How to Prune Red Currant Bushes

Pruning for a Healthy and Fruitful Red Currant Bush

• 1

  Fill the bucket 1/2 full of water. Add 1 tbsp. of disinfectant (such as bleach) to the water.

• 2

  Dip the shears in the water to disinfect them. Disinfect the shears every time you cut a diseased branch from the currant bush. Also, disinfect the shears before moving to the next bush (if you have more than one) to avoid spreading disease from one bush to another.

• 3

  Cut diseased canes (branches) from the currant bush. Cut each cane as close to the ground as possible. Diseased canes have black patches on the bark. Remember to disinfect the shears each time you cut off a diseased cane.

• 4

  Cut damaged canes from the currant bush. Remove broken or split canes, or those damaged by wildlife. Cut each cane as close to the ground as possible.

• 5

  Count the remaining canes. If 12 or fewer canes remain on the bush, pruning is finished for the year. Remember to disinfect the shears before moving on to the next bush.

Pruning a Larger Bush

• 6

  Cut off the largest, oldest canes. Older canes have gray bark. Younger canes have brown bark. Older canes are thick, woody and dry.

• 7

  Cut away canes very close together to allow air and light to reach the remaining branches. Good air circulation helps keep bushes disease-free.

• 8

  Continue pruning until between nine and 12 younger canes are left on the red currant bush. Expect fruit on these canes this year and the next.