Growing Fruit Bushes
A sunny open site is best for fruit bushes with good shelter. The ideal soil is fertile, well drained and slightly acid, though they are tolerant of a wider range of soils. Plant 1.5-1.8m(5-6') apart in the row and between rows.
Plant Blackcurrants about 2.5cm(1") below where they were planted on the nursery and reduce all shoots to one bud above soil level. This will encourage shoot growth from the base.
Plant Redcurrants and Gooseberries as they were on the nursery with a short stem before any branching. Mulch well after planting with well rotted organic matter such as manure or garden compost.
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Cultivating & Pruning Fruit Bushes
![]() After planting Blackcurrants they are reduced to just above soil level to encourage shoot growth from the base.`
In the first year of growth Blackcurrants will produce a number of strong shoots. These should be left to produce fruit the next summer. Reduce any weak shoots to 2.5cm(1") above the soil. Established bushes should be pruned in the winter by cutting out a quarter to a third of the wood each year removing the oldest branches with the least new growth, poorly placed and low lying branches.
After planting Redcurrants and Gooseberries prune the leader of each branch by half to a bud. The aim is to produce open, goblet shaped bushes on a short stem. Reduce any crossing, crowded branches in the centre to one bud. Continue this formative winter pruning each year for the next few years until the desired framework has been developed.
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