How to cut currants in the fall scheme. Pruning currants in the fall - a scheme for beginners: how to prune bushes of red and black currants

How to prune currants in autumn, to have a good harvest will be discussed in this article. After all, currant branches must be cut in autumn period. The next season's harvest depends on this plant care procedure. If you do not follow the rules of pruning, the result may be weak fruiting.

Purpose of pruning

Before proceeding with the operation, you should understand the purpose of this procedure. The cutting technique will be different depending on the tasks:

  • Create the correct shape of the bush.
  • Free the plant from diseased and broken branches.
  • Create optimal conditions for the normal development of branches.
  • Carry out rejuvenation of the old plant.

How to prune currants in autumn so that it grows and develops correctly, we will talk further. The formation of a bush must begin in the first years after planting seedlings. It is on this that the qualitative development of the plant and its fruitfulness will depend.

At sanitary pruning remove all branches that are throughout summer season were damaged harmful insects and various diseases. As a result, a healthy bush will increase productivity.

After the procedure anti-aging pruning an adult bush produces new shoots and its productivity increases.

With any pruning method, mistakes should not be made, otherwise it will lead to diseases of the bush, uneven development and poor harvest.

Which branches should be deleted

Many young gardeners are interested When is the best time to cut currant - spring or autumn. As practice has shown, the best time for pruning a plant is autumn. However, this work must be done before the onset of frost and precipitation.

Usually, the currant pruning procedure begins in the last decade of October and the first decade of November. At this time, the plant is not so prone to disease and calmly perceives various interventions. It is important to remember that the growth that has grown out of the ground is the zero row, on which shoots of the first, second level, etc. will begin to appear in the future.

In autumn, the following branches are removed:

  • thin and broken;
  • not bearing fruit;
  • sick and damaged by insects;
  • dry;
  • growth that covers the sun's rays.

How to prune currant bushes in autumn

Autumn pruning is not so difficult, but it should be done every year. The processing of the bush should begin after the end of the summer heat. When the air temperature drops, the plant slows down its growth.

At this time, the leaves have already dried up or fallen off, but there are no frosts yet. For pruning, it is best to choose a warm, fine day so that it is pleasant to work. Is it possible to cut currants in rainy weather? Of course not. Consider scheme annual pruning of blackcurrant bushes.

First year

It is better to plant a biennial plant. You can also plant on permanent place rooted cutting. At the same time, it must be cut off, leaving only 10-15 cm.

Second year

With the onset of warm spring days, several branches appear from the ground - zero order. During the autumn pruning period, you need to choose 4-5 strong branches, from which a bush, skeletal branches will be created, you do not need to cut them. The rest of the shoots are cut to the ground.

Branches formed last year are left uncut. The only exceptions are those shoots that are damaged by diseases or pests.

Important! Do not worry if in the first year there are only 2-3 pieces among the developed branches. For a currant bush, this is normal and will not harm further development.

Third year

By autumn, a blackcurrant bush already has branches formed over the past two years, as well as numerous shoots. It is necessary to choose the strongest shoots that appeared this year.

Do I need to cut currants this year? It is enough to leave 4-5 zero-order shoots to further create a bush. These branches must have right direction growth - outward so that they do not touch each other and do not interfere with each other's development. All remaining should be cut off at the root.

In this case, all branches will be able to receive enough light and air. The pruning procedure is not complicated and even a young gardener can perform it. It is necessary to ensure that the cut is closer to the main branch, trying not to damage it and not leave a stump.

The tops of fresh shoots are not shortened this year. It is necessary to cut only those who have matured in full force, as well as the wounded and sick. Pruning should be done with clean tools to avoid infection of the plant.

Important! When pruning branches, cuts are made at a distance of 0.5-1 cm above the bud.

During the growth period, be sure to provide the bush with proper care so that the plant develops properly. To do this, throughout the season, process with chemicals or folk ways. Timely prevention will eliminate the risk of currant infection with certain diseases and pest attacks.

Fourth year

This year, caring for currant bushes is no different from the past. But now there will be more work, since the bush is already an adult. If several bushes grow in the garden, then it will be more difficult to cope, but in three years you can get used to all the procedures.

Fifth year

This year, the fruiting of the bush begins to fall. Therefore, in addition to sanitary pruning and removal of excess growth, a few more plant care operations will be added. It will be necessary to delete some branches with poor productivity. This work can be done with a pruner or lopper. In addition to unnecessary shoots of the second and third order, all broken, weak, diseased, crossing branches are removed.

