Black currants are among the most vitamin-rich berries from your own garden. Cultivation is so easy that even garden novices will have no problem with it. The shrubs are undemanding and require little care.

Interesting facts about blackcurrants

Within the currant family, the black currant is a separate variety. This is also reflected in the fact that most of the fruit grows on the one-year-old side shoots. In the case of red currants, on the other hand, the most beautiful panicles hang on the two- and three-year-old shoots.

The botanical name of the black currant is Ribes nigrum, with the suffix referring to the black color of the berries. Black currants are also known under the French name cassis. The black varieties have been cultivated since the 16th century.

Black currants are thornless. The leaves and shoots have a strong, very bitter odor. The black berries are slightly larger and taste much spicier than the red ones. They are therefore not eaten raw very often.

When to plant blackcurrants

Blackcurrants grow best if you plant them in the ground in late autumn. If necessary, you can still plant them in early spring. Then you just have to make sure that the soil is sufficiently moist.

Which location do you feel most comfortable in?

Like all berry bushes, blackcurrants like it sunny. Then the berries will be sweeter and bigger. A partially shaded spot is also fine if the shrubs are exposed to direct sun for at least a few hours a day. Provide shelter from the wind, as a draughty spot hampers growth.

What should the soil be like?

Black currants thrive particularly well in loose soil without waterlogging. As shallow roots, however, they need sufficient moisture in the upper layers of the soil. In addition, the soil should be rich in nutrients so that the plants produce many fruits. To prepare the soil:

  • loosen soil
  • remove weeds
  • Refine the planting hole with compost
  • If necessary loosen with sand
  • Provide drainage if necessary

What planting distance should you keep when planting?

Black currants should not be too dense. There should be at least 1.5 meters of space to the next plant. Leave a distance of at least two meters between several rows of currants. This also makes harvesting and caring for the shrubs easier.

How are black currants planted?

The planting hole is dug so large that the shrub ball has enough space in it. Before planting, the currant is cut. Excess shoots are removed and the roots are shortened.

The black currant is not planted too deep in the ground. The base of the shrub should be just below the ground.

When can you harvest blackcurrants?

Blackcurrants are harvested later than white and redcurrants. The first fruits are ripe in mid to late July. The harvest extends into August.

Since the currants ripen irregularly, you have to harvest each bush several times.

In order to keep the birds away from the bushes, it is advisable to protect the currants with a net in early July.

Is it worth transplanting blackcurrants?

Transplanting black currants is only worthwhile if the plants are still very young.

After transplanting, it takes three years for the shrub to bear fruit again. Since currants rarely get older than 15 years, there is little point in transplanting older plants.

It is better to plant new bushes in the desired place right away or cut blackcurrant cuttings in good time.

How to propagate blackcurrants

Propagation is done either by cuttings or by lowering annual shoots.

Cut cuttings on a frost-free day in winter and simply stick them in potting soil.

To lower it, a young branch is laid on the ground and fixed there with earth. In the next year, new plants have formed, which are later planted out.

Are black currants suitable as a mixed culture?

Blackcurrants don't really do well when they are too close to other plants. Only wormwood is suitable as a mixed culture.

Shrubs do better if you mulch them after planting. The mulch layer gives them additional nutrients. In addition, the soil stays moist and weeds do not thrive as well.

Do black currants need special care?

Like all currant varieties, the shrubs are easy to care for.

If it is dry, it must be watered. Occasional fertilizer application can be useful.

Above all, the shrubs must be pruned after harvest to encourage the branching of the fruit-bearing shoots. A care cut in the fall is also advisable.

tips and tricks

Fresh blackcurrant leaves give herbal and vegetable soups a special aroma. When dried, teas can be prepared from it. The black berries are particularly popular in jellies and fruity summer drinks.

Category:

Vegetable garden