How to Prune Currants | Harvesting Black Currants | How to Prune and Harvest Currants

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The currants are ready to harvest! 

How to Prune:
We are going to show two ways to harvest your currants as well as how to save time by pruning or trimming your blackcurrants at the same time as picking currents. We will aim to cut out a third of the growth (the oldest canes), trim any horizontal branches and clear the weakest currant canes. Pruning is necessary to allow space for new growth as well as creating a more productive plant. By cutting out old and weak growth you allow more air circulation and sun which will minimize disease and promote fruit ripening. Be sure to prune late summer through early spring at the latest before new growth appears. This will encourage higher fruit production. Your mature currant bush should have 9-12 canes after pruning is completed. Fruit is produced on canes 1-3 years old, anything older should be removed. Currants can be harvested by cutting from branches, removing single berries, or pruning the cane holding the currants. 



When to Harvest:
Pick currants when they are deep in color and slightly soft to touch. If they begin falling off plant, they are overripe and need to be harvested immediately. Store in refrigerator until ready to process fruit. Berries of any ripeness can be used for wine, but only full ripe currants should be used for jam.

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