How to Grow Currants (Red, White, and Black) in January: Tips, Advice, and Best Varieties
Introduction
Currants (Ribes species) are a highly productive and versatile fruit, perfect for adding a burst of color and flavor to desserts, jams, and savory dishes. Whether red, white, or black, these small berries are easy to grow and thrive in cooler climates, making them ideal for UK gardens. January is the perfect time to plant dormant bare-root currant bushes, allowing them to establish strong roots before spring. This guide will help you grow currants successfully, with advice on the best varieties, planting methods, and answers to common questions.
Why Grow Currants in January?
Growing currants in January offers several benefits:
- Early Start: Planting bare-root bushes in winter allows the roots to establish before the growing season begins.
- Cold Tolerance: Currants are frost-hardy and thrive in cool climates, making them ideal for winter planting.
- High Yields: Once established, currants are low-maintenance and produce abundant fruit year after year.
- Nutritional Value: Currants are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants and dietary fiber.
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How to Grow Currants (Red, White, and Black) in January: Tips, Advice, and Best Varieties
Best Currant Varieties to Grow in January
Red Currants
- ‘Rovada’ – A late-season variety with large, juicy berries ideal for fresh eating and preserves.
- ‘Jonkheer van Tets’ – An early variety with sweet, tangy berries.
- ‘Red Lake’ – A reliable mid-season variety with bright red fruit and excellent yields.
White Currants
- ‘Blanka’ – A heavy-cropping variety with large, translucent berries and a mild flavor.
- ‘White Versailles’ – Known for its sweet, aromatic fruit, perfect for desserts and garnishes.
- ‘Primus’ – A late-maturing variety with delicate, pale berries.
Black Currants
- ‘Ben Lomond’ – A compact, high-yielding variety with sweet, tangy fruit.
- ‘Ben Hope’ – Disease-resistant and vigorous, producing rich-flavored berries.
- ‘Big Ben’ – A modern variety with exceptionally large and juicy fruit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Currants in January
1. Choose the Right Growing Location
- Currants thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Select a sheltered spot with well-drained, fertile soil.
2. Prepare the Soil
- Remove weeds and enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
- Currants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).
3. Planting Bare-Root Currant Bushes
- Timing: Plant bare-root bushes in January while they are dormant.
- Spacing: Space bushes 1.2–1.5m (4–5 feet) apart to allow for proper air circulation.
- Depth: Dig a hole large enough to spread the roots. Plant slightly deeper than the previous soil mark on the stem to encourage strong shoots.
4. Watering and Mulching
- Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
- Apply a 5–7cm (2–3 inch) layer of mulch, such as straw or bark, to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Supporting the Bushes
- Black currants grow as open bushes, while red and white currants can be trained as cordons or grown as bushes.
- For cordons, use a post-and-wire system for support and shape.
6. Pruning and Maintenance
- For newly planted bushes, prune back stems to around 15–20cm (6–8 inches) above ground level to encourage branching.
- For established plants:
- Red and White Currants: Prune in winter to maintain an open structure, removing weak or overcrowded shoots.
- Black Currants: Prune older wood (more than 3 years old) to ground level to encourage new growth.
7. Provide Frost Protection
- While currants are hardy, you can add fleece or extra mulch to protect young roots during severe frosts.
Caring for Currants as They Grow
- Weeding: Keep the base of the bushes weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after flowering to encourage healthy growth and fruiting.
- Watering: Water consistently, especially during flowering and fruiting stages, but avoid waterlogging.
- Pest Control: Monitor for pests like aphids, sawfly larvae, and currant blister mites. Use organic sprays or companion planting to deter pests.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Growing Currants
1. Can I plant currants in January?
Answer: Yes, January is an excellent time to plant dormant bare-root currant bushes, allowing them to establish before spring.
2. How long do currants take to grow?
Answer: Currants planted in January will produce small yields in their second year and full crops by the third year.
3. Can I grow currants in containers?
Answer: Yes, compact varieties like ‘Ben Lomond’ or ‘Blanka’ grow well in large containers. Ensure the pot is at least 40cm (16 inches) deep with good drainage.
4. How often should I water currants?
Answer: Water thoroughly after planting and consistently during dry spells, especially in spring and summer.
5. Do currants need full sun?
Answer: Currants grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially red and white currants.
6. How do I prune currants?
Answer: Prune red and white currants in winter to maintain an open structure. For black currants, remove older wood annually to promote new growth.
7. How do I prevent pests on currants?
Answer: Use netting to protect fruit from birds and organic sprays to deter pests like aphids and sawfly larvae.
8. When are currants ready to harvest?
Answer:
- Red and White Currants: Harvest in mid-summer when berries are fully colored and translucent.
- Black Currants: Harvest in late summer when berries are shiny, plump, and easy to pull from the stem.
9. How do I propagate currants?
Answer: Propagate currants by taking hardwood cuttings in winter or layering low branches in soil to form new plants.
10. How do I use currants?
Answer: Currants are versatile and can be used in jams, desserts, sauces, cordials, or eaten fresh.
Conclusion
Planting currants in January is a simple way to prepare for an abundant summer harvest. With varieties like ‘Rovada,’ ‘Blanka,’ and ‘Ben Hope,’ you can enjoy a range of red, white, and black currants for fresh eating, preserves, or baking. By following these tips and advice, you’ll grow healthy, productive bushes that reward you with delicious fruit year after year. Start planting now and look forward to a fruitful season!
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