PLANTING

Choose a sunny location, but avoid southern exposure and southern-facing slopes since intense sun may injure the plants. Currant and gooseberry plants will tolerate partial shade. Plant currants and gooseberries in good, well-draining soil which contains at least 2–3% organic matter. Planting on a slight slope will facilitate air circulation. Dormant, bare root plants should be set slightly deeper than they were in the nursery. Cover the plug with ½ inch of soil and do not prune.

IRRIGATION

Maintain adequate moisture levels, especially immediately following planting. Plants should receive one to two inches of rainfall or the equivalent per week, throughout the growing season. Gooseberry fruit will sunburn more easily if the soil is too dry. Planting on a slope facilitates water drainage. If you use overhead irrigation, irrigate early in the day so the plant will dry before evening. This practice will help impede diseases. Drip irrigation is the most efficient irrigation method and healthiest for the plants.

FERTILIZATION

No fertilization is required during the planting year. In the following years, apply 5 ounces of 10-10-10 per plant. Apply the fertilizer in the spring, or apply half the amount (2 ½ ounces) in the spring and apply the 2 ½ balance in mid to late summer. Don’t fertilize after July 1. Currant and gooseberry plants respond well to organic matter amendments.

CURRANT AND GOOSEBERRY PLANTS QUICK REFERENCE

Spacing

Three to four feet between plants
Rows should be at least six feet apart
Choose a sunny location, but avoid southern exposure

Irrigation

Planting on a slope facilitates drainage
One to two inches of rainfall or equivalent per week
Maintain adequate moisture, especially following planting
Gooseberry fruit will sunburn more easily if the soil is too dry

Fertilization

None is required during the planting year
In following years, five ounces of 10–10–10 per plant in spring or split with half in spring and half in summer
pH: 6.0 – 6.5