Pruning Guide: Black Currants vs. Red Currants

Introduction:

Pruning is a vital aspect of caring for currant bushes, whether they’re black or red. While both types of currants share some similarities in their pruning requirements, there are also distinct differences to consider. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between pruning black currants and red currants, helping you ensure the health and productivity of your currant bushes.

Pruning Black Currants:

1. Focus on Renewal Pruning: Black currants produce fruit on one-year-old wood. Therefore, the emphasis of pruning black currants is on renewal pruning, which involves removing older wood to make room for new growth. Aim to remove about a third of the oldest wood each year to encourage vigorous, fruit-bearing shoots.

2. Remove Suckers: Black currants have a tendency to produce suckers, which are shoots that emerge from the base of the plant. These suckers can compete with the main bush for nutrients and space, so it’s essential to regularly remove them to maintain the plant’s vitality.

3. Open Center Structure: When pruning black currants, aim to create an open center structure by removing any overcrowded or inward-growing branches. This allows for better air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of disease and promoting even fruit ripening.

Pruning Red Currants:

1. Spur Pruning: Unlike black currants, red currants produce fruit on both one-year-old and older wood. Therefore, pruning red currants involves more delicate spur pruning, where you selectively remove older wood while retaining fruiting spurs. This encourages the development of new shoots and maintains a balance between fruiting wood and vegetative growth.

2. Thin Out Branches: Red currant bushes can become dense over time, especially if left unpruned. To prevent overcrowding and improve air circulation, thin out some of the branches, focusing on removing inward-growing or crossing branches.

3. Shorten Long Branches: Red currants tend to produce long, leggy branches, which can make harvesting difficult and reduce fruit quality. To encourage a more compact, manageable bush, prune back long branches by about one-third of their length, promoting branching and fruit production along the stem.

Conclusion:

While both black currants and red currants benefit from regular pruning, it’s essential to tailor your pruning approach to each specific type. By understanding the differences outlined above and applying the appropriate pruning techniques, you can maintain healthy, productive currant bushes that yield delicious fruit year after year. Happy pruning!