Planting Guides
Cuttings: Softwood/Hardwood
Mid-Late Spring Outdoor planting
Timing — Early spring: as soon as ground thaws. Check soil temp ~45–50°F/6–10°C or warmer.
Unpack & Inspect — Unwrap immediately; keep moist/cool if delayed (damp towel, cool spot/refrigerator). Trim damaged ends; refresh basal cut (straight cut below node). Confirm orientation: slanted top = original top (buds up).
Hormone (Optional) — dip base in rooting hormone (IBA powder/gel; optional but boosts success for tougher species). *Note non toxic/safer options exist such as willow water.
Site Prep — Choose well-drained, sunny/partial-shade spot (avoid wet/low areas to prevent rot). Loosen soil; add sand if soil is heavy clay. Dig trench/individual holes/slits.
Plant — Insert 2/3 depth (1-2 buds below soil, 1–2 above); space 4–8 inches apart in rows if growing tightly to move the following year. Firm soil around base to eliminate air pockets. Mulch lightly to retain moisture/suppress weeds.
Environment — Full sun to partial shade; shelter from strong winds. Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)—water during dry spells. Protect fresh planted cuttings from intense drying-sun for the first few weeks while they begin to set roots.
Aftercare — Minimal: water if dry; watch for buds/growth (roots form slowly, often 2–6 months). Check monthly for weed/competition to ensure good sun access. Leave in place until fall/next spring for transplant during dormancy.
Rooted Cuttings & Small Plants
Outdoor Planting
Timing — Any time during the growing season, Avoid cold-temperature shocks
Unpack & Inspect — Unwrap immediately; keep moist/cool if delayed planting. Make sure roots have moisture but are not soaking wet.
Site Prep — Choose well-drained, sunny/partial-shade spot. Loosen soil; add sand if soil is heavy clay. A small amount of compost can help feed the young plant. It is ideal to plant in its final location if possible.
Plant — For Elderberries and Currants you can plant deeper then the existing roots. Firm soil around base to eliminate air pockets. Mulch lightly to retain moisture/suppress weeds.
Environment — Full sun to partial shade; shelter from strong winds. Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)—water during dry spells the first year. Protect fresh plants from intense drying-sun for the first few weeks while they begin to set new roots.
Aftercare — Minimal: water if dry; Check monthly for weed/competition to ensure good sun access.
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Bare Root & Larger Plants
Outdoor Planting
Timing — Typically Fall and Early spring during plant dormancy
Unpack & Inspect — keep moist/cool if delayed planting. Make sure roots have moisture but are not soaking wet. Keep roots covered and the plant away from direct light. A cool but not freezing location is ideal.
Site Prep — Choose well-drained, sunny/partial-shade spot. Loosen soil; add sand if soil is heavy clay. A small amount of compost can help feed the young plant. It is ideal to plant in its final location if possible.
Plant — For Elderberries and Currants you can plant deeper then the existing roots. Firm soil around base to eliminate air pockets. Mulch lightly to retain moisture/suppress weeds.
Environment — Full sun to partial shade; shelter from strong winds. Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)—water during dry spells the first year. Protect plants from intense drying-sun for the first few weeks while they begin to set new roots.
Aftercare — Minimal: water if dry; Check monthly for weed/competition to ensure good sun access. After a year of establishment the plants should be growing strong for you!
Recommended
Willoughby is a older variety, With that classic strong currant flavor. It is a incredibly hardy and durable plant that self pollinates. Willoughby is vigorous and reliable making it my first recommendation to get currants established in your landscape. My favorite use is to add Willoughby black currants into foods with other typically sweeter berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. While not a typically mentioned aspect of Willoughby I find that it holds onto the berries longer then other varieties. As a homesteader this harvest flexibility is well appreciated. It seems Willoughby will hang onto near to fully ripe berries for 7-14 days before dropping. With my red currant varieties the fruit typically drops with in 2-3 days.
I find that Willoughby responds very well to strong pruning. It fruits on second year growth. In year one you will get long whips, up to 48″ long. Typically lighter in color then the second year wood. In the second year those whips will send out new branches and continue growing but will also produce the berry clusters. Regular annual pruning to encourage as much growth of first and second year stems, while removing the third year stems will help you stay in full productivity.
Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Grossulariaceae family, known for its small, glossy, dark purple to black berries. The plant thrives in temperate climates, requiring well-drained, fertile soils and full sunlight to partial shade.
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