Black currants are making a comeback in American gardens thanks to their outstanding health benefits and versatile uses. These antioxidant-rich berries contain up to 5 times the vitamin C of oranges and have twice the potassium of bananas. Their unique tart flavor is beloved for jams, juices, baked goods, and more. If you’re looking to add black currants to your garden, here are some tips on finding the best black currant plants for sale.
A Brief History of Black Currants in America
Black currants are native to Europe and Asia and have been cultivated there for centuries. Their popularity in the United States declined in the early 1900s when they were banned by the federal government. The ban aimed to prevent white pine blister rust, a disease carried by black currants that is harmful to white pine trees. However, the federal black currant ban was lifted in 1966, though some restrictions remained at the state level.
In 2003, New York State legalized all black currant cultivars after studies showed a low risk to white pine trees. Today, many states allow black currant cultivation with some restrictions. Be sure to check your state and local regulations before purchasing black currant plants.
Where to Buy Black Currant Plants
Several reputable nurseries across the United States offer black currant plants for sale via mail order. Here are some recommended nurseries to consider:
Raintree Nursery
Located in Washington State, Raintree Nursery has one of the largest selections of black currant cultivars available in the United States. They carry over 20 varieties that thrive in zones 3-8 Favorites include ‘Titania’ and ‘Ben Sarek’ for large,flavorful berries and resistance to disease Raintree Nursery ships bareroot black currant plants in spring and fall.
Food Forest Nursery
Based in Wisconsin Food Forest Nursery offers several black currant varieties suited for cold climates. Their ‘Consort’ black currant is known for vigorous yields of large, sweet berries. Food Forest Nursery black currant plants are sold in containers and shipped April-May.
St. Lawrence Nurseries
This family-owned nursery in New York provides black currant options bred for flavor and winter hardiness. Top choices include ‘Ben Lomond’ for heavy crops and resistance to disease and ‘Titania’ for its frost tolerance and high yields. St. Lawrence Nurseries sells bareroot and potted black currants suitable for zones 3-5.
Local Nurseries
Don’t overlook local nurseries in your area that may carry black currants. The benefit of buying locally is you can see the plants in person and get advice from knowledgeable staff on selecting disease-resistant varieties that grow well in your climate.
What to Look for When Buying Black Currant Plants
When browsing black currant plants for sale, keep the following tips in mind:
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Check zoning: Choose a variety suited for your USDA hardiness zone to ensure the plant can withstand your winter temperatures. Most black currants thrive in zones 3-8.
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Consider disease resistance: Opt for black currant cultivars labeled as resistant to common diseases like white pine blister rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. ‘Consort’, ‘Coronet’ and ‘Titania’ offer good disease resistance.
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Favor certified stock: Reputable nurseries sell certified virus-free plants to prevent introduction of diseases to your garden. Avoid sellers offering uncertified plants.
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Select certified organic: Organically certified black currant plants assure they are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
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Check root condition: For bareroot plants, look for healthy white roots before planting. Avoid any with brown, mushy roots.
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Review ripening times: Black currant varieties ripen early, mid and late season. Choose a mix of cultivars for an extended harvest. ‘Ben Sarek’ and ‘Ben Lomond’ ripen early while ‘Otelo’ is late.
How to Plant and Grow Black Currants
Once you’ve acquired top-quality black currant plants for sale, proper planting and care will ensure your bushes thrive and produce abundant berries for years to come. Here are some key tips:
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Black currants prefer moist, well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure. Amend soil with organic material before planting.
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Space bushes 3-6 feet apart in rows 6-8 feet apart to allow air circulation and prevent disease.
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Plant bareroot currants in early spring once frost danger passes. Container plants can be planted spring through fall.
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Water newly planted currants regularly the first year. Established plants are quite drought-tolerant but produce best with consistent moisture.
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Fertilize bushes every spring with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
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Prune older branches each spring to encourage new fruitful wood. Remove any diseased or damaged wood promptly.
