Currant or Gooseberry Shrubs in Tennessee

Currant Bushes

• Growing in multi-stemmed cane groupings that can spread to 5 feet, currants produce small flower clusters on 5- to 6-inch stems called strigs. Pollinated by insects, they create petite, translucent red, pink, white or black berries that typically ripen mid-June to early July in Tennessee. While the black currant (Ribes nigrum) has pale green leaves, the other three types generate deep blue-green leaves. Black currants are also self-sterile, needing another cultivar for cross-pollination. Reaching full production in roughly four years, currant bushes typically produce 3 to 4 quarts of fruit per plant, according to the University of Kentucky.

Gooseberry Bushes

• Somewhat smaller in height than the currant – typically reaching only 3 feet at maturity -- the gooseberry makes up for its smaller stature with a spread that often extends to 6 feet. The thorny, weeping stems of the American gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum) take root wherever they make soil contact, making them potentially invasive. They produce perfectly round fruit, up to ½ inch in diameter. The cane tips of the European gooseberry (Ribes grossularia) do not root in the soil and can create fruit as large as a small plum under ideal growing conditions. Both types have shallow root systems easily damaged, deeply lobed leaves and are self-fruitful. Expect roughly 4 to 5 quarts of green, red or pink berries per plant.

Growing Tips and Plant Care

• Set currants and gooseberries in the ground in the late fall or early spring when they are dormant with no active leaf growth. Select a site with well-drained soil that receives partial afternoon shade. Leaves burn easily during Tennessee’s warm summers when temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Working 4 ounces of nitrogen into each square yard of soil prior to planting, space currants 2 to 4 feet apart and gooseberries 4 to 5 feet apart. Tuck a heavy layer of mulch around the plants to keep their roots cool. In winter, side dress with compost, and remove broken or damaged branches. Prune to allow plenty of air circulation between plants for healthier growth. The University of Kentucky recommends watering deeply during June and July to avoid water-stress and to increase fruit size.

Pests and Diseases

• Currants and gooseberries in Tennessee are plagued by few serious pest or disease problems, but can cause serious problems for white pine trees. As hosts of white pine blister rust, they can pass this deadly disease on to the trees. The problem was significant enough that the federal government banned the propagation of all currants in the 1900s, only legalizing them again in 1966. To protect the trees, maintain a distance of 1000 to 3000 feet from white pines, or plant disease-resistant cultivars. Cultivars identified by the University of Kentucky as being resistant to both white pine rust and powdery mildew include “Titania,” “Viking” and “Primus.” Gooseberry cultivars resistant to both rust and mildew include “Hinnomaki Red,” “Amish Red” and “Poorman.” Keep weeds under control with regular, shallow cultivation. Fruits ripen over a two-week period, typically mid- to late June. Mature bushes typically produce fruit for 15 years or more.