Pruning Redcurrants and Blackcurrants

When to prune? Why?

• When to prune?

Pruning of redcurrant and blackcurrant bushes should be done in winter, when there’s no frost, ideally around February.

• Why prune?

Pruning redcurrant or blackcurrant bushes is important. Whether it’s blackcurrants or redcurrants, the most fruitful branches are those that are 2-3 years old. It’s therefore necessary to remove the oldest branches and encourage new shoots to develop. Furthermore, a well-aerated bush will reduce the risk of disease and make harvesting easier.

The size of the blackcurrant bush or Ribes nigrum

• Use secateurs or a lopper that is clean and disinfected.
• In the first year after planting, prune branches back to 2 or 3 buds to encourage the formation of a bush with around a dozen branches.
• From the 3rd year after planting, prune annually by cutting 3 to 4 of the oldest stems (5 or 6 years old) right back to ground level. These stems are easily recognisable as they are darker, almost black. Remove any dead or crossing branches at the base. Open up the centre of the bush to allow air and light to circulate while maintaining a balanced shape. The blackcurrant bush should retain around a dozen branches.

The size of the redcurrant bush or Ribes rubrum

• In the first year, prune the branches above the 2nd or 3rd bud, allowing 2 new branches to develop.
• In the second year, prune the newly formed branches above the 3rd bud and repeat this operation in the third year. This formative pruning will result in a bush with around a dozen branches. In subsequent years, cut dead branches and crossing branches back to ground level, as well as 3 to 4 of the oldest shoots (5 or 6 years old). Shorten the main branches by one third of their length, cutting above an outward-facing bud. The aim is to maintain about a dozen branches while opening up the centre of the clump to allow air and light to circulate through the middle.

To find out more...

→ Discover our complete guide on Gooseberry: planting, pruning and care

→ Discover our complete guide on Blackcurrant: planting, pruning and care