This guide will help you learn how to grow whitecurrants. It includes the sun requirements, when to plant, feeding, and harvesting tips.
Soil
What soil is good for Whitecurrants?
Well draining soil with plenty of compost mixed in.
Position
How much sun do Whitecurrants need?
Prefers full sun to afternoon shade
Frost Tolerant
Are Whitecurrants frost tolerant?
Yes, but they may need protection from severe frosts.
Spacing
How much space do Whitecurrants need?
Roughly 1m apart
Planting
When should I plant Whitecurrants?
Late autumn or early spring is the best time to transplant most dormant plants. Plants, with the exception of bare-root, can be transplanted at anytime between when the ground thaws and when it freezes (so anytime if you are in a frost free climate). However, if transplanting in the heat of summer, you'll need to be diligent in watering and provide extra shade for your plant in the first few weeks after transplanting.
Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should allow the plant to sit at the same level in the soil as it was previously. Fill the hole with soil ensuring the crown of the plant, where roots and stem meet, is level with the soil surface.
Plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.
Feeding
What do I feed Whitecurrants?
Top dress with soil around the plant with a fresh layer of well rotted compost, some potash and some organic fertiliser. Mulch well. Use an organic fertiliser through the season, particularly if leaves start showing signs of nutrient deficiency.
Harvesting
When can I harvest Whitecurrants?
Continuous harvest throughout the season when berries are white. Berries can be eaten fresh or frozen for later use.
Pests
What pests do Whitecurrants get?
Aphids, Mites, Weevils, Slug, Snail, Common Gooseberry Sawfly
Diseases
What diseases do Whitecurrants get?
Cane Blight, Gray Mold, Raspberry Leaf Spot, Spur Blight, Yellow Rust, Fire Blight, Leaf Curl, Mosaic Virus, Raspberry Ringspot, Phytophthora Root Rot
Notes
Is there anything else I need to know about Whitecurrants?
At the end of the season, prune the plant in order to remove old or unproductive wood. Open up the center to let light and air in by removing any overlapping branches, this will help prevent disease.