Now, every year it will be necessary to remove the old branches of five years of age, leaving the strongest zero-order shoots. Such care is necessary for the plant throughout its life. adults currant bushes, formed according to these rules, have from 15 to 20 branches different ages.

Rejuvenating pruning for 5-6 years is necessary in order to increase the yield of currants. At the same time, old branches are cut at the root to stimulate the growth of young shoots. Sections are made with a sharp device 0.5-1 cm above the kidney. A cut made on the kidney will destroy the process.

It is worth noting that pruning currants in autumn both experienced and novice gardeners.

Scheme for beginners

  • During the first 5 years, currant branches are not cut.
  • On the 5th autumn, you need to cut off almost half of the branches of the bush: dry, affected by diseases and pests, broken, shading the crown. After the procedure, it is necessary to carry out good feeding for the bush, so that it gains strength for further development.
  • A year later, about 20 new shoots are left, and all other processes are removed.
  • The next year, you can already remove the second half of the old branches, leaving 10 young shoots. Branches aged 5 years and above are cut off.
  • After pruning, garden pitch should be applied to the cut points.

How to prune red currants in autumn

Despite the fact that red and black currants belong to the same crop, however, the approach to growing and caring for plants is slightly different from each other.

  • Before landing in the ground red currant cut like black.
  • In autumn, the shoots of the zero row are cut off, except for the 3-4 strongest shoots. If the plant does not branch well, root shoots only cut 1/3 of the length.
  • It is necessary to ensure that the bush consists of branches with different ages. Each branch produces fruits for 8-10 years. Red currants should have 15-20 shoots.
  • Less effort is spent on pruning this culture. The bush is not treated so carefully, as it has a less restrained growth. Therefore, excessive pruning is not needed here. Otherwise, the berries may not appear on the bush for some time or bear fruit poorly.

Watch the video! Pruning red currants in autumn

How to increase the yield of a bush

To increase the yield of currants, not only trimming the bush is required. There are other factors on which the qualitative development of the plant depends:

  • the ability to create young shoots;
  • timely awakening of the kidneys.

In order for the plant to be able to produce new shoots, the top of each branch should be cut off. Usually, pruning is done by half or a third of the branch. The cut is made with a sharp object 2–3 mm above the kidney. At the same time, it is important to choose the kidney that is directed to outside bush.

Care after pruning

Immediately after the pruning, the currant bush requires additional nutrition in order to gain strength. To do this, the soil is carefully loosened around the bush, and then fertilizers (mineral or organic) are applied.

It is recommended to apply fertilizer in the form of:

  • fresh manure;
  • potassium;
  • superphosphate.

Before the onset of frost, the ground around the currant bush is well covered with sawdust, and also better with peat up to 10 cm thick. To do this, stock up on 10 kg of mulch.

In order to prevent various diseases, the plant is treated with karbofos, but it is also possible with a solution of colloidal sulfur. The procedure must be done under normal weather conditions, without wind and rain.

Proper pruning of currants in the fall is part of the task that leads to the qualitative development of the bush, as well as to high fee berry harvest. At good care the plant will delight with delicious fruits for many years.

Watch the video! Proper pruning of currants

In contact with

Pruning currant bushes is one of the mandatory activities for the care of the culture. What does it affect? First of all - on the number and size of fruits. The overgrown bush becomes voluminous, but the yield decreases. autumn pruning has its own advantages. At this time, the plant is preparing for wintering, sap flow is suspended, so the procedure is easier to tolerate than in spring or summer. It is also important to properly prepare the culture for winter.

The technology and timing of pruning directly depend on the age of the bush. Most high performance yields give shoots whose age does not exceed 3-4 years. Branches that are older only draw food onto themselves, without giving berries, so it is recommended to get rid of them. Proper pruning helps:

  • the formation of larger berries;
  • improving the taste of currants due to better access to sunlight;
  • extension of the fruiting period;
  • growth acceleration.

The dates must be chosen correctly. Autumn pruning is best done on the eve of frost. If this is done in warm weather, the bush can grow new shoots, which then inevitably freeze out in winter.

by the most the right time for the procedure, the end of October or the beginning of November is considered. By this time, there should be no leaves left on the bush. Pruning must be carried out annually, according to a certain scheme.


When pruning currant bushes in autumn, you need to get rid of:

  • thin and weak shoots;
  • diseased and withered branches;
  • branches that do not bear fruit;
  • young shoots that thicken the bush too much.

On a note! Branches affected by any disease are cut at the root and burned.


