Blackcurrant

A handsome shrub with lovely, fragrant fruit. It will grow with nary a care and can even be espaliered.

Blackcurrants are a cinch to grow and will produce plenty of their glossy fruits from midsummer to early autumn. Blackcurrants are rich in vitamin C and taste delightful in jams, stewed or in pies. This is certified stock.

Blackcurrants have a tart taste, and from established plants you are looking at a yield of up to 4-5kg of fruit. You can store the fruits in the fridge for around four days, put them in the freezer, or cook them.

Grow in humus rich, moist, well drained soil, adding supports at the time of planting is ideal. They are suitable for growing in large pots (45cm plus). Water to establish, then keep moist when in fruit and flower.

Fertilise with a well balanced fertiliser in late winter, then add a mulch to help stop the weeds which might encourage insects or compete for nutrients. They are best in cool climates.

Currant bushes ideally need support on which to grow. Tie them to a wire or similar trellis, 80-100cm high. This also makes harvesting easier and increases yields. They can grow as a shrub, where they are pruned to a vase shape.