How to Prune a Currant Bush

Currants are favorites of wildlife and birds as well as humans. The tiny little black or red fruits are borne on rather tangled bushes with curved, maplelike leaves. The fruit is high in vitamin C and has a high pectin amount, which makes it perfect for jams and jellies. The plant grows extremely fast and the fruits generally produce on each previous year's growth. Some fruit will grow on 2- and 3-year-old spurs. You should prune currants to keep them compact and manageable and to increase fruit production. Do it in December.

Gloves
Lopper type pruners
Hand pruners
Small saw

Instructions

- 1
  Put on your gloves. Although currants don't have thorns like blackberry bushes, the cut pieces can be sharp, and your tools are sharp.
- 2
  Cut out all the deadwood, using the hand pruners. This will include the tips and outsides of the bush and, just as important, the inside of the bush and old suckers. Cut anything that has been broken or damaged.
- 3
  Cut back all shoots that are older than three years. The very darkest shoots are the oldest. This should preserve the 1-year-old shoots and give plenty of branches for the next season's fruiting. You may need the saw or loppers for this activity.
- 4
  Using the smaller pruners, cut out very small and weak newer growth, which is not strong enough to withstand winter and the productive cycle of spring and will weaken the entire plant. Pruning out these branches will increase air flow for the plant.
- 5
  Trim the top of the bush if it is getting too tall. It is okay to keep the currant in an easily manageable shape; currants do well if espaliered or trellised.
- 6
  Prune hard every December to stimulate new grow and encourage production of large fruit. Prune deadwood any time of year to keep the plant uncluttered and to facilitate air and light passage.

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