Sections must be made with a sharp instrument, 0.5-1 cm above the outer kidney. Places of cuts must be treated with garden pitch. You can not prune on the kidney, otherwise the remaining shoot will dry out completely. Branches should be cut close to the ground. If you leave stumps only 2-3 cm high, they can start growing again, awakening dormant buds.

On a note! A perfectly even cut will be provided by garden shears; for thick branches, hacksaws with small teeth are usually used, to act in hard-to-reach places it is most convenient with a lopper. Secateurs can be called universal tool for branches of different thicknesses.

Never break off the branches with your hands and do not use an ordinary knife - after such a barbaric "pruning" the plant will have to recover for a long time.

First, dry and old branches should be cut, then unripened green shoots are removed. After that, all the branches that grow towards the center are removed, intertwined with each other, and the bush is unnecessarily thickened. At the last stage, diseased branches are removed.

According to the rules, you can not remove many shoots at a time - this will greatly weaken the plant, and it may die. It is permissible to cut no more than one third of the skeletal branches at a time.

Important! If during pruning you find that the core has a gray-black color, then the currant was struck by such a pest as a glass case. No matter how sorry the plant is, it will have to be cut very short and only shoots with a clean, light core should be left. If you did not find healthy branches inside such an instance, the bush should be uprooted.


The first anti-aging pruning is carried out in the fifth year of the life of the bush black currant. During it, half of all shoots are cut out. This number should include old, diseased and crown thickening branches. After such a cardinal pruning, you need to give the plant nutrition, this will help it recover faster.

In the next season, the 20 strongest branches are left from the growth, the remaining processes must be removed. A year later, the rest of the old shoots are cut out, and only 10 are left from the young branches. Thus, in 3 years it will be possible to completely rejuvenate the old bush. Five-year-old non-fruiting branches should be cut out completely.


At a very early stage, it is important to properly form a bush - this will help to obtain the maximum yield. The first formative pruning is carried out immediately after planting the seedling. The tops of all shoots are cut off, leaving 2-3 buds on each. To gain young bush was good, no more than 4 shoots are left on it. A two-year-old bush is recommended to be cut in mid-summer. The tops of the shoots are shortened by 10 cm - this gives the shrub new strength.

For active growth in the fall of the same year, the most powerful young branches are left, and the rest are removed. Thus, the skeleton of the bush is formed. Side branches are best removed due to the fact that they obscure other shoots and prevent them from developing. A three-year-old blackcurrant bush has 15 to 20 branches growing from the ground. Autumn pruning involves the removal of underdeveloped inferior shoots.


Even if the bush has grown well over the summer, looks healthy and strong, it still needs attention. After all, there are long cold months ahead, which are a test for all plants, and blackcurrant is no exception. If you do not provide the shrub with proper care, in the future you may encounter the incidence of the crop, reduced yield, the formation of small and sour berries.

In addition to pruning, the plant needs top dressing, moisture-charging watering and proper preparation for winter. But first you need to pay attention to the bite zone. From under the bush, it is necessary to remove fallen leaves, young twigs, remaining trimmings and various debris. All this waste can be burned, getting an excellent natural fertilizer - wood ash, which can be used for top dressing.

After the bite zone becomes clean, it is dug up to a shallow depth. Try not to go deeper into the soil layer by more than 7-8 cm, then you will definitely not damage the roots. After digging, pest larvae and pathogenic microflora will appear on the surface, which will die during the winter from frost, which will reduce the risk of shrub diseases. At the same time, the structure of the soil, its water and air permeability will improve.


The main rule when fertilizing in the fall is that they do not contain nitrogen. This chemical element activates the growth of young shoots, which in autumn months quite inappropriate. New branches that appear at this time of the year will not be able to ripen until winter and will be subject to freezing. That is why it is strictly forbidden to introduce fresh manure containing an excess of nitrogenous compounds in the fall.

Experts believe the best option top dressing mixture 1.5 tbsp. l. superphosphate and 1 tbsp. l. potassium sulfate. This amount of fertilizer is calculated for one currant bush younger than 5 years old. For older plants, double the dose.


In autumn, experts recommend watering for a successful wintering and active growth of currants in early spring. Its principle is based on the introduction a large number water that penetrates the soil to a considerable depth. In this case, the soil will freeze gradually and, conversely, remain frozen during the thaw period in winter.

This technique gives the plant the opportunity to develop suction roots and maintain a supply of moisture in case there is not enough snow during the winter and the shrub does not receive enough moisture in the spring. Moisture-charging irrigation is carried out after harvesting in September, when the bush begins to actively lose leaves. 3-4 buckets of water are poured under young bushes; for older plants, the moisture rate is doubled.

