How to take hardwood cuttings of blackcurrant plants

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How to take hardwood cuttings of blackcurrant plants

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 14 May 2019 at 3:00 pm

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Blackcurrants are easily propagated from hardwood cuttings. Simply wait until the plant has lost all of its leaves (indicating that it is dormant), and remove strong, healthy stems from the base of the bush. The cuttings don't need any special treatment – all they need to take root is well-drained soil in a sheltered border or cold frame. You could even propagate them in a pot.

You Will Need

Secateurs
Blackcurrant bush

Step 1

Taking blackcurrant cuttings - cutting stems

From the stems you have removed from the bush, cut a section 20-25cm long and as thick as a pencil. Ensure there is a bud at both the top and bottom of the cutting, and remember which end is the top. Aim to have five or six buds per cutting.

Step 2

Taking blackcurrant cuttings - placing cuttings in a trench

In your cuttings bed, make a narrow, 10-cm-deep, v-shaped trench by pressing the soil back with a spade. Then simply insert your cuttings (the right way up), spacing them at least 10cm apart.

Step 3

Taking blackcurrant cuttings - filling soil around the cuttings

Firm the cuttings gently by hand. The surface level will drop, but make sure that half of the cutting or at least two buds are under the soil surface. The buds above the surface will break leaf in spring.

Step 4

Taking blackcurrant cuttings - firming soil around the cuttings

Use your feet to firm the cuttings into the row. This will stop them lifting up when the ground is frozen, and will also reduce any movement, improving rooting. The cuttings will have grown roots by next summer, but leave them in place until September, when you can transplant them to their final growing positions.

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