
A Brief History
Black currants have deep cultural and medicinal roots, especially among First Nations peoples who recognized their healing potential for centuries. Historical mentions date back to the 1400s, with widespread use noted in European medicinal texts by the 1600s. Despite their early acclaim, black currants didn’t gain popularity as a home garden fruit until the early 2000s.
Red and white currants were accepted into European gardens as far back as the 1500s, gaining steady popularity through the 1800s and early 1900s as new cultivars were developed for both ornamental and culinary appeal.
Unfortunately, currants fell out of favour in North America for a time, as they were found to be alternate hosts for white pine blister rust—a disease that didn’t harm the currants but posed a serious threat to the lumber industry. As a result, they were banned in many U.S. states and some areas of Canada. Today, however, they’re making a strong comeback, thanks to changes in legislation, their high nutritional value, and their ease of growth. They are no longer banned in Canada, and restrictions in the U.S. vary by state.
Planting
Currants thrive in full sun (minimum six hours) and prefer a well-draining, silty loam soil. Use a quality berry or all-purpose fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth. They perform best with good air circulation, which helps reduce foliar diseases. Apply a 2-inch layer of composted mulch around the dripline—being careful not to touch the stems—to help conserve moisture during dry periods. Hardy to approximately Zone 4, currants are cold-tolerant and drought-resistant once established.
Sun & Water Requirements
Currants are adaptable and easygoing but will produce their best fruit when given the right balance of sunlight and moisture. Aim to plant them in a full sun location, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in warmer regions, too much shade can reduce fruit yield and encourage disease.
When it comes to water, currants like consistent moisture, especially during their establishment phase and when fruit is forming. They do not like soggy roots, so be sure to plant in well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently—about once or twice per week, depending on weather and soil type.
Applying a 2-inch mulch layer around the base of the plant (but not touching the stems) helps conserve water and regulate soil temperature. Once established, currants are surprisingly drought tolerant, but regular watering during dry spells will improve both fruit size and overall plant health.
Growing in Containers
Currants adapt well to container life and can even share space with herbs or smaller plants. Choose a pot with excellent drainage, add compost annually, and fertilize regularly for best results.
Pruning
Prune currants as you would blueberries: remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time. For overall shape and vigour, prune during the dormant season, removing no more than one-third of the plant at a time. Focus on thinning out the oldest canes at the base to make room for new, productive growth. Aim to maintain about 8–9 strong canes per plant. While currants can be trained into espaliers, an open vase shape tends to yield better results and makes harvesting easier.
Pollination & Flowers
Most currant varieties are self-fertile and do not require a second plant for pollination. Their charming flower clusters form on one-year-old wood and fruiting spurs on older branches. Many black currants produce clove-scented blooms that attract a wide range of native pollinators, while the striking red, white, and pink blossoms are equally appealing to bees.