Blackcurrant

A handsome shrub with lovely, fragrant fruit. It will grow with nary a care and can even be espaliered.

Blackcurrants are a cinch to grow and will produce plenty of their glossy fruits from midsummer to early autumn. Blackcurrants are rich in vitamin C and taste delightful in jams, stewed or in pies. This is certified stock.

Blackcurrants have a tart taste, and from established plants you are looking at a yield of up to 4-5kg of fruit. You can store the fruits in the fridge for around four days, put them in the freezer, or cook them.

Grow in humus rich, moist, well drained soil. They are suitable for growing in large pots. Water to establish, and then keep moist when in fruit and flower.

Fertilise with a well balanced fertiliser in late winter, then add a mulch to help stop the weeds which might encourage insects or compete for nutrients. They are best in cool climates.

Blackcurrants produce fruit on one year old wood, so are best pruned in winter when you can see both, getting rid of the old wood.

Currant bushes need support on which to grow. Tie them to a wire or similar trellis, 80-100cm high. This also makes harvesting easier. Currants can also be tied to stakes or supported along a fence or wall.

Supplied as: Bare rooted
Size: na