It is necessary to water currants in such a way that water is absorbed in the bite zone, and does not spread beyond it. Conduct such irrigation better method sprinkling. In doing so, take into account weather. If the autumn is rainy, the amount of moisture introduced is reduced by half, and for clayey dense soil, the rate is reduced by 3 times.


Black currant tolerates 25-degree frosts without problems, but this does not mean that it can not be prepared for wintering. After the fertilizers have been applied, it is necessary to pour soil under the shrub. The land must be fertile and fresh. It is well compacted so that even the slightest voids do not remain. In addition to the soil, half a bucket of rotted manure is mixed.

This should be done no earlier than the end of October. The manure in this case will serve as a mulch layer to help protect the roots if the frost hits too early before the snow falls. Fallen leaves, sawdust, cardboard sheets can also be used as mulch. Just do not forget to remove this “insulation” in time in the spring so that the sun can warm the earth faster with its rays.

At the same time, it is recommended to carry out preventive treatment against fungal diseases. For this purpose, currants are sprayed Bordeaux mixture in 3 percent concentration. It is necessary to process the bush carefully so that the drug gets on each branch. If at the same time the chemical saturates the earth, then nothing terrible will happen. On the contrary, there will be additional disinfection of the soil.

In those regions where frost exceeds the 25-degree mark in winter, the branches must be bent to the ground and secured. It is most convenient to group them into a bundle, cover with a board and put a few bricks on top. In the area where the temperature drops below -35 degrees, gardeners even have to dig in branches a little. It is enough to throw a layer of soil 10 cm thick on top so that the shoots do not freeze out. After the snow falls, throw it on the currant bush and compact it slightly.

Important! Do not use sheets of metal as cover. Iron has a high thermal conductivity and will transfer additional cold to the plant. Doesn't fit and polyethylene film- under it, the bush will not be able to breathe and will die.

Blackcurrant pruning in autumn: video

Competently and gradually carried out measures for the care of blackcurrants in autumn will be the key to a successful wintering of the plant and its active spring growth. If you fully adhere to the agricultural technology of culture, life currant bush can be extended for decades without deteriorating the quality of the crop.

Without annual rejuvenation, the bushes will not be able to use their full potential for abundant fruiting. And all because they are tied to last year's growth of branches, which are no more than 5 years old. That is why it is so important to remove all old, dry, damaged elements that compete with each other and interfere with the growth of new shoots. When is a plant, how to do it correctly, and are there any differences in cutting bushes and - we will talk about all this later in the article.

The benefits of pruning for currant bushes

Regular shearing of currant bushes contributes to their abundant yield. Therefore, if you want to develop with full dedication, do not run them.

Experts explain that with the regular removal of diseased, frozen, too old, dried, affected by fungi or harmful branches, a continuous process of formation of basal sprouts is started and, accordingly, the bush branches.

Only young shoots are prone to abundant fruiting, although occasionally berries can appear on old ones.

Important! With regular rejuvenation of blackcurrant bushes for 25 years, abundant fruiting is guaranteed, and on red this period is possible only up to the age of 15 years.

Shorn bushes, unlike thickened ones, receive more light, are less affected by pathogens and are much easier to care for. Experienced ones advise starting pruning on young seedlings.
The first 4 years, they provide an opportunity to develop culture and increase growth from 15 main branches. Ideally, on such a plant, 4 annual and biennial sprouts appear. It is in this form that the bush must be kept for the next 15-20 years.

When to prune currants

Removal of all unnecessary branches in the berry is recommended to be carried out in early stages. In early spring, before the opening of the kidneys, you need to carefully examine the bushes and cut off all unnecessary.

At the same time, it is important not to miss the deadlines, because it begins to bloom early, and this process lasts for a short time.
It is impossible to cut a blossoming bush, this is fraught with its depletion and a waste of nutrient resources. If you didn’t have time to complete pruning, do not forget to continue the work you started in the fall.

Did you know? Latin name "ribes" currants were given by the Arabs in 711. Then they conquered Spain and in search of their favorite rhubarb (ribas) were forced to adapt to the local plants. It was the sour currant berries that reminded them of the absent one.

Some gardeners try to carry out the main pruning of currants late autumn when the plant sheds leaves. The main thing is to be in time before frost. And in early March, dry and frozen sprouts are removed. In the 2nd decade of July, the tops are cut off on skeletal shoots. This is done to branch the bush and lay the buds of the next year, from which berries will appear in the future.

