How to Grow Currants and Gooseberries

PLANTING

Choose a sunny location, but avoid southern exposure and southern-facing slopes since intense sun may injure the plants. Currant and gooseberry plants will tolerate partial shade. Plant currants and gooseberries in good, well-draining soil which contains at least 2–3% organic matter. Planting on a slight slope will facilitate air circulation. Dormant, bare=root plants should be set slightly deeper than they were in the nursery. Cover the plug with ½ inch of soil and do not prune.

IRRIGATION

Maintain adequate moisture levels, especially immediately following planting. Plants should receive one to two inches of rainfall or the equivalent per week, throughout the growing season. Gooseberry fruit will sunburn more easily if the soil is too dry. Planting on a slope facilitates water drainage. If you use overhead irrigation, irrigate early in the day so the plant will dry before evening. This practice will help impede diseases. Drip irrigation is the most efficient irrigation method and healthiest for the plants.

FERTILIZATION

No fertilization is required during the planting year. In the following years, apply 5 ounces of 10-10-10 per plant. Apply the fertilizer in the spring, or apply half the amount (2 ½ ounces) in the spring and apply the 2 ½ balance in mid to late summer. Don’t fertilize after July 1. Currant and gooseberry plants respond well to organic matter amendments.

 

CURRANT AND GOOSEBERRY PLANTS QUICK REFERENCE

Spacing

  • Three to four feet between plants
  • Rows should be at least six feet apart
  • Choose a sunny location, but avoid southern exposure

Irrigation

  • Planting on a slope facilitates drainage
  • One to two inches of rainfall or equivalent per week
  • Maintain adequate moisture, especially following planting
  • Gooseberry fruit will sunburn more easily if the soil is too dry

Fertilization

  • None is required during the planting year
  • In following years, five ounces of 10–10–10 per plant in spring or split with half in spring and half in summer
  • pH: 6.0 – 6.5

Weed Control

  • Cultivation by scuffle hoe or manual weeding is needed
  • Mulch will assist with weed control
  • Straw, sawdust, or woodchips can be applied at two to four inches
  • Contact a local extension before using chemicals

Pruning

  • Black currants have different pruning needs from red currants and gooseberries. See pruning guides for specific techniques.

Special Considerations

  • Black currants produce better with two or more varieties.

Download Nourse Farms' Growing Currants and Gooseberries Reference Sheet.