Currant plant
Currant plant care and Growing Tips at terrace Garden
Currant plant are very similar to blueberries and have an acidic and sweet taste. It is perfect for making jams and fruit salads and used as a garnish for desserts. While it is impossible to find fresh currant plants all the time in different regions, so growing your own currant plants is often a valuable alternative. The best currant varieties have maple-like leaves and attractive flowers, making them a must-have in the edible landscape. They are one of many perennial crops that can withstand moist areas.
Currant Plants Overview
| Other Common Names | Ribes nigrum, Ribes nigrum L. |
| Type | Perennial Crop |
| Maintenance | Very-low |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water | Regular Watering |
| Temperature | The temperature often tops 90 f degrees |
| Soil | Well-drained soil, acidic soil |
| Fertilizer | composted material rich in nitrogen |
| Habitat | Central and northern Europe and northern Asia |
| Scientific Name | Ribes nigrum |
About Currant Plant
The tiny berries called currants are packed with lots of essential nutrition. They contain phosphorus, vitamin C, and potassium, which are not often present in any other fruit. In addition, they are other elderberries that contain protein and iron content. Currant plants have different cultivars grown in pink, red, black, and white. Pink and red are commonly used in jellies and jams. Some cultivators are pretty enough to grow in a flower border.
Some of the best currant plant varieties
White and Red Currants: White and red currants are very similar regardless of their different colors. Speaking of red currant growing conditions, it is able to tolerate a variety of soil conditions and flourish in full sun. That’s the reason why red species are always in demand more than white species.
Black Currants: This species is a vigorous and hardy plant. The black currant bush size is about 6 feet in height. Apart from requiring most temperatures, it demands medium to light soils.
How to grow currant plant?
Here are some essential tips that help grow currant plants:
- The ideal season for growing currants is early spring. But in colder regions, it may be necessary to start planting in early spring. However, currant bushes can withstand low temperatures.
- In between rooting, be sure to keep it moist and cool. Meanwhile, cut damaged roots and keep the remaining roots in water for at least 3 hours.
- Currant growing zones: Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5. Further, enrich your landscape by adding organic components such as peat, manure, or compost.
- Frequent pruning is recommended so that the further canes will grow.
How to care for currant plants?
- It is advised to mulch your currant plants annually to keep your soil moist and cool.
- Regular pruning is important in reducing disease risk, increasing fruit yield, and promoting beneficial growth habits by offering greater light penetration and air circulation.
- Pests are usually not a major concern for the plant as long as you keep it pruned and remove fallen fruit, but make sure your plant is away from currant borers, flies and spider mites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take proper care of your red currant bushes by keeping them in well-drained, moist soil and in full sun.
Currant usually takes 1 to 3 years to grow after planting. Although with regular pruning and proper care, the duration will vary.
And the answer is yes. Prune any branches that have become fruitless and replace them with a new shoot that will help to keep the shape of the bush.
Currants are thornless and vigorous and reach up to 5 to 6 feet in height.
With proper care, including fertilizing, watering, pruning and spacing, red currant bushes will last for 15 to 20 years.
Red Currants are used to prepare cocaine. Therefore, it’s unlawful to possess or grow any part of the plant in the U.S.
They thrive well in full sun but against a north, shady-facing wall.
Rich and well-drained is best for currants to grow.