A set of garden tools for work

For cutting currant bushes, it is important to acquire necessary inventory. For professionals, an elementary garden set consists of (regular or bypass), a brush cutter, a lopper, a hacksaw, and.

Everything must be sharp. In addition, when choosing them, pay attention to the ends.

It is desirable that they be narrow and allow you to effortlessly make your way to the bases of the sprouts, without injuring the neighboring ones. It is also worth considering the weight and safety of the inventory, the convenience of its handle.
Experts strongly recommend starting pruning with disinfectant measures on the blades of the tools involved. They are sold using a weak solution of potassium permanganate or alcohol. The same procedure ends the haircut in the berry.

Important! For delicate pruning of currant bushes, you need to choose tools with a thin supporting part and sharply sharpened blades.

Pruning currant bushes depending on age

Before taking on a pruner, every gardener must understand that his main task is to develop a bush from 15 main branches that are no more than 5 years old.
Everything that is older is mercilessly removed. Such sprouts only in vain emasculate nutrient resources from the root system.

Let us consider in more detail the main nuances of pruning currants in the spring at all stages of its development with visual diagrams and photo.

The first cutting of bushes is carried out immediately after planting and consists in removing all sprouts. The cut falls just above 3 buds.
And do not worry that the plant can get sick after such a radical haircut. On the contrary, it will help proper formation crowns. And by next spring, 5-6 young branches will grow.

Pruning bushes of the second year

On the biennial plants null germs and part of skeletal ones are subject to removal. This is a very important moment, since the further fruiting of the bush depends on it.

In order not to be mistaken, always leave at least 3, but not more than 5 central branches that do not compete with each other and form the skeleton of the plant.
Choose healthy and strong sprouts, as frail and lifeless ones will do little good. They only interfere with the full development of the bush.

In July, on an annual currant bush, it is necessary to cut off the top in order to make it possible to increase not the height, but the lateral growths. In this case, the cut falls under the second kidney from above. All manipulations are aimed at the formation of new fertile sprouts.

Formative pruning 3-4 years

At the 3rd and 4th year of life, currant bushes are pruned in the same way as two-year-old specimens. Main principle The gardener's job is to eliminate all unnecessary sprouts that thicken the crown and compete with each other.

It is important to leave up to 6 central shoots. Do not allow the development of branches growing from the inside of the crown. They must be removed, as they obscure fertile growths, interfering with their vegetation.

The second haircut rule says to shorten the upper zones of skeletal and last year's branches.
Make sure that each branch has no more than 2 buds. If you do everything right, by the 5th year of life, the plant will form the correct spherical crown.

Did you know? 1 tablespoon of blackcurrants grated with sugar contains daily rate vitamin C, potassium and iron.

Currant pruning 5 or more years

Starting from the age of 5, the plant forms aging lignified branches. Therefore, he needs a rejuvenating haircut, which consists in removing dry, frozen, broken and unviable, drooping and old branches.

In order to have chic currant bushes in your garden, you need to use such a strong agricultural technique as pruning. After all, it is correct pruning allows you to optimally form the crown, increase the yield, improve the quality of the berries. In addition, with the help of cropping, it is possible to delay exposure internal parts crowns, improve their growth, fruiting and fruit quality in aging shrubs, lengthen their period of productive age. About how, when to cut currants, according to what schemes, as well as what to do with an old and neglected bush, how to care for a bush after harvesting, will be discussed in our article.

Why cut currants

The main crop of black currant is formed on branches of 1-3 years of age, for the most part on their young one-year growth. 4-year-old, and especially older 5-year-old branches give a weak growth and, accordingly, a very weak harvest, in other words, they no longer bear fruit in full force, but only suck nutrients from bush and earth. The situation is aggravated by the fact that old branches are often affected by diseases, overshadow the bush and prevent young shoots from developing.

Note! Next, we will talk about pruning nominal blackcurrant, about the nuances and differences between white and red - read in a separate paragraph.

Timely and correct pruning of currants provokes the growth of new basal shoots from the underground part of the bush, which are sometimes also called “zero” or annual ones, and also contributes to better branching of the bush on perennial branches. Thus, the constant replacement of shoots does not allow to stagnate berry bush, causing it to bear fruit abundantly every year.

Advice! In the future, when pruning currants, it will help you a lot if you know the structure of its bush.

When to cut currants in the fall: the best timing

The fact is that it is better to wait until the leaves turn yellow and fall off, so that the assimilants from the old branches have time to flow into the roots and are used by the bush as reserve nutrients in winter.

