How Far Apart Should You Plant Blackcurrant Bushes?

Space plants as close as three feet apart. Black currants are more vigorous. Space them

four to five feet apart

.

How much space do blackcurrant bushes need?

Space blackcurrant plants

1.5–1.8m (5–6ft) apart

, using the wider spacing for vigorous cultivars. Blackcurrants should be pruned straight after planting – see Prune, below. Blackcurrants generally don’t perform well in containers long term, due to their size and growing habit.

Do you need two blackcurrant bushes?

One bush should yield about 4.5kg (10lb) of fruit. Grow blackcurrants as stooled, or multi-stemmed, bushes. In small gardens, blackcurrants can be grown in containers. Plant bare-root blackcurrants in late autumn; containerised plants can be planted at any time of year as long as the soil is not too wet.

Do blackcurrants spread?

Blackcurrant varieties to try

Plants have a

slightly open, spreading habit

for easy picking.

How do you take care of black currant bushes?

Plant currant bushes in an area that gets morning sun and dappled afternoon shade. The plant thrives in rich, slightly heavy clay soils.

Provide a windbreak

. Otherwise, drying winds may reduce plant growth and fruit size.

How long does a blackcurrant bush last?

A well established blackcurrant bush can yield 10 ibs or more fruit and will remain productive for

up to 15 years

. That’s a very generous supply of blackcurrants you can make countless jars of jam from, and the fruits are also ideal for freezing, juicing, adding to yogurts etc.

Do blackcurrants fruit on old or new wood?

In short, red- and white currants and gooseberries can be fitted in around the demands of other plants and designs, but blackcurrants need a choice spot to flourish. They also

produce their fruit on new wood

rather than two-year-old spurs.

What month do you prune blackcurrant bushes?

PRUNING BLACKCURRANT BUSHES

Pruning of blackcurrant bushes is very simple. The time to prune is when they are dormant,

mid-winter to early February

is a good time for this garden job. Don’t prune for the first year of their life.

When can I transplant blackcurrant bushes?

“Blackcurrants are pretty tough Noel, so you should find they cope well with transplanting. This is best done when

the bushes are dormant between autumn and spring

, and like most plants it’s best to make sure they don’t get too dry during their first year in their new home.

Why does my blackcurrant bush not fruit?

Blackcurrants fruit on previous years’ wood, and the reason you didn’t get any fruit this year was

because the fruiting wood had been removed

. This year’s growth, though, will give you your fruit next year. So leave all new growths well alone and hopefully you will get a bumper crop next year.

How do I know when to pick blackcurrants?

Blackcurrant fruits are ready for picking in the

mid to late summer (July and August)

and are at their best about seven days after they have turned blue-black. They can be gathered individually or, if you want them to stay fresh for a little longer, you can harvest them as whole trusses.

Why is black currant illegal in the US?

The nutrient-rich berries were

banned in 1911 because they were thought to produce a fungus that could damage pine trees

. As new disease-resistant berries were produced and new ways to prevent the fungus from damaging timber were developed, some states started to lift the ban in 2003.

Can you eat blackcurrants raw?

Blackcurrants can be eaten raw

, but are usually cooked in sweet or savoury dishes. They are used to make jams, preserves, and syrups and are grown commercially for the juice market. The fruit is also used to make alcoholic beverages and dyes.

What can I feed my currant bushes?

Give them only a couple

of tablespoons of 10-10-10 fertilizer

once a year in early spring. Keep the fertilizer 12 inches (30 cm.) from the trunk of the shrub. Pruning currant shrubs annually is helpful for the plant as well in both maintaining its form and inducing a bigger, healthier harvest each year.

What should I plant next to berries?

How much sun do currant bushes need?

Currants and gooseberries will grow in

full sun to partial shade

. You will get more fruit if the plant is in full sun. Space plants at least 3 feet apart. Most currants and gooseberries are self-fruitful.