A compact shrub that only grows to about 1.2m (4ft) tall, but has in-bred frost resistance and some resistance to mildew. In mid-July, a heavy crop of large blackcurrants is produced which are perfect for serving fresh or made into jams, jellies or pies. The fruit should be picked quickly before it falls.
How to care for blackcurrant Ben Sarek:
Space at 1.5m intervals and once planted apply a mulch of well-rotted manure every spring, as well as a nitrogen and potassium fertiliser. Make sure the plant is kept well watered in dry weather and net the bushes to protect the currants from birds. In the first year, prune back to one bud above soil level in winter. After that only prune out weak branches.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
-
This plant is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.