Redcurrant Cordon

Hello,

I have a redcurrant cordon. It arrived as a rather dead looking stick but as soon as it was planted it sprung into life. As well as all the growth on the main stem, it has put up about 4 new shoots from the very base. Should I prune these out to allow it to concentrate on growth on the main cordon? If I do, should I leave the largest and strongest to make a double cordon?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

Hi KKK,

Cut out anything below 4 inches, including any suckers that might come up from the roots.

I think a double cordon would involve cutting back the lead shoot to the first bud above 4 inches. Haven't got the right book to look that one up though Loaned it to a fellow GC'er a few years back, hint, hint:WINK1:

 

Thanks for that, in that case I'll just take out all the bottom growth

 

Just found some basic info on cordons, you can grow double & triple ones, it didn't say how to but it looks from the pic that you'd cut back to a bud about 6 inches & take it from there.

Also, net against finches picking the buds off & Mr Blackbird nicking the fruit.

I'm only growing blackcurrants, which have less problems. But I have to take the same precautions with my Gooseberries.