Blackcurrants are hardy, deciduous shrubs valued for their clusters of small, glossy, deep purple-black berries and their rich, tangy flavour. The plants grow as compact bushes with lobed, aromatic green leaves and produce pale pink or greenish flowers in spring, which develop into hanging strings of fruit known as “strigs.”
Thriving in cool to temperate climates, blackcurrants prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soil and sunny to lightly shaded positions. The berries are exceptionally high in vitamin C and antioxidants and are widely used in jams, juices, desserts, syrups, and baking. With their strong flavour, nutritional value, and reliable cropping, blackcurrants are a productive and rewarding fruit to grow in home gardens and orchards.
Choose the Right Location Blackcurrants grow best in full sun, but they also tolerate partial shade. They prefer a sheltered spot protected from strong winds. Cool to temperate climates suit them best.
Soil Preparation Use fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Mix in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Blackcurrants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–6.5).
Planting Plant bare-root bushes in late autumn or winter; container plants can be planted year-round. Space plants about 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft) apart. Plant slightly deeper than they were growing before to encourage strong new shoots. Water well after planting.
Watering Water regularly, especially during dry periods and while fruit is forming. Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Feeding Feed in early spring with compost or a balanced fertilizer. Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen, which can reduce fruiting.
Pruning Prune annually during winter. Remove old, dark-coloured wood to ground level. Blackcurrants fruit best on new growth, so regular pruning improves yields.
Pest and Disease Care Watch for aphids, birds, and currant gall mite. Net plants to protect ripening fruit from birds.
Blackcurrant bushes usually begin fruiting in their second year and can remain productive for many years with good care.
When to Harvest Blackcurrants are ready when the berries are deep black, glossy, and fully sized. They usually ripen in mid to late summer. Unlike some fruits, blackcurrants do not ripen much after picking, so wait until fully ripe.
How to Harvest Harvest blackcurrants in whole clusters (strigs) rather than picking individual berries. Use your fingers or scissors to gently remove the entire strig from the branch. This method is quicker and helps protect the plant.
Best Time to Harvest Pick on a dry day, preferably in the morning after dew has dried. Dry fruit stores better and is less likely to spoil.
Harvest Frequency Harvest as bushes ripen, usually over 1–2 weeks. Check plants every few days to catch berries at peak ripeness.
After Harvest Care Handle gently to avoid crushing berries. Refrigerate and use within a few days, or freeze for long-term storage. Remove berries from strigs after freezing if needed.
Harvesting blackcurrants at full ripeness ensures the strongest flavour, highest vitamin content, and best results for cooking and preserving.
