Top 20 Blackcurrant Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Blackcurrants are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a popular choice for home gardeners. These small, dark berries are used in jams, juices, and desserts, and are relatively easy to grow in the right conditions. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, this guide will introduce you to the top 20 blackcurrant varieties, along with practical tips to ensure a fruitful and healthy crop.

1. Ben Sarek

Ben Sarek is a compact, early-ripening variety that produces large, flavorful berries. It’s well-suited for smaller gardens and can tolerate colder climates.

Tip: Regularly prune Ben Sarek plants to keep them manageable and encourage better airflow.

2. Ben Lomond

Known for its large berries and late ripening, Ben Lomond offers a balance of sweetness and acidity. It’s cold-hardy and disease-resistant.

Tip: Water deeply during dry periods to ensure plump, juicy berries.

3. Ben Hope

Ben Hope is one of the most disease-resistant blackcurrants, producing large yields of sweet-tart berries. It’s especially resistant to reversion virus.

Tip: Regular feeding with organic compost will enhance the quality of the fruit.

4. Titania

Titania is a vigorous, high-yielding variety that’s resistant to mildew and rust. The berries are medium-sized with a rich, tart flavor.

Tip: Prune the plant annually, removing older canes to encourage new growth and larger fruit production.

5. Ben Connan

Ben Connan is a dwarf variety that produces large berries on a compact plant, making it perfect for smaller gardens or containers.

Tip: Blackcurrants like moisture, so keep the soil evenly damp, especially during dry spells.

6. Ben Alder

Ben Alder is known for its high yields and excellent juice quality. The berries are medium-sized with a strong, tart flavor.

Tip: Ensure the plant is in a sunny location, though it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.

7. Big Ben

As its name suggests, Big Ben produces some of the largest blackcurrants with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating.

Tip: Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

8. Ben Tirran

A late-ripening variety, Ben Tirran produces large, firm berries with a sharp, tangy flavor. It’s known for its hardiness in colder climates.

Tip: Water the plant regularly but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

9. Crusader

Crusader is an older variety known for its strong, tart flavor and high vitamin C content. It’s great for making jams and syrups.

Tip: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.

10. Ebony

Ebony blackcurrants are sweeter than most varieties, making them perfect for fresh eating. They produce medium-sized berries on a compact bush.

Tip: Ebony plants need good drainage, so avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture.

11. Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is another cold-hardy variety that produces medium-sized berries with a tart, sharp flavor. It’s great for juice and preserves.

Tip: Prune after harvesting to remove older canes and promote new growth for the following season.

12. Baldwin

An older, traditional variety, Baldwin produces smaller, highly aromatic berries. It’s excellent for making cordials and wines.

Tip: This variety benefits from mulching to protect the roots and conserve moisture in dry periods.

13. Wellington XXX

Wellington XXX is an early variety that produces medium-sized, very juicy berries with a strong flavor. It’s ideal for preserves and sauces.

Tip: Space the plants well apart to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of mildew.

14. Ben Gairn

Ben Gairn is a disease-resistant variety that produces high yields of large, sweet-tart berries. It’s especially resistant to mildew.

Tip: Blackcurrants benefit from an annual mulch of well-rotted compost or manure to boost fertility.

15. Foxendown

Foxendown is a reliable variety that produces medium-sized berries with a tart flavor. It’s disease-resistant and easy to grow.

Tip: Plant in a sunny spot, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root issues.

16. Laxton’s Giant

Laxton’s Giant is known for its very large berries with a rich, sharp flavor. It’s great for making jams and jellies.

Tip: Blackcurrants are heavy feeders, so apply a general-purpose fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.

17. Ojebyn

Ojebyn is a Swedish variety that’s hardy and produces medium-sized berries with a slightly sweet flavor. It’s ideal for colder climates.

Tip: Thin out crowded branches after fruiting to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure.

18. Kiev Giant

This variety is prized for its very large, sweet-tart berries. Kiev Giant is a high-yielding plant and performs well in both warm and cooler climates.

Tip: Provide consistent watering, especially during dry weather, to ensure juicy berries.

19. Polar

Polar is a cold-hardy variety that produces medium-sized, tangy berries. It’s perfect for northern regions with harsh winters.

Tip: Plant in full sun for the best fruit production, though it can tolerate some light shade.

20. Slitsa

Slitsa is a compact, early-ripening variety that produces medium-sized, sweet-tart berries. It’s resistant to mildew and other common diseases.

Tip: Regularly remove weeds around the plant to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Tips for Growing Blackcurrants Successfully

1. Choose the right location: Blackcurrants prefer a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained, fertile soil. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging.
2. Regular watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Blackcurrants need plenty of water to produce large, juicy berries.
3. Mulch annually: Apply organic mulch, such as compost or well-rotted manure, around the base of the plant to retain moisture and provide nutrients.
4. Pruning: Prune blackcurrants annually after harvesting. Remove older canes (those over 3 years old) to encourage new, productive growth.
5. Fertilize in spring: Feed your blackcurrants with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth and high yields.
6. Spacing: Ensure proper spacing between plants (about 4-5 feet apart) to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
7. Watch for pests and diseases: Common pests include aphids and caterpillars, while blackcurrants are susceptible to powdery mildew and reversion virus. Use organic or chemical treatments as needed.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for blackcurrant bushes to produce fruit?
Blackcurrant bushes typically begin producing fruit in their second or third year after planting.

Q2: When is the best time to plant blackcurrants?
The best time to plant blackcurrants is in late autumn or early spring when the plant is dormant.

Q3: How often should I prune blackcurrant bushes?
Prune blackcurrants annually after harvesting to remove older canes and encourage new growth for the next season.

Q4: Can blackcurrants be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf varieties or smaller blackcurrant bushes can be grown in large containers, provided they have good drainage and regular watering.

Q5: How do I protect blackcurrants from birds?
Birds love blackcurrants, so it’s a good idea to use netting over your bushes to protect the fruit as it ripens.