Pruning guide
How to prune red currant
More red currant care
Pruning red currant — FAQ
When should I prune red currant?
Late winter (February–March) while fully dormant. Cut oldest stems (3+ years) to the base, leaving around 8–10 healthy stems of mixed ages. Shorten sideshoots to 2–3 buds to build fruiting spurs. Keep the centre open for airflow. On cordons, shorten sideshoots to 1 bud each summer.
How often does red currant need pruning?
Annually. Red currants fruit on spurs from two- and three-year-old wood, so pruning is essential for productivity. Each winter, remove the oldest stems (wood older than 3 years), crossing branches, and weak growth to maintain an open, goblet-shaped bush with a balanced mix of one-, two- and three-year stems.
How do you prune red currant?
Cut oldest stems (3+ years) to the base, leaving around 8–10 healthy stems of mixed ages. Shorten sideshoots to 2–3 buds to build fruiting spurs. Keep the centre open for airflow. On cordons, shorten sideshoots to 1 bud each summer.