How to Prune Golden Currant

Overview

The delicious golden currant is known for its flavor in jams and jellies, and also is enjoyed by birds and other wildlife. While the berries are the reward, another nice aspect for golden currant growers is that the plant requires minimal pruning to keep your plant healthy and productive. Much like the forsythia and lilac, the golden currant produces flowers on the growth of the previous year, so pruning should be done only after flowering.

Step 1

Wait until the plant has bloomed and the yellow or "golden" flowers have been spent. Check the branches for old or dead growth by looking for limbs with few or no leaves.

Step 2

Clip the dead shoots by cutting them at the base of the plant about an inch above the soil level. Avoid cutting healthy shoots.

Step 3

Prune again only after five to 10 years and dead wood is noticed. Because golden currants are productive on their own, regular yearly pruning is not necessary, making it easy to maintain.