Blackcurrant
Blackcurrant is a record-holder for vitamin C content among berry-bearing shrubs
Blackcurrant is one of the most undemanding berry crops, treasured by gardeners for centuries. It originates from the northern regions of Europe and Asia, where it grew wild before conquering gardens worldwide thanks to its productivity and health benefits. In its native habitat, blackcurrant can be found along riverbanks and in wetland forests, where it thrived in cool climates.
This spreading shrub impresses with its diversity. In spring, when tiny yellowish-green flowers bloom (April–May), bees and bumblebees hover above the plant. Summer brings small black berries in place of the flowers, glistening in the sun. Plant breeders have developed dozens of varieties with different ripening times and berry sizes—from tiny, intensely aromatic fruits to large, generous berries. Each variety has its own character: some bear early crops, others reward you with harvest through late autumn.
In the garden, blackcurrant is a trusted helper in creating living hedges or backdrop plantings. It looks wonderful alongside red currant, gooseberry, and honeysuckle, forming a dense, leafy bush that becomes a true treasure trove of vitamins. From spring through autumn, the plant remains decorative, and in July–August, the berries ripen—that moment when all your effort is repaid with a generous harvest.
Knowing that these tiny berries contain four times more vitamin C than a lemon, you'll want to plant a bush in your garden immediately. Blackcurrant is not simply a plant but a summer ritual: picking berries on a warm day, the scent of leaves in your fingers, and the special joy that comes when nature offers us its treasures.
Blackcurrant — planting & location
Berries contain 4× more vitamin C than lemon
How to water Blackcurrant
Particularly important to water during the ripening period
Fertilizing and pruning: Blackcurrant
Remove 5–6-year-old branches to ground level