Easy Summer Propagation of Currants with a Few Cuttings

When, after years of trying, you finally land on a currant variety that reliably produces a heavy crop and delicious berries, it’s a shame to stop at just one bush. Early summer is the perfect time to propagate your favourite plant easily and raise extra young plants for the garden, or even for family. Currants are also fairly low-maintenance and fit well even in smaller gardens. They do best in a sunny spot, and you can choose from bush forms as well as standards.

When to propagate currants and which method to choose

The most common method is propagation from hardwood, leafless cuttings taken in autumn. These cuttings are usually about pencil-thick and are inserted deeper into the soil or into an empty cold frame, where they gradually root. In summer, however, there is another option: propagating from softwood cuttings. The ideal window is from the second half of June to early July, when the shoots have plenty of energy but haven’t become too woody yet.

How to choose the right shoot for a softwood cutting

The best material usually comes from shoots growing on the sunny side of the bush. They should be healthy, with no signs of disease or pests, and firm. Once they’ve rooted and the first new leaves appear, transplant the young plants either into pots with fresh multipurpose compost or into a sunny spot directly in the ground. After that, don’t underestimate regular watering, because even, consistent moisture helps develop a dense, strong root system.

Step-by-step propagation of currants from softwood cuttings

Preparing the cuttings and removing leaves

In early summer, prepare softwood cuttings about 20 cm long. They should be vigorous and carry several leaves, because active tissues root more readily. Remove all the leaves from the lower part completely so they won’t rot in the compost. Cut the base of the cutting at a slant, which improves water uptake and increases the area where roots can start to form. On the remaining leaves, you can trim the leaf blades to about half their size to reduce water loss, so the cutting won’t suffer as much from drying out.

Using a rooting hormone for better rooting

To speed up and improve rooting, it helps to use a rooting hormone, with a powder formulation often proving reliable. Dip or coat the lower part of the cutting thoroughly, then gently tap off the excess so only a thin layer remains. This treatment is especially helpful in warmer weather, when cuttings have higher water demands.

Inserting into compost and watering thoroughly

Prepare pots filled with fresh propagation compost. Insert the cuttings fairly deep, but carefully, so the shoot doesn’t snap as you firm it in. Then water the compost well so it settles around the stems and the cuttings have steady contact with a moist environment.

Creating a microclimate by covering

Keep the compost only slightly moist; it shouldn’t stay waterlogged. Place the pot in a bright spot out of harsh midday sun and cover it with a plastic bag. This creates a more humid microclimate, helping the cuttings get through the first few weeks without a strong root system. Check moisture regularly, and once the cuttings have rooted, start venting the cover gradually so the young plants acclimatise to normal conditions.

Source: The Spruce, GrowVeg, Záhrada, Pestrazahrada.cz