How To Grow And Care For Black Currant Plant

Black currant is a small, deciduous shrub known for its tart, dark purple berries. The fruit of the black currant is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anthocyanins, which help boost the immune system, reduce oxidative stress, and provide various health benefits.

These berries were once banned in the USA in the early 20th century because they were found to carry white pine blister rust, a disease that threatened the timber industry. The federal ban was implemented in 1911. While the nationwide ban was lifted in 1966, restrictions still exist in some states.

What Does Black Currant Look Like?

Black currants are bushy with dense branches. Its green, palmate leaves have five lobes with serrated edges and release a spicy, pine-like aroma when crushed. In spring, it produces small, pale green to yellow flowers in clusters called racemes.

These flowers later become small, round berries that are dark purple to black when ripe. Each berry is about 1 centimeter in diameter, with glossy skin, juicy tart pulp, and several tiny seeds.

What Does Black Currant Taste Like?

Black currant berry has a rich, darkly fruity flavor that combines tartness with earthiness. Their taste is often described as a concentrated black grape without the vine flavor, with hints of vanilla and wildflower.

The berries are commonly used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and juices. They are also used in baked goods, desserts, and as flavors in liqueurs and lozenges.

Black currants are typically grown as deciduous shrubs rather than trees. They can reach a height of about 5 feet (1.5 meters) at maturity.

Native to temperate regions of northern Eurasia, it is widely cultivated in Europe and other suitable climates. They are moderately fast growers that can establish quickly under favorable conditions and begin producing fruit within two to three years after planting.

Here is a detailed guide on how to grow black currants:

Planting Time

Plant black currants in late autumn or early spring when the ground is not frozen and temperatures are cool. Planting in late autumn allows the black currant bushes to settle in during the dormant season. This helps them develop a strong root system before they resume active growth in the spring.

Alternatively, planting in early spring ensures that the plants can take advantage of the increasing daylight and warmer temperatures to establish themselves quickly.

Choosing the Right Variety

Select disease-resistant varieties suited to your climate. Popular varieties include 'Ben Sarek' for compact growth suitable for containers and smaller gardens, and 'Consort' known for its robust disease resistance.

Prepare the Planting Location

Black currants thrive in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled shade throughout the day. Planting location also varies on where the plant is planted.

• Ground Planting

  • Choose a location with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. For this plantation, morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in warmer climates, to prevent scorching of leaves and fruit.

• Container Planting

  • Choose a large container (at least 10–15 gallons) with drainage holes to ensure adequate drainage. Black currants have a deep root system, so depth is more critical than width for containers. Place containers where they get morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent overheating of the roots.

Planting Process

Here is how to plant black currants:

• Ensure the soil is well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic (pH 6–6.5). Incorporate organic matter, like compost, into the soil before planting to improve nutrient retention and drainage.
• Dig planting holes twice the width of the root ball or container.
• Space multiple plants 1–1.5 meters apart in rows 2.5–3 meters apart to allow for air circulation and growth.
• Ensure the plant crown (where the stems meet the roots) is level with the soil surface.
• Spread out the roots in the planting hole and backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots.

After planting, proper black currant care is crucial to ensuring healthy growth and optimal fruit production. Here are some of the essential care requirements to be considered after planting black currants:

Watering

Black currants need regular watering, especially when they're newly planted. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. During hot or dry periods, water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Mulching around the plants with organic material like compost or bark helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.

Mulching

A layer of mulch helps to smother weeds by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating. This reduces competition for nutrients and water, allowing the black currant plants to thrive without the need for excessive weeding.

Use organic mulches such as well-rotted compost, leaf mold, straw, or bark chips. These materials break down gradually, releasing nutrients into the soil.

Fertilization

Fertilization is crucial for optimizing the growth, health, and yield of black currant plants. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as one with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio, in early spring before new growth begins.

Repeat every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to support continuous growth and fruit development. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of each plant, avoiding direct contact with the stems.

Pruning

Black currants should be pruned annually during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. The primary goals of pruning are to remove old wood, stimulate new growth, improve airflow within the bush, and facilitate easier harvesting.

Start by cutting out any damaged, diseased, or weak branches. Cut them down to the base where they meet healthy wood or the main stem. Moreover, thin the center of the bush to allow light and air circulation. Cut out any branches that are crossing over each other or growing towards the center of the bush.

Support and Training

Black currant bushes can become laden with fruit, which can weigh down branches and potentially cause them to break. Supporting the bushes with structures like trellises or stakes helps distribute the weight of the fruit and keeps the branches upright.

Proper training involves shaping the bush to encourage an open, productive framework. Start by pruning young plants to promote a balanced structure with strong, healthy stems.

Winter Care

Black currants are generally hardy but can be affected by a severe cold. Extremely low temperatures can damage buds and young shoots, reducing fruit production for that season.

