Blackcurrant
Ready to harvest
Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is a vigorous bush with intensely flavoured, vitamin-C-rich berries.
What it's used for
The fruit of the blackcurrant bush (blackberries) can be cooked into jams, cordials and puddings. They’re rarely eaten raw, as they’re quite tart, but give them a try if you’re a fan of sharp or zesty tastes.
Grow your own at home
Blackcurrant prefers rich, moisture-retentive soil. It’s advisable to prune out older wood each winter to encourage new growth.
It’s best planted out as bare-root bushes in winter.
The ideal harvesting time is July, by picking the berries when they are dark and plump.
Our planting guides are designed to help you get the best from your fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Every garden is unique, so growing conditions, weather, soil, and climate can affect results. Use this information as a helpful guide, and adapt it to suit your local conditions and gardening experience. Happy growing!
