Interesting facts about the black currant
Within the currant family, the black currant is its own variety. This is also shown by the fact that most of the fruits grow on the annual side shoots. With red currants, on the other hand, the most beautiful panicles hang on the two- and three-year-old shoots.
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The botanical name of the black currant is Ribes nigrum, the addition of which indicates the black color of the berries. Black currants are also known under the French name of cassis. The black varieties have been grown since the 16th century.
Black currants are thornless. The leaves and shoots have a strong, very bitter smell of their own. The black berries are slightly larger and taste much spicier than the red ones. They are therefore not so often consumed raw.
When are black currants planted?
Black currants grow best if you plant them in the soil in late fall. If necessary, you can still set them in early spring. Then you just have to make sure that the soil is sufficiently moist.
In which location do you feel most comfortable?
Like all berry bushes, blackcurrants like it sunny. Then the berries will get sweeter and bigger. A partially shaded location 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 drafty place will hamper 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 soil layers. In addition, the soil should be rich in nutrients so that the plants produce a lot of fruit. How to prepare the ground:
- Loosen the earth
- remove weeds
- Refine the planting hole with compost
- If necessary, loosen with sand
- Provide drainage if necessary
What plant spacing should you keep when planting?
Black currants shouldn't 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 the bush ball has enough space in it. Before planting, the currant is cut. Surplus shoots are removed and the roots are shortened a little.
The black currant is not placed too deep in the ground. The shrub base should be close to the ground.
When can you harvest black currants?
The harvest time of black currants starts later than that of white and red currants. The first fruits are ripe in mid to late July. But the harvest extends into August.
Since the currants ripen irregularly, you have to harvest each bush several times.
To keep the birds away from the bushes, it is advisable to protect the currants with a net in early July.
Is it worth replanting black currants?
Transplanting black currants is only worthwhile if the plants are still very young.
After moving, it takes three years for the shrub to become fully viable again. Since currants rarely get older than 15 years, there is little point in replanting older plants.
It is better to plant new shrubs in the desired place or cut cuttings from the black currant in good time.
How can black currants be propagated?
Propagation takes place 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 placed on the ground and fastened there with soil. In the next year, new plants have formed that will be planted out later.
Are black currants suitable as a mixed culture?
Blackcurrants don't really feel good 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 cover gives them additional nutrients. Also, the soil stays moist and weeds don't thrive as well.
Do black currants need special care?
Like all currant varieties, the bushes are easy to care for.
If it is dry it must be watered. Occasional fertilizers can be useful.
Above all, the shrubs have to be cut back after harvesting to encourage the branching of the fruit-bearing shoots. A maintenance cut in autumn is also advisable.
Tips & Tricks
Fresh black currant leaves give herb and vegetable soups a special flavor. It can be used to make teas when dried. The black berries are particularly popular in jellies and fruity summer drinks.
