Guide to Sustainably Growing Redcurrants

Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by Real Men Sow

Redcurrants can be grown easily and they thrive in cool climates. They also grow well in northern and colder regions. Redcurrants are happy in the sun but can also be grown in the shade. They can be trained to form compact shapes and planted in containers. This makes them ideal for small spaces, such as balconies or patios. They can also be used to create privacy screens or windbreaks.

This is a great option for those with limited space. They are attractive and glossy, with a sweet, tangy flavor. These fruits can be eaten fresh or used to make jam, jelly, or desserts. The most popular way to eat them is to slice them up and put them on top of a piece of toast with some butter. Another way to enjoy them is to make a fruit salad with them. You can also use them to make a delicious smoothie.

Growing Redcurrants

Apart from regular pruning and feeding, redcurrant plants that are established need to be maintained. Container plants require extra attention, such as regular watering, top dressing, and repotting.  Container plants are often subject to more stress than plants growing in the ground because they can dry out more quickly and are more susceptible to temperature extremes. For these reasons, it is important to water container plants more frequently than plants growing in the ground. Top

Planting Redcurrants

Redcurrants can either be grown as open-centered shrubs or in space-saving multi-stemmed or single-stemmed cordons. You can also grow them as standards.

They look like lollipops with bushy heads and tall stems. These plants are typically purchased ready-trained using grafted or budded plants with a clear trunk of between 1-1.2m (3 1/2-4ft) in height. They can be planted in large containers or on the ground.  The size and shape of the container will determine how often you will need to water your tree. If you plant your tree in a pot that is too small, you will need to water it more often. If you plant your tree in a pot that

Where to plant

Redcurrants can tolerate all soil types, but they prefer moist, well-drained soil. They thrive in the full sun. However, they can also be grown against a north-facing wall in the shade. This will cause the fruit to ripen later and taste less sweet. They prefer a protected site away from strong winds. However, it is best to avoid planting in frost pockets, as they can be damaged by late frosts.

You can also plant cordon redcurrants in large containers, at least 45cm (18in wide). You can fill the container with organic compost but Multi-purpose compost is also acceptable.  Be sure to pack the compost in tightly so that there are no air pockets. You can also add a layer of gravel on the bottom of the container for drainage.

How to plant

Plant bare-root redcurrants between November and March. Redcurrants grown in containers can be planted throughout the year, but they will do best if planted in autumn and winter.  This is because the cooler temperatures are easier on the plants, and they have a chance to establish themselves before the heat of summer arrives. You can still plant in spring and summer, but you will need to be more diligent about watering and protecting your plants.

Bushes: Space 1.5-1.8m (5-6ft apart).
Cordons: Space 38-45cm (15-18 in apart)

Cordon plants require support. This should be done before or during planting. This usually involves a series of horizontal wires that are spaced 60cm (2ft), and 1.2m (4ft)apart, and attached to posts, a wall, or a fence. To support the main stem, insert a bamboo cane measuring 1.7m (5 1/2 feet).

General Care

Watering

Redcurrants that have been planted recently should be watered in dry conditions. However, plants that are established will not need to be watered as often. Plants in containers should be watered regularly throughout the growing season, as the compost can dry quickly.

To ensure that the roots of potted plants don’t get rotted in winter, stand them on bricks or feet to drain excess water.  By doing this, you are ensuring that the roots are not sitting in water, which can cause them to rot. Allowing the roots to drain will also help to prevent root rot.

Feeding, mulching, and repotting

Redcurrants that are growing in the ground should be fed with Vitax Q4 (a high-potassium general fertilizer). Sprinkle one and a quarter cups per square meter/yard all around the base. To discourage weed growth, add a mulch made of garden compost or well-rotted farmer’s manure.  This will help to keep the weeds at bay and will also provide essential nutrients to your plants.

From late winter through early spring, feed your plants every fortnight with liquid fertilizer. Next, every spring, remove the top few millimeters of compost from the plants and add a mixture of controlled-release fertilizer and potting compost. Repot containerized plants every three years after removing one-third of the roots and compost.

Pruning

If you are limited on space, trained redcurrants such as single-stemmed and multiple-stemmed cordons or standards are the best choice. You will have a better harvest if you have more space. This is because you can grow a goblet-shaped bush that’s open-centered and has eight to ten branches. The stem should be between 10-15 cm (4-6in) high.  The bush should be full and have a lot of leaves. The leaves should be green and healthy looking.

