How to Grow Currant Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Currant bush is a species of small shrub that is typically found in Europe and Asia. The plant is characterized by its small, dark-colored berries which are used in a variety of culinary applications. Currant bush is also known for its distinctively sweet aroma, which has made it a popular choice for use in perfumes and soaps.

How to Grow Currant Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Blackcurrant
  • Redcurrant
  • Whitecurrant
  • Gooseberry
  • Jostaberry

Things to Know

  • Currant bushes are shrubs that produce small, edible berries.
  • Currants are native to Europe and Asia, but are also grown in North America.
  • There are three main types of currants: black, red, and white.
  • Currants have a tart, slightly sweet flavor and can be used in pies, jams, and other desserts.
  • Currants are a good source of Vitamin C and other nutrients.
  • Currant bushes are relatively easy to grow and require little maintenance.
  • Currant bushes can live for many years, and some varieties are known to produce berries for over 100 years.
  • Currant bushes are often used as ornamentals in gardens and landscaping.
  • Currants can be susceptible to pests and diseases, but there are many varieties that are resistant.
  • Currant bushes are generally hardy and can tolerate cold winters.

Related plant:
Golden Currant

How to Grow

  1. For currant bush, first step is to find a sunny spot in your yard that has well-drained soil.
  2. Then, you need to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. After that, you need to remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots.
  4. Next, you should place the plant in the hole, and fill the hole with soil.
  5. Once the plant is in place, you need to water it well.
  6. You should then mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  7. The next step is to fertilize the plant according to the package directions.
  8. Currant bush needs to be pruned yearly in order to promote fruiting.
  9. The final step is to enjoy the fruit of your currant bush!

Related plant:
Alpine Currant

Soil Condition

About soil , a currant bush does best in acidic to neutral soil, which is moist but well-drained. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot summer areas. The bush is adaptable to a range of soil types but prefers rich, loose soil that is high in organic matter.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, currant bushes need sunlight to grow. They should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. Currant bushes can tolerate partial shade, but they will produce fewer berries in shadier areas. If you live in an area with very hot summers, it's best to plant your currant bush in a spot that gets afternoon shade to protect it from the hottest part of the day.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a currant bush is cool and moist. This means that the bush should be planted in an area that receives full sun in the morning, but is shaded in the afternoon. The soil should also be kept moist, but not soggy.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. It thrives in well-drained soils with a moderate amount of water. During hot, dry weather, currant plants may need to be watered more frequently. Yellow leaves on the plant may indicate that it is not receiving enough water.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this type of plant requires a lot of nitrogen in order to produce a lot of leaves. A good way to provide nitrogen is to use a liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. For the root, this type of plant requires a lot of space in order to grow. A good way to provide space is to use a root ball that is at least 12 inches in diameter.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your currant bush healthy and producing plenty of fruit. You should prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or diseased wood, and any wood that is crossing or rubbing against other branches. Also remove any suckers that are growing from the base of the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation is by cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 cm) long and should have at least 2 nodes. Place the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep them moist until they root, which should take place in 4 to 6 weeks. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is the result of the plant's response to day length and temperature. The amount of light and warmth available during the growing season affects how quickly a currant bush grows. In general, currant bushes grown in warmer areas with longer growing seasons will have a faster growth rate than those in cooler areas with shorter growing seasons.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are the aphids, spider mites, and the whiteflies. These pests are all Saprophytes, which means that they live off of the plant's nutrients. The best way to control these pests is to use an insecticide that is specifically designed for them.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water regularly. Currant bush requires a lot of water, especially during the growing season.
  • Fertilize regularly. Currant bush benefits from a good dose of fertilizer, especially during the growing season.
  • Prune regularly. Currant bush needs to be pruned regularly to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy.
  • Place in a sunny spot. Currant bush prefers to grow in a sunny location.
  • Protect from frost. Currant bush is sensitive to frost and should be protected from the cold weather.
  • Harvest when ripe. Currant bush fruits are ready to be harvested when they are ripe.
  • Store in a cool, dry place. Currant bush fruits can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
  • Use fresh or frozen. Currant bush fruits can be used fresh or frozen.
  • Make jam or jelly. Cur

Similar Plants

  • Huckleberry bush
  • Snowberry bush
  • Salmonberry bush
  • Gooseberry bush
  • cranberry bush
  • bilberry bush
  • elderberry bush
  • whortleberry bush
  • rabbitberry bush
  • barberry bush

Source:
Red Flowering Currant - Ribes sanguineum - PNW Plants
Ribes sanguineum (Blood Currant, Flowering Currant, Pink …
Indian Currant (Buckbrush)

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category