Do not rush currant trimming, but do not wait until spring either. When is the right time?

Whether you grow black currants (Ribes nigrum) or red currant (Ribes rubrum), you should not let currant bushes grow wild. Autumn pruning is a very important and determines the vitality in the next year.

Pruning, among other things, promotes the following:

• formation of new strong shoots
• reduces density
• in spring, the bush will not be weakened by trying to grow new leaves on old branches
• reduces pest and disease spread
• rejuvenates
• extends the productive life of a bush for up to 20 years
• increases productivity
• easier fruit picking

When to prune

The best time to prune a currant bush is in autumn, before the cold weather hits. That is when the leaves fall down and the sap flow stops.This is usually done in November, when the plant is preparing for the winter. Spring is not the best time as the vegetation period of currant starts early so, you can do spring pruning only until the end of February.

Photo: Pixabay

How to prune and what to watch out for

The main purpose of autumn pruning is to rejuvenate and lighten the bush. If the bush is older than 4 years, you should focus on about 6 large shoots growing from its base. If you do not know the age of your bush, then focus on the colour of the wood. Old branches have darker bark. The cut should always start at the bottom. Pruning is done on all shoots older than 5 years, even if they do not show any defects, as the yield decreases after a certain time. Also watch out for antrachnose and remove all shoots with twisted leaves!

Preview photo: Pixabay

Source: https://www.ireceptar.cz/zahrada/jak-prorezavat-rybiz-krok-za-krokem-rok-po-roce.html, https://prima-receptar.cz/jak-na-prorezani-rybizu/