The bush should be well taken care of, with regular watering and trimming. It should be free of pests and diseases. The leaves should be a deep, rich green, and the bush should be full and lush. The plant should be vigorous and healthy, with no signs of pests or diseases. The leaves should be a deep, rich green, and the bush should be full and lush. If the leaves are yellow or the bush is sparse, this could be a sign of a problem. Inspect the plant carefully for any signs of pests or diseases.

Established Bushes

Remove any dead wood or low-lying shoots in winter. Next, spur prune any side-shoots to one to three buds at the base. Reduce branch tips by half and cut to an outward-facing bud.

To keep your plants compact, you should prune any new growth to just two buds in the early summer. If the branches are bent, leaders should be pruned to two buds facing outward. In that case, they should be cut to upward-facing ones. Fruit should not be removed by this pruning, since fruit grows mainly from the older wood and not the current season. This means that if you want to have a fruitful tree, you need to be careful not to remove too much of the older wood.

Cordons in Year One

When planting, trim the tip by one-quarter, so that it is just above a flower bud. Side-shoots less than 15cm (6in) above the ground should be removed. Additionally, you should reduce all side-shoots and young buds to just one or two buds. This will help the plant to focus its energy on the main stem, which will result in a stronger, healthier plant. The plant will be able to put all of its energy into growing the main stem, which will make it taller and healthier. The leaves will be able to get more sunlight, and the roots will be able to grow deeper into the ground.

This will allow the plant to get the nutrients and water it needs to grow. The plant will also be able to produce more fruit and flowers.  By giving the plant the care it needs, you are helping it to reach its full potential. In turn, the plant will provide you with beautiful blooms and delicious fruit. The plant will also help to purify the air in your home and can even boost your mood.

Established Cordons

Cut new growth on the main stem vertically by 25% of the previous year’s growth or half if it is very weak. To keep the growth straight, cut the bud to the opposite side of the previous year’s.  This will help the plant to grow in the desired direction, and will also prevent the plant from becoming too top-heavy.  This is especially important for tall plants, as they are more likely to fall over if they are not supported. By staking the plant, you are ensuring that it will have a strong support system that will help it to grow tall and strong.

Once the cordon reaches the desired height in early summer, trim the cordon to one bud each year. To create a fruiting spur, prune the shoots starting at the main stem to one branch. This will encourage the plant to produce fruit rather than just leaves. You can do this by cutting back the shoots to about 6 inches. This will allow the plant to put all of its energy into producing fruit, rather than just leaves.

Propagating

Redcurrants can be propagated by using hardwood cuttings that are approximately 30cm (1 ft) in length. Prunings should also be taken from young plants and not older plants as they could carry disease. It’s important to be careful when pruning, as you don’t want to damage the plant. Make sure to sterilize your pruning tools before each use. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and pests. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth, so be sure to prune regularly. Pruning can also help to shape the plant, so if you want your plant to have a certain look, be sure to prune it accordingly.

Pruning is an important part of plant care, as it helps to shape the plant and control its growth. By pruning, you can encourage your plant to grow in a certain direction, or you can control its size. Pruning can also  help to shape a plant, by controlling where new growth occurs. By selectively pruning away certain parts of the plant, you can create a desired shape. Additionally, pruning can help to control the size of a plant. By removing excess growth, the plant will be a more manageable size. Pruning can also help to encourage new growth, and can be used to improve the plant’s overall health.

Harvesting Redcurrants

Redcurrants can be picked from the beginning of summer. To harvest, cut clusters of berries from the stem, taking care not to damage the plant. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp thorns. Redcurrants can be eaten fresh, used in jams and jellies, or frozen, provided they are richly coloured and firm. Use whole trusses or strings immediately or let them rest for a few days in the fridge. You can also freeze the trusses by placing them in bags. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from going bad. You can also use this method to store other fruits and vegetables. This is a great way to make sure your produce lasts as long as possible. By storing them properly, You can extend their shelf life and enjoy them for longer. Here are some tips for how to store produce so it stays fresh:

-For leafy greens like spinach and kale, remove any excess moisture by gently patting them dry with a clean towel. -Place herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint in a glass of water, then store them in the fridge. -Wrap celery, broccoli, and asparagus in damp paper towels

Real Men Sow
Real Men Sow

Hello, I’m Pete and I’m currently based in the west of Scotland, in a small place called Rosneath, where I’m exploring my garden adventures. I personally started gardening around 6 years ago and initially, I started out by growing my favorite fruits and berries, such as strawberries, Raspberries & Gooseberries. Since then I’ve added a lot of vegetables and working closely with my neighbor, it’s been a lot of fun.