New York Agricultural Experiment Station. 641 



The commercial culture of currants in this State is practically 

 confined to but one species, Ribes rubrum, to which class all the 

 reds and whites belong, although there are a few varieties grown 

 of the black currant, Ribes nigrum. Varieties of the reds are of 

 most commercial value, largely on account of their fine jelly-making 

 properties. The whites make a jelly unattrative in appearance and 

 as a rule the berries are not very good shippers. Many people 

 dislike the peculiar flavor of the black currant although this may 

 largely be overcome by putting the berries in scalding water for a 

 few minutes and then cooking in fresh water. They are esteemed 

 by some both for dessert and for medicinal purposes. 



Selection of plants.— The age of the plant is of less importance 

 than its condition. Either one or two-year-old plants may be 

 used. If the growing season has been favorable some plants will be 

 vigorous and well-grown as yearlings and are then preferred to 

 older stock. Many plants, however, do not make much growth 

 the first year and these should be grown a second year before being 

 moved to the permanent bed. Inferior plants should not be set 

 even if the purchase price be low. The best stock obtainable should 

 be used. 



Time of setting.—- Plants may be set either in fall or spring. The 

 buds, however, start into growth very early in the spring and on 

 this account fall planting is preferable. If set in the spring the 

 work should be done as early as possible. 



Setting the plants. — After the plants have been dug they should 

 be trimmed for settmg. The amount of pruning depends on the 

 age and condition of the plants — usually cutting back the top and 

 shortening in the roots in accordance with the amount of growth. 

 After a thorough preparation of the soil the land should be marked 

 both ways, the distance apart of rows and plants depending on 

 the richness of the soil and the habit of growth of the variety. The 

 usual distance for most varieties is six by four or five feet, the wider 

 distance being preferable. The plants are to remain in position for 

 several years and should not be crowded. Six by six feet is none 

 too far for some varieties. Black currants should be given more 

 room than reds on account of their vigor. After the ground has 

 been marked both ways the plants may be set rapidly by plowing 

 a deep furrow one way and setting the plants at the intersection 

 of furrow and mark. The crown of the plant should not be above 

 the surface but rather at a level with or preferably a trifle below 

 the surface of the ground. The soil should be firmly pressed about 

 the fibrous roots. 



Cultivation. — The root system of currants is shallow, hence culti- 

 vation should not be deep near the plants. Growth begins early, 

 requiring early, thorough and frequent working of the soil both to 

 conserve moisture and to make available plant food. For family use 

 currants succeed fairly well if thoroughly mulched with coal ashes, 

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