Thus, the approximate timing of pruning currants after harvesting (fruiting) is July-September, and in the fall - September-October. In the South of Russia - earlier, in more northern regions, in the same middle lane(Moscow region) - noticeably later.

When is the best time to prune - in autumn or spring

Many gardeners cannot decide when it is better to cut currants - in spring or autumn. In general, pruning can be carried out both in spring and in autumn. However, in spring the time to prune currants is noticeably less than in autumn. This is due to the fact that when spring comes, fruit buds swell very early in the shrub (in March-April), in other words, it can be problematic to be in time. If, however, pruned after bud break, then this greatly injures the shrub, which means that its fruiting will begin with some delay. Therefore, it is advisable to prune currants precisely late autumn, and in the spring to control the results.

Important! If for some reason you still missed pruning in the fall, then in principle, everything is done the same way.

How to cut currants in autumn: basic rules and recommendations

Advice! For work on pruning a bush, it is imperative to use a special garden tool (it is impossible to break off branches with your hands), namely the most common pruner. Even better, take a pruner with long handles. Each of the devices must be sharp. This is necessary in order not to provoke painful injuries.

What branches and shoots currants need to cut after fruiting (harvesting) and in autumn:


Important! If you have shortened a branch and see that in the center she has inside black hole, that is, she struck by glass, then such an escape is subject to complete removal. Although, of course, you can try to cut it to healthy wood, but most often you have to cut it completely (down to the base).

How to properly prune branches and shoots currants in autumn

  • Sick, damaged and old (4-5 year old) branches and shoots cut out completely, practically flush with the ground trying not to leave stumps.

If you leave high stumps, then in the end you may end up with a kind of "hedgehog" of stumps, but this is not necessary at all.


Thus, in the end, a 4-year-old bush should have about 9-18 zero-order branches of different ages. Classic scheme: 3-6 annual branches, 3-6 biennial branches and 3-6 three-year-old and 3-6 four-year-old branches, which you must cut.

Video: pruning currants in the fall

By the way! The tops of currants left after shortening annual branches can be conveniently used as cuttings for rooting before winter, in other words, at the same time, shrubs can be propagated using cuttings.

Video: how to cut currants in the fall

Scheme of forming pruning by years

If you are growing a shrub from scratch, planting it with an annual seedling (or), then you should adhere to a certain currant pruning scheme as it grows, or rather, form your currant bush correctly:

  • After planting a seedling- everything above 4 buds from the base of the soil is removed. Such radical pruning contributes to the correct formation of the crown. The next year, at least 4-8 young shoots will grow from the remaining buds.
  • after 1 year- pruning (more precisely, pinching) of the tops of all young branches 1/3 above the buds is carried out.
  • after 2 years- again, pruning (pinching) of all zero shoots is carried out, as well as already parts of the skeletal branches. On 2-year-old branches, you need to get rid of competing one-year growth up to a strong side branch (you need to leave stronger shoots with big amount buds) to enhance the growth of the remaining part of the branch, and for better branching, cut off all the tops of all other growths of the first and second order above their buds. This will provoke the growth of a young shrub not up, but in width.
  • 3 years later- fully correspond to pruning on a 3-year-old seedling. It is necessary to eliminate all shoots that thicken the internal branches of the bush. If all the conditions are met correctly, then by the age of 4 you will get a lush, formed shrub.
  • for 4 years and beyond- at this moment, aging growth begins to form. At the end of the season, all old branches should be rooted out. All other shoots after the 4th year of life of the plant are pruned according to the type of 2 years (3-year-old seedling). In addition, it is necessary to leave 3-6 new zero replacement shoots every year.

Important! When cutting and shaping red or white currant There are a couple of nuances that are described in a separate paragraph.

You can see an illustrated scheme for pruning currants by years in the picture below:

Video: pruning 1, 2 and 3-year-old currant bushes in autumn

What to do with an old and neglected bush - how to cut it

If you inherited an old plot, or you bought a cottage with already overly thickened currant bushes (but they are no more than 10-15 years old), which give a meager harvest, then, in principle, you can try to reanimate it by carrying out the correct rejuvenating pruning. And it is better to do it in 2 stages.

By the way! A currant bush can grow well and bear fruit normally for no more than 15 years (the maximum is 20 years). Then you need to get rid of it, and before that, propagating it in one of the vegetative ways.

Naturally, it is better to start with sanitary pruning currant bush, and then cut and all the old branches. The bush will be cleared, in other words, will be created the necessary conditions for the growth of young shoots of zero order. And already next year you can start pinch the tops of annual shoots for their better branching, that is, you will form a bush.

