Blackcurrants are a highly nutritious, easy-to-grow fruit packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a popular choice for gardeners who wish to grow their own fruit and are versatile in culinary applications, such as jams, jellies, and pies. Below we learn how to successfully grow, care for, and harvest blackcurrants in your garden.
Guide to Growing Blackcurrants
Soil Preparation and Site Selection
Blackcurrants thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to a depth of 12 inches to prepare the soil. This will enrich the soil and enhance the structure. Blackcurrants need shelter from strong winds, so plant them near a hedge, fence, or wall if possible. Adequate air circulation is crucial to prevent fungal diseases, so leave enough space between plants – about 5 feet apart for bushes and 6 feet apart for cordon-trained plants.
Planting Blackcurrants
The best time to plant blackcurrants is in late autumn or early spring when the plants are dormant. Bare-root plants are the most common choice, as they are economical and well-established. Rehydrate roots before planting. Spread the roots evenly in a big hole. Place the plant in the hole with the soil over the highest roots. To eliminate air gaps, carefully firm soil backfill. Water the plant and use organic mulch like bark chips or straw to preserve moisture and prevent weeds.
Watering and Fertilizing
Blackcurrants have shallow root systems, making them susceptible to drought. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain consistently moist soil. Don’t overwater your plants since doing so might cause root rot. In early spring, feed your blackcurrants with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula.
To give the plant extra nutrients and strengthen the soil’s structure, a top dressing of compost or well-rotted manure should be applied around the plant’s base. If the leaves turn yellow, this may indicate a lack of nutrients, in which case a foliar spray with a seaweed-based fertilizer can help.
Pruning and Training Blackcurrants
Pruning is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive blackcurrant bush. It promotes new branches, which provide the finest fruit. Before new growth begins, prune in late winter or early spring. Remove weak, damaged, or crossing branches for the first three years, leaving 5-6 strong, well-spaced shoots.
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Cut these back by half to encourage bushy growth. Cut roughly a third of the oldest branches to ground level each year. This will promote the growth of new, more productive shoots. If you prefer a more compact form, consider training your blackcurrants as cordons. This involves growing a single stem supported by a cane or wire, with side shoots pruned back to one or two buds. Cordons are space-saving and make harvesting easier.
Pest and Disease Control
Blackcurrants are relatively low-maintenance but can be affected by pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by encouraging beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings. Sawfly larvae can strip leaves from the plant but can be picked off by hand or treated with an appropriate insecticide. Birds, particularly pigeons, may eat the buds and fruit, so consider using netting to protect your plants. Common diseases affecting blackcurrants include:
- Powdery Mildew: The white powdery growths of this fungal disease may be seen on the leaves, stems, and fruit of infected plants. To avoid this problem, space your plants out, don’t drown them, and water the soil rather than the leaves. If infected, surgically amputate and then apply a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark spots on leaves and fruit and can lead to defoliation. Remove and destroy affected parts, and apply a fungicide as a preventative measure.
- Reversion Virus: This virus causes fruit production and malformed leaves to decline. There is no cure, so affected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Harvesting and Storing
Blackcurrant bushes typically grow to a height and spread of 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters). Their size can be managed through regular pruning and selecting compact varieties suited for smaller gardens. Blackcurrants typically ripen in mid to late summer, depending on the variety. The fruit is ready to harvest when dark purple or black and slightly soft to the touch.
To harvest, pick the entire strig (the stem with the attached fruit) rather than individual berries, which will minimize damage to the plant. Blackcurrants are best used fresh or preserved soon after picking, as they do not store well. They can be refrigerated for a week and frozen for a year without losing quality. Put them in airtight containers or bags to freeze.
Popular Blackcurrant Varieties
- Ben Sarek: A compact, early-fruiting variety suitable for small gardens. Produces large, sweet berries.
- Ben Lomond: A mid-season variety with high yields and resistance to frost and mildew. Produces large, tart berries.
- Ben Connan: An early-fruiting variety with a compact growth habit. Produces heavy crops of large, sweet berries.
- Titania: A vigorous, disease-resistant variety producing medium-sized, sweet berries with a strong flavour.
Using Blackcurrants
Blackcurrants are versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, such as:
- Jams and Jellies: Blackcurrants are high in pectin, making them ideal for jam and jelly making.
- Cordials and Syrups: Homemade blackcurrant cordials and syrups are a delicious addition to beverages and desserts.
- Baking: Blackcurrants can be used in pies, crumbles, muffins, and other baked goods.
- Smoothies and Juices: Blend blackcurrants with other fruits for a nutritious and flavorful smoothie or juice.
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Conclusion
Growing blackcurrants in your garden is a rewarding activity providing a bountiful harvest of delicious fruit. This comprehensive guide gives you all the knowledge and tools needed to successfully grow, care for, and harvest your blackcurrants.
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