Common Name:
Black and Red Currant
Description:
A quick growing deciduous shrub with large attractive leaves.
Flower:
Non- showy white flowers start appearing in spring and are followed by masses of small but tasty fruit, either in black or in red.
Size:
2m x 1.5m but should be pruned to encourage new fruiting growth.
Growing Conditions:
Does best if planted in a sunny position with well draining soil that is slightly acidic. It is happy with some shade during the afternoon. They do not tolerate coastal conditions or salt sprays well.
Care:
Currants are generally hardy and easy to grow but can be prone to Aphids, Mildew and Rust. Spray accordingly with a suitable product.
Uses:
Currants are packed full of anti- oxidants, minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C. The fruit is used most commonly in jams, jellies, preserves and sauces. They are just as tasty when eaten straight off the shrub.
Comment:
Red Currants fruit on spurs of two year old shoots, so prune back half the bush annually to encourage lots of new growth.
Black Currants fruit on one year old wood so should be pruned hard every year. Remove about a third of the plant each season (after fruiting), removing dead, damaged or crossing branches. Cut back old fruiting branches to a strong bud.