Differences in pruning red and white currants from black

One of the main differences in pruning white and red currants from black is the fact that the last cut off much more often. In other words, the black variety requires more control in growth and is accordingly pruned more frequently. In red and white currants, the growth zero shoots more discreet, moreover, she can normally bear fruit on 5-7 year old branches, while black is only for 3-4 year olds. Thus, if blackcurrants are not regularly pruned, then they will crush themselves with overgrown branches deep into the bush. The same applies to red and white currants, but in this case there is no such need to remove branches older than 4-5 years.

But! If perennial branches of red and white currants have an annual growth of less than 15 centimeters, then they should be disposed of. But with pruning old branches with multiple branches in red currants, you need to be careful, because. they give a fairly good harvest (unlike the black variety).

Video: pruning red currants to get good harvest

Another important difference in pruning is that in blackcurrant, you can not shorten the tops very much, otherwise you will be left without a significant part of the crop, while red and white can.

Video: what is the difference between pruning black and red currants

What to do after autumn pruning of currants

The activities for autumn care behind the shrub after harvest (in addition to pruning) also includes:

  • cleaning trunk circle from old mulch and loosening;
  • watering and fertilization;

Note! About, how to properly feed currants in the fall after fruiting, read.

  • treatment for pests and diseases;
  • shelter (mulching) for the winter.

Important! More about what and how to do in the fall in order to properly prepare currants for winter, you will learn .

It is not so difficult to prune currants in the fall, especially if you follow the advice and the proposed scheme. Over time, even novice gardeners will be able to understand and master everything.

Video: how to properly cut blackcurrant

Note! Of course, when experts show, everything seems simple and clear. But you are standing near your bush and do not know what to do, how and what to cut. Don't worry, everything comes with experience. Therefore, you need to try, not be afraid to experiment, and you will definitely succeed. Good luck!

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At the time of fruiting, young currant bushes enter after 2 or 3 years. With proper care, the yield reaches a peak by the age of five or seven, but if regular pruning of currants is not carried out in spring and autumn, plantings quickly thicken, the berry becomes smaller and becomes extremely small. natural aging bushes, which occurs in black currants on average by 14, and in red currants by 18 years, comes much earlier.

Purpose of pruning currant bushes

Properly carried out pruning of a currant bush is the key to abundant fruiting and High Quality berries. If old, damaged or vice versa young, but weak shoots are removed on time and regularly:

  • nutrients will be redirected to the ovary;
  • there is no crowding of shoots, less danger of infection with fungi and lichens;
  • plants are less attacked by pests and diseases;
  • there is a gradual renewal of the bush, the old branches are replaced by properly formed new shoots.

With the help of pruning after harvest, a good annual growth is ensured, the harvest of future seasons is laid, and adult, properly formed bushes are maintained in a fruiting state for a long time.

Annual pruning of black, white and red currants should include several stages:

  1. Pruning, aimed at the formation of a bush, consisting of no more than 20 skeletal branches of different ages, is carried out after harvest, in autumn or early spring.
  2. Spring pruning is sanitary in nature and is carried out in order to remove dry, damaged, frozen and pest-infested branches.
  3. In order for more flower buds to be planted on actively growing shoots, pinch such branches in the middle of summer.
  4. After 5–6 years, cutting out old branches is included in the pruning scheme.

Pruning currant bushes at different times of life and seasons

Currant is a rather sprawling bush, in a few years without due attention it quickly loses its shape and ability to bear fruit effectively. The branches grow so large that the shoots inside become inaccessible to the sun.

As a result of pruning, from 15 to 20 branches up to 6 years old should remain. Weak, redundant young shoots and old branches that have already become old are cut out.

But this does not mean that pruning only affects bushes six years old and older. The formation of all types of currants begins from the first year, literally from the moment of planting.

Pruning currant seedlings

To properly prune a seedling, cut off the tops of the existing shoots on the plant at a height of two or three buds. It is not worth leaving more than three or four shoots so that the buds give a strong healthy growth during the growing season.

The main amount of ovary on blackcurrant is formed on branches of three or four years, namely on short one-year-old fruitlets.

The life of these branches does not last long, after one or two harvests they die off. And in skeletal branches older than 5–6 years, fruiting fades, and the shoots gradually dry up from the top to the root.

In red and white currants, fruit buds are concentrated on shortened shoots, and the ringlets are strong enough, after harvesting they do not dry out for several years and are located on the growth line different years. Biggest Harvest should be expected from the branches of 4-6 years. The life span of bushes as a whole in this culture is longer than that of blackcurrant.

