How to Prune a Currant Bush
- 1). Put on your gloves. Although currants don't have thorns like blackberry bushes, the cut pieces can be sharp, and your tools are sharp.
- 2). Cut out all the deadwood, using the hand pruners. This will include the tips and outsides of the bush and, just as important, the inside of the bush and old suckers. Cut anything that has been broken or damaged.
- 3). Cut back all shoots that are older than three years. The very darkest shoots are the oldest. This should preserve the 1-year-old shoots and give plenty of branches for the next season's fruiting. You may need the saw or loppers for this activity.
- 4). Using the smaller pruners, cut out very small and weak newer growth, which is not strong enough to withstand winter and the productive cycle of spring and will weaken the entire plant. Pruning out these branches will increase air flow for the plant.
- 5). Trim the top of the bush if it is getting too tall. It is okay to keep the currant in an easily manageable shape; currants do well if espaliered or trellised.
- 6). Prune hard every December to stimulate new grow and encourage production of large fruit. Prune deadwood any time of year to keep the plant uncluttered and to facilitate air and light passage.
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