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MeliMelo · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Fartown Co Galway

Hello Everybody,

I need to pick up your brain concerning my black and red currants, I've planted a few almost 4 years ago, and I've never pruned them Shocked

, although I had a very good harvest last year I am now wondering how I should take care of them, is it too late in the year already or am I still on time to prune them ? Also could you tell what branches I should get rid of? I read a few things on this topic but I don't really understand the process Rolling Eyes

Thanks for your help
MeliMelo

phil · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 3:06 pm Post subject:

Blowin is the expert on these things but as he is busy here go's.
Cut the leading stem back by about half and the side shoots to two or three healthy buds.Any weak or dead stems cut right back.

blowin · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:20 pm Post subject:

As I get older and perhaps a bit wiser I realise that I am not an an expert on anything !
Black and Red currants are diffferent species ( apart from the obvious colour of berries) and require totally different pruning techniques .
Basically you can cut the Black back as hard as you like -- to open up the bush to encourage fruiting , ripening and ease of picking . Best to do this between Autumn and early Sring but it is not critical . Poke the hard or semi-hard wood cuttings into any half-way decent soil and they will take root and grow into strong new bushes . A lot of good compost or manure helps but is not essential .
Red Currants are a lot more tricky . I have managed to kill most of mine . Laughing

phil · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:42 pm Post subject:

All mine are still alive,so its up to you MeliMelo.

wayland · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 1171 Location: Campile. Wexford

I am probably wrong but I treat all the currents all the same. I try to get max light into the centre of the bushes by pruning any branches that are not growing out wards. Any that cross the centre are removed as are any branches that rub another branch. I prune to an outward facing bud and If the bush requires it I may well prune over half of the old wood to encourage new young growth. It may well be a good idea to grow soft fruit as standards to make weeding easier. Any pruning should only be done when the bushes are dormant, or they may bleed to death. Good luck.
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phil · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:34 pm Post subject:

If the bush is healthy and your getting plenty of fruit you can't be doing anything wrong.