer, so it should be preserved. As for the rest of the soil, simply spread it evenly over the area. When the hole reaches the desired depth, add the fertile soil layer you set aside at the very beginning. Fertilize it as well.

The roots of a blackcurrant bush seedling should be planted no more than 10 centimeters deep. This will ensure rapid emergence of additional roots and the activation of additional growth points. Once the bush is planted, it should be watered generously: three liters of water is sufficient. All that's left to do is sprinkle a layer of compote or compost up to five centimeters thick on the very surface.

About other types of currants

As mentioned earlier in this article, growing currants depends on the variety. Although not significantly so. Compared to red or white currants, black currants have a deeper root system. Bushes will bear fruit for 4-5 years (and with proper care, up to 8 years). Black currants, however, produce their full fruiting potential for a maximum of three years.

As for additional phosphorus fertilizers, they should be applied once every three years. This will be quite sufficient, but potassium fertilizers should be applied annually. Generally, the exact doses of these fertilizers are calculated based on the levels of the essential elements in your soil. Naturally, if the levels of these elements are low, you will need to increase the amount of fertilizer. However, it's not recommended to increase the amount of these fertilizers throughout the year.

About the general features of currant cultivation

Blackcurrants thrive in moisture and should be planted in sunny areas, as they don't tolerate shade well. Moist, sunny locations, largely protected from the wind, are ideal for planting blackcurrant bushes.

Red and white currants tolerate acidic soil better, but black currants are best avoided in such soil. Naturally, lime should be added during tilling before planting. The site chosen for any bush will need to be carefully leveled.

What to look for when planting

We've already written about holes 40 cm deep and 60 cm wide. These standards can be safely followed not only for blackcurrants but also for other varieties. Be sure to mix the bottom layer of soil with mineral fertilizer and simply spread it over the area.

Mineral fertilizer should be diluted with soil just enough to prevent it from coming into contact with the roots of the young bush. Place the seedling into the hole at a 45-degree angle. Then, spread the roots, cover with soil, and gradually compact the soil as you cover. Shake the seedlings gently during planting to help distribute the soil more evenly in the spaces between the roots. Remember, to ensure rapid root growth, currants should be planted at a depth of only 8 cm.

These are the basics of planting currant bushes and caring for them. Generally speaking, these bushes aren't particularly low-maintenance. As for blackcurrants, you'll need to think a little about choosing a planting site: it needs to have sufficient moisture and sunlight. Otherwise, caring for the bushes is simple and straightforward. We wish you a wonderful harvest of bright, tasty, and healthy berries.