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Blackcurrants prefer a well
drained, fertile soil, in a sunny position which is sheltered from cold winds.
The site should be well worked to a depth of 25cm (10") incorporating
plenty of organic material such as well rotted manure or garden compost. Care
should be taken to pick out all roots of perennial weeds. Apply a base dressing
of general fertiliser as per the Manufacturers recommendation.
Planting should take place as soon
as possible, provided soil and weather conditions are suitable, e.g. not too wet
or frozen. Remove the protective covering from around the roots and soak in
water for 20 minutes should they appear at all dry. Dig a planting hole large
enough to accommodate roots easily and plant about 2.5cm (1") lower than it
was previously grown in the Nursery, firming the soil well. Plants should be
spaced 1.2m (4') apart, with a 1.5m (5') space between rows. Immediately after
planting, prune each root to 2-3 growth buds from the ground This will encourage
strong new growth which will carry the following seasons’ fruit.
PRUNING
In the winter, following
the first season of growth, prune to ground level all weak or damaged shoots.
Thereafter pruning should take place after the fruit has been harvested,
retaining strong new shoots that arise from the base of your bush. If new shoots
are plentiful cut out most of the old wood which has fruited otherwise remove a
third of these old branches, pruning to a strong young shoot near the base of
the bush.
It is essential to prevent the
plants from drying out in the first year. Keep well watered. It may also be
necessary to water in dry weather as the fruits begin to swell.
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