It is important to remember that using shaping, sanitary and anti-aging pruning, you can long years get a stable crop of currants and not be afraid of the appearance on the bushes of traces of diseases dangerous for this crop.

Pruning currants in the second year of vegetation

In July, in order to stimulate the formation of lateral shoots, future fruits, the existing branches are made shorter by 10–15 cm or by two buds. This technique allows you to activate the underground buds, which will give new growth this summer.

Autumn pruning of blackcurrants of the second year of life should be accompanied by the removal of fresh or "zero" shoots, except for a few of the most powerful and promising. They will become the skeletal branches of the berry bush.

If the plant has given too much growth, you should not feel sorry for it. Until the end of October, when the currant pruning takes place in the fall, the puny shoots that create a shadow and interfere with others should be cut mercilessly.

They will not have time to mature by autumn and will leave under the snow too weak for wintering. As a result, the whole plant will not receive enough nutrition, and in the process of spring pruning, frozen shoots will still have to be removed.

Pruning currants of the third year

In general, the process of pruning bushes that have already entered the fruiting season repeats the scheme of the previous year. Since quite a lot of shoots are already departing from the root, it is most important for plants that begin mass fruiting to remove weakened branches that have not received proper development, coming from the middle of the bush and capable of subsequently obscuring the resulting ovary.

One-year-old shoots are shortened in mid-July, as they were a year ago, and two to four buds are left on all branches of the older branches. Whenever a currant bush is pruned, in the spring, before the juices begin to move, or in the fall, all parts of the shoots that are dry or damaged by pests must be removed.

If diseased branches are found, they are advised to burn them. In winter, a three-year-old bush already leaves fully prepared and practically formed.

Pruning currants from the fifth year

Starting from the age of five, after harvesting, blackcurrant plants already need a gradual rejuvenation, in which branches of five years and older that have already experienced their peak fruiting are removed. They are cut out above the ground surface, capturing all the tops, shoots coming from the base.

For an adult bush, it is important to remove all dry, located in close proximity to the soil, as well as diseased and shading branches.

  • lateral branches of two-, three- and four-year-old branches are shortened so that only 2 to 4 healthy buds grow;
  • in one-year-old shoots, they pinch 10–15 cm to the bud directed upwards or towards the kidney;
  • cut out everything annual shoots, except for the three or five most promising ones.

Features of pruning white and red currants

Krasnaya and her immediate "relative" white currant have a slightly different shape of the bush. There are fewer drooping branches, so the plant's need for sunlight must be satisfied by carefully removing all shoots that shade the fruiting branches.

Yes, and the whole pruning scheme is somewhat different from the one that is carried out on blackcurrant. Flower buds in this case are laid not only at the base of one-year-old branches, but also on short perennial annelids from 2 to 3 cm long. Therefore, branches older than five years of age bear fruit on red currants, and rejuvenation for this crop is required later than for black currants, and much less frequently.

Weak branches emerging from the fruiting pore should be cut after harvesting, starting at the age of seven. But it is impossible to pinch one-year-olds in the summer of white and red currants - it is on their tops that the fruit buds are located.

The annual pruning of red currants is carried out in the spring, before the buds swell and the juice actively moves, or during the dormant period, before the onset of cold weather. As a result, from 16 to 20 branches of different ages end up in the bush, provided that from 3 to 4 of them are powerful "zero" shoots.

Note to the gardener

In autumn or summer, after harvesting, tops that are not mature and infected with diseases and pests are removed. If the shoot requires strong pruning, it is better to remove it altogether.

Branches with a hollow core require special attention. The back door deep into the escape is a sign of a glass larva, dangerous pest. Such branches are cut and burned without regret.

In summer, during flowering, you can find brushes with signs of terry. They are subject to immediate sanitary pruning with a grip small area healthy wood.

For beginner gardeners, it can be difficult to determine the age of a shoot. The bark, like wood, is always darker on older branches.

But experts advise removing not only six-year-old shoots that have become obsolete, but also all weakened, as well as clinging to the ground.

It is possible to intensify the fruiting of black currant if, during the annual autumn pruning, older branches are removed. three years, as well as those that have grown by less than 20 centimeters during the season.

Old branches should be properly cut at ground level. The maximum height of the hemp should not exceed 2–3 cm, so that not tops that have a common root with an obsolete branch grow, but underground buds start. All cuts are treated with garden pitch.

It is important to remember that late spring pruning live branches can lead to a weakening of the blackcurrant or redcurrant bush due to the abundant flow of juice.

And dead branches can and should be cut without fear in any season, with early spring before the autumn cold.

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