Currant: cultivation and care, in principle, will be very similar for any variety. But, in general, the process is largely similar. It will be important to plant the bush correctly, providing it with all the necessary conditions. The first couple of years will require careful and attentive care. Then, with minimal care, you can get a wonderful harvest all year round.
Black currant
When do landing pits under the bush, you already need to make fertilizer. Currants need to be planted in the fall. The best period would be the end of September or the very beginning of October. But the pits need to be prepared two weeks before the landing is planned. The width should be about 30 cm, you can make up to 60 cm. As for the depth: in the region of 30-40 centimeters for each bush.
When digging a hole, we carefully remove the top layer. It is a fertile layer, so it must be preserved. As for the rest of the land, it can simply be evenly distributed over the site. When the pit has reached the required depth, then the fertile layer set aside at the very beginning should be laid out in it. Also pour in fertilizer.
The roots of a blackcurrant shrub sapling need to be deepened by no more than 10 centimeters. Thanks to this trick, it will be possible to ensure the rapid emergence of additional roots and the activation of additional growth points. Once the bush is planted, it must be abundantly watered: three liters of water will be quite enough. It remains only to pour out a layer of compote or humus up to five centimeters thick on the very surface.
About other types of currants
As already mentioned in this article, growing currants depends on its variety. Although, it does not depend much. If we compare black currants with red or white, then we need to note a deeper root system of the last fruits. The bushes will bear fruit for 4-5 years (and with good care up to 8 years). As for blackcurrant, it bears fruit in full force for a maximum of three years.
As for phosphorus supplemental fertilizers, they must be applied once every three years. This will be quite enough, but potash fertilizers are introduced every year. In general, the exact doses of these fertilizers are calculated depending on how many necessary elements for growth are contained in your soil. It is clear that with a low content of such elements it will be necessary to increase the amount of fertilizer. But, the amount of applying these fertilizers during the year should not be increased.
About the general features of growing currants
Black currant loves moisture, you also need to plant it on the bright side of the plot, because it does not tolerate the shadow. For planting shrubs of black currant, you can choose moist and lit places, largely protected from the wind.
Red and white currants are more resistant to acid soil, but black currants should not be planted in such soil. Of course, lime is added when digging the ground before the bushes are planted. The place chosen for planting any bush will need to be properly leveled.
What to look for when landing
We already wrote about pits 40 cm deep and 60 cm wide. You can safely adhere to these standards not only for black, but also for other types of currants. It will be necessary to mix the lower layer of soil with mineral fertilizers and just scatter around the site.
Mineral fertilizers need to be diluted with soil so that they do not touch the roots of a young bush.The seedling must be brought into the pit at an angle of 45 degrees. Then spread the roots, cover with earth and, even when falling asleep, gradually compact the soil. During planting, you need to shake the seedlings a little, which will help the earth to more evenly distribute in the free space between the roots. We remind you that for the rapid growth of additional roots, it will be necessary to plant currants to a depth of only 8 cm.
These are the highlights how to plant currant bushes and how then to care for them. In principle, the bushes do not belong to any unpretentious. As for black currants, you will have to think a little about choosing a place for planting: there should be enough humidity and sunlight. The rest of the care for the bushes is simple and straightforward. We wish you a wonderful harvest of bright, tasty and healthy berries.
Autumn currant pruning scheme for beginners
Currant care in autumn and preparation of bushes for winter
It's time to feed the currants - the best feeding
Spring treatment of currants from pests and diseases