Blackcurrant - Ribes nigrum
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
120–180cm height; 60–120cm spread.
Overview
A productive bush producing dark, strongly flavoured berries in summer. Prune each winter to encourage plenty of new fruiting shoots. Blackcurrants are ideal for cordials, jams, desserts and baking.- Vegetable Type: Blackcurrant
- Key Characteristic: Clusters of glossy berries great for jellies and summer puddings.
- Hardiness: Fully hardy (suitable for most UK gardens).
PLANTING ADVICE
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Best grown in the ground with support where required.
- Outdoor cultivation
Suitable for outdoor cultivation in full sun or light shade depending on variety.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Can be grown under cover for earlier crops, though typically grown outdoors.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free.
- Watering: Water well during flowering and fruiting. Container-grown plants will need more frequent watering in warm weather.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring before new growth starts.
- Cutting and prunning: Prune in winter to maintain an open shape and encourage productive growth.
- Harvesting: Harvest when berries are plump and fully coloured. Use fresh or freeze promptly.
- Pest and diseases: Monitor regularly for pests and remove affected growth promptly. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune after fruiting or in winter depending on the variety. Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting.
VERVE RECOMMENDS
- Harvest little and often to keep plants productive and performing at their best.