Blackcurrant Growing Instructions
Unpack straight away and, if not planting immediately place canes in a box or seed tray, surrounding the roots with moist peat. Keep somewhere cool and light.
Blackcurrants will tolerate poor drainage better than other soft fruits, but they do require organic rich soil and some shelter from the wind. Full sun is preferable but light shade is acceptable. Fleecing will be required if planted on a site prone to late frosts.
Prepare the site before planting by removing all perennial weeds and dig in well rotted manure and some bone meal or fertiliser.
Plant 5 cm (2 inches) below original soil depth and 120 – 150 cm (4 – 5 ft) apart. Cut down stems to one bud above the soil level, and in the second year before late winter cut out any low ground or weak shoots to 1 inch above the soil level.
In subsequent years cut out one third to a quarter of old shoots and clear out the centre of the bush. Remove any diseased or damaged shoots.
In spring apply a mulch of manure and high potassium and nitrogen fertiliser, at a rate of 30 g per square metre (1 oz per square yard). If manure is not available increase fertiliser and apply mulch of leaf mould or compost.
