Should You Grow Currants In Containers This Year?

While currants have long been a classic for in-ground gardening, you may have hesitated on growing them in planters. Though they may not be the best berries to grow in containers, you don't have to give up on growing currants if you have only a patio or balcony garden. As long as you pick the right container, use the right growing medium, and water and care for your currants carefully, there's no reason they can't make a great addition to a container garden. Just be aware when picking a currant variety that many states have restrictions on growing black currants. 

While currants (Ribes spp.) aren't massive shrubs, they can still grow to a size of about 3 to 6 feet, so it's important to use the right-sized container for them. You will likely need at least a 10-gallon planter for your currants to thrive and grow well. 

Additionally, as the planter will be outside year round, you'll need to choose one made of a durable material and not prone to cracking due to frost or cold. This means you should avoid ceramic or clay pots. Many currant varieties are hardy down to USDA hardiness zone 3 when grown in ground; this means they should be able to survive winters in containers in zones 5 and higher. (Plants grown in containers are often two zones less hardy than those grown in ground.) 

Plants grown in containers can't just be grown in top soil or garden soil, and this is the case for currants as well. Instead, you should grow your currant in a mix designed for potted plants. As currants grow best in rich soil, you can add compost to the growing medium as well. Just be sure not to let it exceed 50% of the medium. The compost will also help to ensure that the currants' potting mix is well draining, another feature they appreciate. Currants like slightly acidic soil, so consider amending the potting mix to make it more acidic.

Arguably the biggest challenge of growing currants in containers is meeting their water needs. Currants need regular water even when they're growing in ground, and plants grown in containers dry out even faster. This is often one of the biggest problems with container gardening. While using a large container can help to ameliorate this issue, you'll still need to check on and water your currant plant regularly for it to thrive.