Alpine Currant Info - Tips For Growing Alpinum Currants

Alpine currants prefer full sun with moist, well-draining soil. That said, it is also possible to find alpinum currants happily growing in full shade in compacted, dry soil. Alpine currants are very adaptable and tolerate drought as well as a variety of soil conditions and sun exposures.

How do I prune an alpine currant?

For these plants, pruning should be done in the early spring, before they leaf out. Shear or prune the outer branch tips to shape and reduce the size of the plant. Repeat this pruning technique throughout the summer, as needed. As the plant matures, renewal pruning will be needed.

Can you eat alpine currants?

So the botanically versed are more often right: yes, alpine currant berry is edible.

How do you take care of a currant bush?

Quick facts

Currants and gooseberries will grow in full sun to partial shade. ...
Space plants at least 3 feet apart.
Most currants and gooseberries are self-fruitful. ...
Prune annually to remove weak or dead canes and to open up the canopy.
Expect to get fruit 1 to 3 years after planting.

What can I feed my currant bushes?

In late winter, feed with a balanced fertiliser (like Growmore) at 100g per sq m (4oz per sq yd) and place a mulch (such as well-rotted manure or mushroom compost) around the plants to suppress weeds. Avoid hoeing near the base of bushes because the hoe might cut through new shoots developing at the base.

Is Alpine currant deer resistant?

Attractive to birds and butterflies, but deer and rabbit resistant. Low maintenance, this plant has no serious insect or disease problems, but watch for anthracnose and leaf spot in wet, humid conditions.

Why are gooseberries illegal?

Complicated History. In 1911, a federal ban made it illegal to grow all Ribes, including currants and gooseberries, because these plants served as an intermediary host of white pine blister rust.

How long do currant bushes live?

Currant bushes live 12 to 15 years, so it's worth taking the time to prepare the soil properly. They need well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

Why is black currant illegal in the US?

The growing and importation of currants were banned in New York and other parts of the United States for more than half a century because they were thought to help spread a fungus that threatened the timber industry.

How do you fertilize currants?

Currant and gooseberry plants are heavy feeders. To give the plants a healthy start, work manure into the soil before planting. Annual topdressings of composted manure are beneficial as well. If plants are not vigorous, lightly broadcast about 1/4 to 1/2 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant.

Do you prune red currant bushes?

Redcurrants bear their fruit on old wood. Prune bushes by removing diseased or very old branches in winter, then prune new growth back to two buds in early summer to keep plants compact. ... Once the cordon is at the desired height, cut to one bud of new growth each year in early summer.

How do you prune currants?

Currant pruning requires the removal of the oldest wood annually in very early spring. Fruits are produced on three-year-old wood, which needs to be preserved. Broken and dead wood are removed annually and some thinning needs to take place to enhance air and light penetration.

Is Nannyberry deer resistant?

Wildlife Value: Mildly resistant to damage by deer. Birds and other wildlife are attracted to fruits and butterflies to the blooms. Larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly.

How do you plant an alpine currant?

Alpine currants prefer full sun with moist, well-draining soil. That said, it is also possible to find alpinum currants happily growing in full shade in compacted, dry soil. Alpine currants are very adaptable and tolerate drought as well as a variety of soil conditions and sun exposures.

Is Dogwood deer resistant?

Dogwood (Cornus) – Speaking of color, the bright red and yellow winter twigs of these shrubby relatives of the flowering dogwood are also ignored. Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia) – With their dramatic yellow flower clusters and large, glossy leaves, these shade-tolerant shrubs tolerate deer just as well.

Where is it illegal to grow gooseberries?

However, in areas where white pine is important, restrictions remain. Delaware, New Jersey and North Carolina prohibit the importation and culture of all currants and gooseberries. Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont allow planting in certain areas.

Can you eat gooseberries raw?

For maximum health benefits, it's best to enjoy gooseberries raw. Their flavor ranges from quite sour to relatively sweet, a little bit like slightly underripe grapes. ... Gooseberries are also used in cooked and baked dishes, such as pies, tarts, chutneys, compote, jams, and cordial.

Are gooseberries poisonous to humans?

Please note that gooseberry bushes are highly toxic to birds (and even humans) because they contain hydrogen cyanide.

Do deer eat black currant bushes?

All currants do well in shade and are not bothered by deer. They need little food or other care: Plant 'em and pick 'em.

How tall do currant bushes get?

Currant bushes (Ribes) are thornless understory shrubs, growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. They can grow 3-6 feet wide and tall, and can range in color from red, white, pink, or black.

How do you use currants?

Use them fresh in fruit salads, particularly berry mixes, or to garnish desserts with their pretty color. Black currants are also delicious with game meat, and often cooked into a simple sauce that's paired with duck or venison. White and pink currants are sweeter, more delicate, and most often used fresh.