Currants or fruiting Ribes are one of the easiest fruits to grow and have a wide range of uses from fresh eating to juices, jams jellies, glazes, cakes and pies.
Currents, especially Black Currants are very high in vitamins and antioxidants.
There are a number of varieties of Black, White, Red and now a lovely Pink Currant.
History
Black currants were an important medicine for many First Nations people for centuries. There are descriptions of black currents in the 1400’s and were found in the European medicinal plant books in the 1600’s. While they were praised for their medicinal and ornamental use they did not become a popular garden berry plant until the early 2000’s.
Red and white currants were accepted into European gardens as berry plants in the late 1500’s and early 1600’s. They gained more popularity in the late 1800 and early 1900’s and many more cultivars were developed and introduced into European and North American gardens.
Most currents had fallen out of favour in North America until quite recently as they were an alternate host to White Pine blister rust which did not affect the currants but did affect the white pine which was an important part of the lumber industry and they became illegal to plant in many states of the US and some areas in Canada. They are now coming back in favour because of their high vitamin content and ease of planting and are no longer banned in Canada and most parts of the US (though rules vary from state to state).
Planting
Black, white, red and pink currants all thrive in a full sun (at least 6 hours) position with average well draining silty loam soil. A good berry or all purpose fertilizer applied under the dripline in spring will get your plants off to an excellent start. They appreciate good open position with lots of air movement as this will help maintain healthy leaves. A composted mulch applied to about 2 inches in depth around the drip line but not touching the plant will help your plant maintain moisture in the driest times. Currants are hardy to about zone 4 and once established are quite drought tolerant.
Container
Currants can be easily grown in containers and are happy to share their space with herbs or smaller plants. Ensure the container drains freely and make sure you add compost each year and fertilize.
Pruning
As with blueberries, your aim with pruning currants is to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches at any time of year. Dormant season pruning is done to encourage invigoration of the plant. Remember the 1/3 rule. Never remove more than 1/3 of your plant at one pruning session. Remove a few of the oldest canes right to the base so that the new canes have a bit more room and food. This way you are always encouraging new growth. You can espalier currants, though I find it easier and more productive to grow as an open vase shaped shrub. Ideally you want to keep it at about 8 to 9 canes per bush.
Pollination
Almost all currants are self fruitful and do not need a second plant as a pollinizer. Their flower clusters are produced at the base of 1 year old stems and on fruit spurs on older branches. Clove scented flowers produced on many of the black currants are wonderfully fragrant and are well loved by many different species of native bees as are the intriguing flower clusters of the red, white and pink varieties.
Pear trees, with their graceful form and bountiful harvests, are a beloved addition to gardens and orchards around the world. Known for their luscious fruit and ornamental beauty, pear trees (Pyrus spp.) have been cultivated for centuries, delighting both the eye and the palate. These deciduous trees belong to the Rosaceae family and are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. With their elegant branches adorned in delicate blossoms and their branches heavy with sweet and juicy pears, pear trees offer a delightful experience for gardeners and fruit enthusiasts alike. Whether you're seeking a delectable snack, a versatile cooking ingredient, or simply the joy of tending to a beautiful tree, pear trees are a wonderful choice. Join us as we explore the enchanting world of pear trees, from their fascinating history to their cultivation, care, and the abundant rewards they bring.
Types of Pear Trees
European pear trees (Pyrus communis) and Asian pear trees (Pyrus pyrifolia) have several differences in terms of their characteristics, fruit, and growing requirements. Here are some key distinctions:
Fruit Shape and Texture: European pears typically have a rounded or bell-shaped fruit with a smooth skin. The texture of European pears is often buttery and soft when ripe. In contrast, Asian pears have a round, apple-like shape with a crisp and crunchy texture, similar to an apple.
Flavor: European pears are known for their sweet and juicy flavor, with variations in taste depending on the variety. They can range from mildly sweet to very sweet. Asian pears, on the other hand, have a refreshing and slightly tart flavor, often described as a cross between a pear and an apple.
Harvest Time: European pear varieties are typically harvested in late summer or early fall, depending on the specific variety and location. Asian pears are usually harvested in late summer or early autumn, earlier than European pears.
Pollination: European pear trees generally require cross-pollination from a different variety to produce fruit. They rely on bees and other pollinators to transfer pollen between trees. Some Asian pear varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without cross-pollination. However, cross-pollination can still improve fruit set and quality for Asian pears.
Growing Conditions: European pear trees are more adaptable to a wider range of climates and can tolerate colder temperatures compared to Asian pear trees. Asian pear trees prefer milder climates and are more susceptible to frost damage. They thrive in regions with warm summers and cool winters.
Tree Shape and Size: European pear trees tend to have a more upright and pyramidal growth habit, reaching heights of 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters). Asian pear trees have a more spreading growth habit and can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) in height.
It's important to note that these are general differences, and there are many varieties within each category that may have unique characteristics. When selecting pear trees for your garden, consider your climate, taste preferences, and pollination requirements to choose the best variety for your needs.