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Harvest currants when berries are fully ripe for best flavor. Pick individual berries or cut entire fruit clusters.
Follow these tips and your black currant patch will soon be overflowing with antioxidant-rich berries. Pair your harvest with some recipes for black currant jam, juice, wine, or baked goods. Enjoy this old-world berry’s outstanding flavor and versatility.
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Blackcurrant is a medium-sized shrub producing delicious, deep purple to black sweet berries suitable for jams, jellies, syrups and cordial. Our Bl…
Blackcurrant is a medium-sized shrub producing delicious, deep purple to black sweet berries suitable for jams, jellies, syrups and cordial. Our Blackcurrant is grown from seed from the “Ben” series of Blackcurrant cultivars, developed by the Mylnefield Research Station in Scotland with a focus on cold hardiness and heavy commercial fruit production. Our seedlings will be slightly different due to hereditary differences but will be very similar to this series.
Blackcurrant – 1 Year Old Greenhouse-grown from seed, sorted for height and form.
A huge assortment of trees, shrubs, and berry seedlings at prices garden centers, tree farms, and plant nurseries just cant match.
Raintree Nursery Fruit Feature: Missouri Giant Black Currant
FAQ
How long does it take for black currants to fruit?
Plants begin fruiting after three years. Insects and disease are not a serious problem. Good air circulation will help in the prevention of leaf spot and other fungal diseases. American black currant is considered a low risk for serving as a host for the white pine blister rust.
What zone does black currant grow in?
Why Grow Black Consort Currant? Cold-Hardy & Disease-Resistant – Thrives in USDA Zones 4-8, with natural immunity to white pine blister rust. Versatile Uses – Ideal for preserves, jams, juicing, wine, and fruit liqueurs. Self-Pollinating – No second plant required, but planting multiple bushes boosts yield.
What is the best black currant to grow?
Ben More Blackcurrant Bushes
Ben More is by far the best for plant habit, making a good cup-shaped. easy to manage bush. It is the latest flowering, even a few days later than Jet, so normally avoiding spring frosts but with the advantage of fruiting much earlier (same time as Baldwin).
Do you need two black currant plants?
The flowers are “self-fruitful,” which means that you don’t need more than one variety for pollination and fruit production. Some sources recommend having two black currant varieties for better pollination, but if space is an issue, don’t sweat it: I’ve had gardens with a single black currant that performed well.
Where can I find black and red currant plants?
Find black and red currant plants that thrive in partial to full sunlight and produce currants that are perfect for jam, jelly, or winemaking in stock at Burpee. Burpee
What kind of currants can you buy at Burpee?
Shop for durable currant plants that are easy to pick, highly resistant to disease, and yield a bountiful harvest of fruit available at Burpee. Find black and red currant plants that thrive in partial to full sunlight and produce currants that are perfect for jam, jelly, or winemaking in stock at Burpee.
Do currants ripen?
Long clusters of fruits and flowers with vibrant colors, currants are one of the first fruits of the season to ripen. Choose between red, pink, white, and black currant varieties. All of our cultivars are resistant to white pine blister rust and powdery mildew. Currants make healthy and delicious jam, jelly, pies, sauces, wines, liqueurs, and more.
Can consort black currant be grown in shade?
Best grown in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to many common pests and diseases. Consort Black Currant is a vigorous variety known for its small, dark purple-black berries with a rich, tart flavor, making it ideal for jams, jellies, and preserves.
When will my Crandall black currant order be shipped?
The Crandall Black Currant is the most ornamental and sweetest of all currant varieties, grown for beauty and fruit. If you live in Virginia or above and want your order shipped as soon as they are available, please mention it in the comments. If you prefer to wait, your order will be shipped in April 2024.
Are black currants legal in the US?
Black currants are widely enjoyed in Europe, but in the US, they are prohibited in certain states. The strong flavor of black currant is highly prized in Europe, even fresh, but most Americans prefer them made into jam, syrup, or dried as raisins.