red currant question

annie123

Any ideas why one of my red currants didn't produce anything again this year, the bush is now 3 years old not grown much only 24" tall but looks healthy.

Its in a nice sunny spot, no wind to rock the roots, not planted too deep and has been fed and watered.

confused

Janine2225

I'm sure I'll probably be shouted out by more knowledgable growers for this but have you tried cutting it down to a few inches off the ground? I had a red currant and a white currant that I left to their own devices for a few years and they were a real mess, hardly any fruit. I severely pruned them both (my mum was disgusted and told me I'd prob killed them by doing it) and I now get buckets of fruit every year. I dont really look after them as I'm supposed to still, just cut them or tie them up when they get in the way and have never watered them! They are about 6' tall now though.

The only thing I cant phathom is why my redcurrant now produces blackcurrants and my whitecurrant now grows red! Not complaining as I prefer it that way...just slightly baffled!

Hope someone that is actually good at gardening can offer more useful advice!

Lotus-eater

Hi annie, what is it near? Is it close to a tree or a hedge? Both will rob moisture and nutrients from the plant.
Sometimes though you just have to call it quits on a plant, or an area for that particular plant.

greenfingeredsteve

redcurrant grow on last years wood ,have you cut the new wood away

PharmaAl

My redcurrant took at least 3 years before it fruited, it was about to get thrown out but I had a wonderful crop this year! I think they fruit off old wood, maybe trim all the shoots off by a third so it produces fruiting spurs for next year? Good luck

annie123

Thanks for the replies.
I did give it a very light prune last year, the same as my other two (which all fruit nicely) last year, but will do it again now and clear the bit of periwinkle which has moved into the free ground space. Hadn't noticed that:rolleyes:
If it doesn't produce next year then it gets composted!

A._Badger

Have you fed and mulched it?

In Spring, a couple of ounces of Growmore or blood, fish and bone, followed by a good few inches of compost can make a surprising difference.

annie123

Just thought I'd update my post in case anyone else has a similar problem.

I think I know why it didn't flower.... I've just got myself a cheap, stick in the ground ph tester (which I ) wish I'd got one years ago, but already wish I'd spent more and got a better one, but isn't that always they way!

Its in the only bit of my garden that is very alkaline!

no idea why I have an alkaline spot but would explain why the clematis, which has its roots in the same patch, does so well, and my currant hasn't.
So will be digging it up today and moving it.

The ph variations in my very small garden are amazing, but I have found it a nice spot to go into, not far from the one that produces loads of currants and in its place I will be growing cabbages and broccoli which should be fine there.:D

hth