How to Plant Blackcurrants in Pots

Growing blackcurrants in pots is a great way to enjoy this delicious fruit, even if you have limited garden space. With the right care, you can produce a bountiful crop of juicy blackcurrants each season. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to plant blackcurrants in pots.

Choosing the Right Container

The key to growing blackcurrants in pots is selecting the right size, type, and shape of container. Ideally, choose a large pot, at least 60cm in diameter and 60cm in height. The container should have enough drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain off. A container made of terracotta or any breathable material is ideal for growing blackcurrants.

Prepping the Soil

If you want a healthy and thriving blackcurrant plant, you need to prepare the soil. First, fill the bottom of the pot with small stones or broken pottery, ensuring the drainage holes are not blocked. Add a layer of compost, followed by a layer of topsoil. Avoid using garden soil as it may contain pests and weeds that could harm your plants. You can buy a good soil mix specifically designed for growing fruits, vegetables, and trees at your local garden center.

Planting Your Blackcurrant

Once your container is filled with soil, you can plant your blackcurrant. Gently loosen the root ball from the container, and place the root ball in the pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is at the same level as the soil. Fill the rest of the pot with soil, bringing it up to the base of the stem.

Watering and Feeding Your Blackcurrant

It is essential to water your blackcurrant plant regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent stress on the plant. Give your blackcurrant a thorough watering once a week, and ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root damage, leading to plant death. Feeding your blackcurrant is also crucial for healthy growth and fruit production. Use a good quality, high nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Pruning Your Blackcurrant

Pruning is an essential part of caring for blackcurrants. It helps to keep the plant healthy, promote new growth, and improve fruit production. Cut back the stems by half during the first winter season. In the second year, prune again, cutting back the side shoots by at least two thirds to encourage new growth. After this, remove any dead or diseased wood, and cut back any remaining side shoots to two buds each.

Harvesting Your Blackcurrants

Once your blackcurrants are ripe, it is time to harvest them. Blackcurrants usually ripen from the beginning of July to the end of August. The berries will turn black and feel soft and plump when ripe. To remove the blackcurrants from the plant, gently lift the berry cluster, and cut the stems with pruning shears.

Conclusion

Growing blackcurrants in pots is a fun and easy way to enjoy this tasty fruit. With the right care and attention, you can produce a bountiful crop of juicy blackcurrants each season. Remember to choose the right container, prepare the soil, and water and feed your plant regularly. Follow these tips, and you'll soon have a thriving blackcurrant plant in your backyard.