To protect black currants from cold damage, consider the following measures: planting in a sheltered location, covering plants with frost cloth during frost-prone periods, and mulching around the base to insulate roots.

Protection from Birds

Birds are attracted to the berries and can significantly reduce your harvest if left unguarded. Methods to protect black currants from birds include using bird netting, setting up scare devices like reflective tape or predator decoys, and planting in an area where birds have less access or visibility.

These measures help ensure that your black currants can grow and ripen undisturbed, allowing you to enjoy a better harvest.

Propagating black currants is relatively easy and commonly done through hardwood cuttings, with high success rates reported under proper conditions. However, there are many other ways to propagate black currants.

1. Hardwood Cuttings

Hardwood cutting propagation involves taking mature, woody stems from deciduous shrubs and plants during their dormant season, typically in late autumn or winter. This method is often successful, with a rooting rate that can vary but is generally considered reliable if done correctly.

Steps for Propagation

• Prepare cuttings from healthy, disease-free wood.
• Cut just below a bud at the base and above a bud at the top.
• Plant in a well-draining soil or propagation medium.
• Keep it moist but not waterlogged.

2. Layering

This propagation involves bending a flexible stem of a plant into contact with soil, where it roots while still attached to the parent plant. This method is successful for propagating black currants, particularly during early spring when new growth begins.

It boasts a high success rate due to the stem's direct contact with soil, promoting root development before separation from the parent.

Steps for Propagation

• Choose a flexible, low branch close to the ground.
• Remove a portion of bark on the underside where it will touch the soil.
• Secure the branch to the ground and cover it with soil.

3. Division

Division propagation involves separating an established plant into smaller sections, each capable of growing independently. This method is generally less successful for black currants compared to other propagation techniques like hardwood cuttings.

The division method can be more challenging to ensure each division has sufficient roots and shoots to thrive.

Steps for Propagation

• Dig up the mature plant carefully.
• Divide the plant into smaller sections with a sharp, sterilized tool.
• Replant each division immediately into prepared soil.

Black currants are typically harvested by hand once they reach full ripeness, which is indicated by their deep, dark color and plumpness. The best time to harvest black currants is in mid-summer, usually from July to August, depending on the variety.

Different varieties may indeed have slightly different harvest times, with early, mid, and late-season varieties maturing at varying intervals.

Here is how to harvest them for optimal fruit quality and shelf life:

• Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut entire fruit clusters from the bush. This method prevents damage to the delicate branches and ensures the berries remain intact.
• Hold the cluster gently and snip the stem just above the fruit cluster. Avoid squeezing or crushing the berries to maintain their quality.
• Blackcurrants ripen over several weeks, so harvest periodically as clusters mature to maximize yield.
• Immediately cool harvested blackcurrants to maintain freshness. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer-term storage.

Black currant bush is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, primarily due to fungal infections and insect infestations. Here are some common pests and diseases affecting black currants and how to deal with them:

Fungal Diseases

• White Pine Blister Rust: Caused by the fungus Cronartium ribicola, it manifests as rust on the leaves. Control measures include removing infected plants and applying fungicides.
• Reversion Disease: This virus is the most destructive, causing stunted growth and reduced yields. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent spread.

Insect Pests

• Currant Blister Aphid: These aphids cause distorted leaf growth and reduced plant vigor. Control methods include using insecticidal soap and encouraging natural predators.
• Blackcurrant Gall Midge: This pest causes leaves to become distorted and crumpled. Control involves removing and destroying affected leaves and using insecticides if necessary.

Management and Prevention

• Cultural Practices: Ensure proper spacing for air circulation, regular pruning, and removing debris that can harbor pests and diseases.
• Chemical Control: Use appropriate fungicides and insecticides as needed. Follow all label instructions to avoid harming beneficial insects and the environment.
• Biological Control: Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs for aphid control.

Black currants come in various types, primarily classified as cultivars. These cultivars are developed for specific characteristics such as disease resistance, yield, flavor, and adaptability to different climates. Here are some notable black currant cultivars:

1. Ben Series
   
   • Ben Lomond: Known for its high yields and good resistance to frost. The berries are large and flavorful.
   • Ben Nevis: A very productive variety with excellent disease resistance. It produces large, sweet berries.
   • Ben Connan: This cultivar is known for its compact growth and early ripening. It produces large, sweet berries and is highly resistant to mildew.
   • Ben Sarek: This is a dwarf variety that is ideal for small gardens. It produces large berries and has good resistance to frost.
2. Titania: This variety is known for its vigorous growth and high resistance to diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot. It produces medium- to large-sized berries that are very flavorful.
3. Baldwin: A traditional cultivar that is highly valued for its rich flavor and large berries. It is moderately resistant to diseases and has a good yield.
4. Black Reward: Known for its high yields and good resistance to mildew. The berries are medium-sized and very flavorful.
5. Big Ben: This cultivar produces very large berries with a sweet flavor. It is also resistant to common diseases and has a good yield.