Black Currant

Black currants prefer moisture-retentive, well-drained soil near pH 6.0-6.5 and afternoon shade where summers are hot. Add compost and moderate spring fertilizer, and renew older wood because young branches carry the best crops.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

48 in

First harvest

2–3 years

Tips

• Check state and local Ribes planting restrictions before buying disease-resistant nursery plants.
• Water deeply during establishment and fruit swelling, and mulch to keep shallow roots cool.
• Apply compost and soil-test-based fertilizer in early spring, avoiding excessive nitrogen.
• Allow young plants to establish before heavy cropping, then remove roughly a third of the oldest stems annually while dormant.
• Pick when the berries in a cluster are fully black and flavorful, and inspect foliage for blister rust or mildew.

Plant dormant bare-root bushes in early spring, generally slightly deeper than the nursery soil mark to encourage basal shoots.

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