Black currants are among the most vitamin-rich berries from your own garden. Growing it is so easy that even novice gardeners have no problems with it. The shrubs are undemanding and require little care.
When and how to plant black currants?
Black currants are ideally planted in late autumn or early spring. The location should be sunny to partially shaded and protected from the wind, the soil should be loose, moist and nutrient-rich. When planting, keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters between bushes.
What you need to know about blackcurrants
Within the currant family, the black currant forms its own variety. This is also evident from the fact that most of the fruits grow on the annual side shoots. When it comes to red currants, the most beautiful panicles hang on the two- and three-year-old shoots.
The botanical name of the blackcurrant is Ribes nigrum, with the addition indicating the black color of the berries. Blackcurrants are also known by the French name cassis. The black varieties have been cultivated since the 16th century.
Blackcurrants are thornless. The leaves and shoots have a strong, very bitter smell. 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?
Black currants grow best when you put 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.
Where do you feel most comfortable?
Like all berry bushes, black currants like it sunny. Then the berries become sweeter and larger. A partially shaded location is also fine if the bushes are exposed to direct sun for at least a few hours a day. Provide wind protection as a drafty area will hinder growth.
What should the soil be like?
Black currants thrive particularly well in loose soil without waterlogging. As shallow-rooted plants, they need enough moisture in the upper soil layers. The soil should also be nutrient-rich so that the plants produce lots of fruit. How to prepare the soil:
- Loose the soil
- Removing weeds
- Refine 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 close together. 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 bushes easier.
How are black currants planted?
The planting hole is dug so large that there is enough space for the bush ball in it. Before planting, the currants are cut. Excess shoots are removed and the roots are shortened slightly.
The black currant is not planted too deep in the ground. The base of the bush should be close to the ground.
When can you harvest blackcurrants?
The harvest time for black currants begins later than that of white and red currants. The first fruits are ripe in mid to late July. The harvest lasts until August.
Since the currants ripen irregularly, you have to harvest each bush several times.
To keep birds away from the bushes, it is recommended to protect the currants with a net at the beginning of July.
Is it worth transplanting black currants?
Transplanting blackcurrants is only worthwhile if the plants are still very young.
After moving, it takes three years for the shrub to bear full fruit again. Since currants rarely live past 15 years, there is little point in transplanting older plants.
It is better to plant new bushes in the desired location straight away or cut cuttings from the blackcurrant in good time.
How to propagate blackcurrants?
Propagation occurs either by cuttings or by lowering annual shoots.
Cut cuttings on a frost-free day in winter and simply put them in potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon).
To lower it, a young branch is placed on the ground and secured there with soil. Next year new plants will have formed and will be planted out later.
Are blackcurrants suitable as a mixed crop?
Black currants don't really feel comfortable when they are too close to other plants. Only wormwood is suitable as a mixed culture.
The shrubs will do better if you mulch them after planting. The mulch provides them with additional nutrients. In addition, the soil stays moist and weeds don't thrive as well.
Do blackcurrants need special care?
Like all currant varieties, the bushes are easy to care for.
Watering needs to be done when it is dry. Occasional fertilizer applications can be useful.
Above all, the bushes must be cut back after harvest to promote the branching of the fruit-bearing shoots. A care cut in autumn is also advisable.
Tips & Tricks
Fresh blackcurrant leaves give herbal and vegetable soups a special aroma. Dried tea can be made from it. The black berries are particularly popular for making jellies and fruity summer drinks.
