Seedling Currant (Red, Black or White)

Description

Due to mix-ups during rooting, Currant type will either be Black, White, or Red

Although closely related, you can easily distinguish currants and gooseberries by examining the canes and fruit. Gooseberry canes normally produce a spine at each leaf node and bear roughly grape-sized berries singly or in groups of two or three. Currant canes lack the spines and bear 8 to 30 pea-sized berries in clusters.

A mature currant or gooseberry shrub can produce up to four quarts of fruit annually. Most commercially available varieties have adequate winter hardiness for the majority of the Upper Midwest, many to USDA hardiness zone 3a.

How To Grow

• Currants and gooseberries will grow in full sun to partial shade. You will get more fruit if the plant is in full sun.
• Space plants are at least 3 feet apart.
• Most currants and gooseberries are self-fruitful. One variety will set fruit on its own.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Prune annually to remove weak or dead canes and to open up the canopy.
• Expect to get fruit 1 to 3 years after planting.
• Remember, gooseberry bushes are spiny and will become dense thickets without regular pruning.