Such an important procedure as pruning currants is necessary primarily in order to get good yields. In addition, the size of the berries increases. Therefore, many summer residents are concerned about the question of when the currants are cut, and how to do it correctly. This event is held only in spring or at the very beginning of summer. Further in the article, we will consider in detail the ways of pruning this wonderful plant in different situations.
Pruning currants
The question of when the
currants are cut for the first time is nothing complicated for experienced summer residents. Do this immediately after planting the bushes. Each twig needs to be cut so that it leaves about 3-4 buds. The fact is that after carrying the plant from the nursery to a permanent place, the balance between the mass of the root system and the green aboveground part is disturbed. As a result of the measure taken to shorten the branches from the roots, shoots begin to grow actively. In this case, in the future, you can get a healthy, strong and well-bearing bush.
Young bushes require similar care in the second year of growth. In this case, the question of when the currants are cut, should also not cause any difficulties. Do it strictly in the spring. At the same time, all underdeveloped shoots, as well as young shoots, are completely removed.
In the third and fourth year, pruning is carried out mainly with the aim of forming a neat bush. Branches of varieties that poorly give lateral shoots are shortened by a third of the length. Well-branched species are not trimmed at all. The only thing to do in the latter case is to remove damaged ends or poorly developed branches.
Trimming rules for an adult bush
Next, consider how to prune black currants if the bush is already formed. A 5–6-year-old plant with 15–20 well-developed branches is considered an adult. Such a bush already requires annual maintenance. Remove all branches growing inside the bush. If there are crossed shoots, one of them should be cut. All old branches are also cut. They can be identified by a darker crust. Each of them is removed in such a way that no hemp remains.
After removal, a new young shoot will begin to grow in their place. Of these new shoots, 3-4 of the strongest are left. In currants, biennial branches best bear fruit.
The answer to the question of when the currants of this age are cut is also extremely simple - only in the spring. The fact is that with early autumn pruning, the bush can give a new shoot that will freeze in the winter, begin to rot and can infect the entire plant. At a later time, the tips will be seized by frost, and they will still have to be removed in the spring, thereby doing double work.
Rejuvenation of the old bush
Currant bushes, which are already about fifteen years old, should be rejuvenated. Do it gradually over a period of three years. In the first year, a third of all branches are cut, and to the very bottom. After new shoots appear, only three of the strongest leave from them. The following year, the procedure is repeated. They do the same in the third year. Thus, the entire bush is updated. That currant, which has already turned 20 years old, is not subject to renewal. Such bushes are uprooted and new ones are planted in their place.
So, we hope that we answered your question about when you can cut currants. Do it in the spring, forming a bush and updating branches.