pruning red and blackcurrants

[strangeparticle]

how do you tell the differance between red and blackcurrant bushes? As they
are no longer in fruit they look the same to me I would be thankfull for any
advice as i am at a loss and they badly need pruned. (ps ive just taken over
the garden and never seen them in fruit but the previouse owner told me
about them)

[Ceitag]

strangeparticle <den...@strangeparticle.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:8svch5$nnt$1...@news7.svr.pol.co.uk...

My Black currant bushes produce new branches from the base, whereas the
redcurrant bush has a more branching habit. Also, when the blackcurrant
bushes get pruned, they smell of black currants very noticeably. Think of an
earthy smell of ribena. If you are not sure, snip one and see if you can
tell that way.

Ceit

[Denzil Roden]

Hello,
Red currants usually have a short single stem with the branches fanning out
from the top of it.
Black currants usually have a cluster of stems all starting from ground
level.
Don't apply ant wound-sealing compounds, let the wounds air dry naturally.

Red currants:
Pruning: The fruit are produced on spurs around the bases of 1-year old
shoots.
Prune in early June, by shortening all side laterals back to 5 leaves. Leave
the leaders unpruned. In the Winter cut the leaders back by half to
one-third, at the same time cut side laterals back to 2 or 3 buds. As trees
get older, worn-out branches have to be removed and new ones trained in to
replace them. If your plants have been neglected you may have to cut out
some of the oldest branches to un-crowd the bush. Aim for ten to twelve
healthy branches.
In Spring: Mulch around the trees with well rotted manure or compost and
dress with a fertiliser that is high in potash (such as a balanced
rose-fertiliser) according to makers instructions.
You may have to net the bushes to protect the fruit from birds.

Black currants:
A sharp pruning saw is essential.
Pruning: The fruit develop on last years growth. Pruning should be done
immediately after the fruit is harvested, but can be done any time before
late Winter.
Pruning is easy, just cut-out older branches right down as close to the
ground as you can. Any branches or side shoots growing at angles lower than
45 degrees to the ground should also be cut off. Aim to have 10 to 12 of the
newer stems.
Mulch, feed and protect as for red currants. Black currants are shallow
rooted so take care when weeding, a mulch helps - allowing hoeing.
Propagation: Both red and black grow easily from cuttings, just push them
into a cultivated bed and keep moist. When red currants root, rub off all
but the top 4 buds to leave a clear stem.
Good luck.

[Trevor Rimmer]

<snipped>

> Don't apply ant wound-sealing compounds, let the wounds air dry naturally.

Nice typo! I have images of the injured soldier ants being tended by
nurse ants - too much Disney, I fear.

--
Trevor Rimmer
Macclesfield, Cheshire
UK

[Denzil Roden]

Well spotted Trevor, Hee, Hee, and I did proof read it too, whoops !!

"Trevor Rimmer" <tri...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:200011120...@zetnet.co.uk...