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Fruit & Orchards

Currant bush didn't do too well...

12 years ago

Hello all,

We planted a red currant bush back in May, I believe, and it didn't do so hot this year. It didn't get any new growth on it, minus a couple of small stems at the base of the plant, that grew to an inch or two. The leaves on the plant developed spots all over, most likely due to some nutrient deficiency. I can get pics up later, if you'd like.

We didn't do anything to the soil other than adding some organic compound in the hole, and mulching it over.

Has anyone had problems like this, and if so, what worked to fix it? What soil ph do currant bushes prefer?

Also, one more note on the location of the planting. We planted it next to what looks like an old, rusty, pipe, maybe 4 inches in diameter, which is, itself, sitting in concrete. Not sure why we did that. Do you think anything has leached out into the soil and is affecting the currant bush?

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Comments (5)

brookw_gw
12 years ago
Consider yourself fortunate. I lost 10 newly planted currants and 15 gooseberries this year. Most drowned, but others succumbed to the later heat and drought. Growing ribes here has become a real challenge. I'm convinced they only do well in shady spots, not full sun. They also like cool feet and should be mulched heavily. Good pruning also helps them along. I find good growth usually comes after the second and third year. The leaf spots you have are most likely a fungus. I wouldn't worry about it--especially at this time of year. Clean up the area well when all the leaves are gone and hope for more moderate weather. I doubt the location next to the pipe matters.
mrsg47
12 years ago
Hi I have been growing currants for years and have all colors. Red are some of the easiest to grow. Did you mulch it? That is important. Also weeding your currant. I know we all had a lot of water this spring, but many currants Like mine, look rather dead right now but they are not. If you look closely and see tiny brown buds on the stems that means it has already set its leaves for next year. Wait until next spring and if there are no signs of growth start again. They are a great fruit to grow. Also next spring move your currant plant to an iron free pipe dripping area if possible. If there is another heat-drought situation, hand water. Nothing lives without water. Mrs. G
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cmonkey
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you for your replies, this is turning out to be a great site.

Yes we have it mulched, and fairly well weeded. The grass is encroaching, I'll have to take care of that before spring, and put down a more solid border than just the mulch.

Here is what the currant bush looks like...it has one leaf left, the rest is just a stick, since it's fall. I wasn't able to really see any brown buds, but I may have to look again.

Does that look like something I need to take care of? (the brown spots on the leaf)

{{gwi:125038}}
mrsg47
12 years ago
If the twig on the left is also part of the same bush, look closely and you will see the tiny brown buds that are set for next spring. Also there is one below the leaf. It appears to look just like mine (mine are taller!)but that is how they should look this time of year. Black currants lose their leaves later. Good luck and look for leaves in the spring!
cmonkey
Original Author
12 years ago
Oh I see them now, thank you for your help. :)

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