Blackcurrant Growing Guide

Ribes nigrum

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile soil enriched with compost. pH of 6 to 6.5 preferred.

Position

Sunny position preferred, tolerant of some shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes but cover if a severe frost is forecast.

Feeding

May need potash (potassium) adding, particularly if the leaves start to brown at the edges.

Spacing

Single Plants: 90cm (2' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 90cm (2' 11") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant when the soil is workable from mid autumn to spring, when dormant. Mulch after planting to keep the soil cool and moist.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

After harvesting prune the bush back to five leaves on each side shoot and remove any dead or overcrowded branches to 'open up' the plant.

Harvesting

Harvest fruit when ripe, will freeze well.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Blackcurrant

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail

Vine Weevil