[emptydraw]

Last year I took cutting of our currants bushes, these have done well and are just coming into leaf. Initially I had about 20 cutting in a pot. As they grew I emptied the pot out and potted them on (whilst still dormant, some had excellent root systems for sticks!). The very strong ones got a pot of there own and the weaker ones were put 3 into a pot (not enough room for thousands of pots). The only problem I have is that they are now all mixed up, so how do I tell the difference between red&black currant bush cuttings?

I've heard they smell different if you scratch the bark, but I think its an early April fool, and I cant afford to wait until they fruit?

I was going to give most away, and most of my friends/family are fussy so it would be great to know what I'm giving away.

LESSON LEARNT #76 - ALWAYS put labels in with your cutting!

[azubah]

I heard it on gardener's question time that blackcurrants have a characteristic smell.
Try it and see..I'm not watching, so no need to be embarrassed if it's not true!

[LilacSandy]

Hi emptydraw, Azubah is quite right, blackcurrants have a lovely smell just like the fruit.

[bonfire]

Just crush a leaf between your fingers - blackcurrant is absolutely unmistakeable.

[emptydraw]

I've double checked the date, and its still not the 1st of April. So I'll rush off home and smell my cuttings before my wife gets home (and make sure the neighbours arent around, I might even distract the chickens with some corn!)..........

Thanks everyone.

[Agatha]

Absolutely right, all parts of a black currant bush smell blackcurranty - why mine are always much better pruned, mulched and weeded than my other fruit bushes - I love the smell so it's a real incentive to work in that area of the plot!