Black currant

Profile

Family

Grossulariaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

1.8 m

Spread

1.5 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

30 years

First yield

after 2 years

Hardiness

zone 5–8

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very moist

pH

5.5 – 7

Synonyms

Johannisbeere

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit - raw or cooked. An excellent aromatic taste. The fully ripe fruits are delicious raw but can also be cooked to make pies, jams, etc. They are very rich in Vitamin C. The fruit has a diameter of about 10 mm, although there are also varieties with larger fruits. The leaves can be used in soups, and when dried, they serve as a tea substitute, sometimes also used in mixed herbal teas.

Medicinal: The fruits of the black currant are rich in minerals and vitamins, especially Vitamin C, with diuretic and diaphoretic properties that boost the body's defense against infections. They are valuable in treating colds and flu. The juice, particularly fresh or vacuum-sealed, aids in diarrhea and soothes digestive issues. The leaves act as cleansers, diaphoretics, and diuretics, promoting fluid excretion that may lower blood pressure. An infusion of the leaves is used for edema, rheumatic pain, and whooping cough, and topically for slow-healing wounds and abscesses. It can also serve as a gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers. Harvested during the growing season, the leaves can be used fresh or dried. Leaf infusion may increase cortisol production and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, beneficial for stress-related conditions. An infusion of young roots is useful for eruptive fever. A decoction of the bark is employed for tartar, edema, and hemorrhoidal tumors. The seeds contain Gamma-Linolenic Acid, supporting the production of hormone-like substances that aid in uterine, nervous system, and metabolic disorders. There are no records of the medical use of the oil, although it is utilized in cosmetic products.

Other uses: The oil extracted from the seeds is utilized in skincare products and cosmetics, often mixed with Vitamin E to prevent oxidation. A yellow dye is derived from the leaves, while a blue or violet dye is obtained from the fruit. The leaves are used for vegetable preservation. No additional information is provided.

Growing

Easy to grow in a moist, well-draining loamy soil of at least moderate quality. They thrive best in deep sandy loam soil, disliking heavy clay, chalky, or thin dry soils. However, they can be successful on most soil types if plenty of organic matter is incorporated. Plants require ample nitrogen to thrive well. They prefer a pH range of 6.7 to 7 and cannot tolerate acidic soils. While fairly tolerant of shade, they do not fruit as well in such locations, producing fewer fruits when grown in windy sites. The plant is hardy to about -20°C, although flowers are damaged at -1°C. Black currants are widely grown in temperate regions for their edible fruits, with many named varieties available. The majority of fruits are produced on one-year-old wood. Pruning typically involves removing about one-third of all stems just above the ground in autumn. The oldest stems with the least new growth are removed as they are the poorest fruit producers. The plant can generate new growth from the base of removed stems, which, when well-nourished, is vigorous and bears abundant fruit the following year. While flowers can self-pollinate, many varieties fruit better through insect pollination. Plants can host a stage of 'white pine blister rust,' so they should not be grown near pine trees. This genus is particularly susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seeds are best sown immediately in autumn when they are ripe in a cold frame. Stored seeds require a cold stratification of 3 months at 0 to 5°C and should be sown as early as possible in the year. Under normal storage conditions, seeds can remain viable for 17 years or longer. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough and let them grow in a cold frame during the first winter before planting them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of semi-ripe shoots measuring 10-15 cm in length should be taken in July/August in a cold frame. Cuttings of mature wood from the current year, preferably with a section from the previous year, should be taken from November to February in a cold frame or protected outdoor bed.

Notable

Features: easy to care for, nitrogen-loving, tolerates high moisture levels; crossing with (+Oregon+) gooseberry resulted in the Jostaberry (Ribes x culverwellii); multiple varieties increase fruit yield; also grown on stems; best fruits on one-year-old shoots; in cultivation since the 16th century; Finnish green varieties include: 'Venny', 'Vertti' & 'Vilma';

Origin & habitat

Europe, from Scandinavia in the north to France, Bulgaria, and Central Asia in the south and east.

In Germany, there are many forests that play a crucial role in the environment and wildlife. They provide habitat for a variety of plant and animal species and contribute to biodiversity conservation. Forests also serve as important recreational areas for people to walk, hike, or simply enjoy nature.

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