Black Currant

Ribes nigrum
Also known as blackcurrant, european black currant

$5.00

In stock

Description

Black currant plants and berries are a sensory delight! Black currant berries have a very unique, sophisticated flavor. Some describe it clove-like but I find that misleading. They are sweet with a good amount of acid like other currants, but also have a complicated, almost musky flavor.

Our son loves black currant berries when they are ripe and popping them right there in the garden. They are best and sweetest when they are very dark, nearly black. But sometimes its hard to wait that long and the deep purplely red color is delicious too and slightly more tart.

Aside from fresh eating we’ve also found that black currants make excellent dried “raisins” that can be snacked, added to granola or other treats and confections.

My other favorite thing about black currant plants is their smell! Brush up against the leaves and you’ll immediately notice unique black currant aroma that is similar to the distinct flavor in the berries. I love sensory experiences in the garden and I can’t help rub the leaves as I am passing by and delighting in the black currant smell.

What’s more, in the depths of winter when the leaves have fallen the oils on the bark of the branches and twigs still offer the same smell. When I am walking the garden in the winter and missing the summer days and berries I fondly stroke the black currant branches and am transported into warm memories through the delicious black currant aroma.

I really appreciate that black currant berries ripen very early in the summer, before most other berries and tree fruits are available. Black currant berries extend our berry and fruit season earlier!

Black currant leaves and buds are anti-inflammatory their tea or tincture of fresh leaves and buds may offer pain relief from arthritis, rheumatism and headaches.

Details

Lifecycle: Perennial
Lifespan: 10-30+ years with good soil & regular pruning
Hardiness zones: 4-8 (USDA)
Habitats: Hedges and woodlands in Europe
Plant size: 3 ft wide x 6 ft tall
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: All soil types, fertile loam preferred, well draining
Water: Prefers moist soils, can handle some drought after fruiting
Seeds per packet: 25 seeds

Seed Starting

Black currant seeds require 90 days moist cold stratification. Since they are relatively small, just barely cover the seeds with no more than 1/8th inch soil and keep moist until they germinate in warm weather.

Cultivation

Like other ribes, black currants are very easy to manage in the garden. Pruning is a breeze because the plant will respond favorably to any style of pruning. I usually take out some older branches each season to thin it out for airflow. Some people will chop the whole plant back to the ground every few years to re-invigorate it.

Harvest

Harvest black currant berries from the plant when they are so deep purple they look black. They keep well on the counter for at least a few days but start to shrivel and dehydrate relatively quickly in hot weather.

Propagation

Black currant can be propagated by division in the winter. Like other ribes, black currant plants are also very easy to propagate by cuttings or layering. You can easily clone your favorite plants to replant or share with friends.

Seed Saving

Wet process the berries and seeds with fermentation, decant the seeds then plant/stratify the fresh moist seeds immediately for best germination.

Additional information

Weight0.007 lbs
Dimensions4.5 × 3.25 × .05 in

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