Black currant - Ribes nigrum (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images, Edible)

Black currant

Also known as: European black burrant, Black gooseberry

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a deciduous shrub that will grow from 91 to 152 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with drooping clusters of red-tipped green flowers. Black currant berries ripen in late summer and can be eaten fresh or cooked. The plant can be distinguished from the red currant not only by the color of the berries but by the strong smell of its leaves. Grows in full sun to partial shade.

Scientific classification

Species

Black currant (Ribes nigrum)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

1.5 m

Plant Height

Black

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Black currant

Distribution of Black currant

Distribution Map

Black currant, or Ribes nigrum, is originally found in a broad swath across the temperate parts of Eurasia, spanning from western Europe into northern areas of Asia. It has been introduced and is cultivated in various other temperate regions, including parts of East Asia and the Pacific, as well as in North America. The plant thrives in a variety of non-native locales, adapting to similar climates found in its indigenous range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hedges, woodlands, streamsides

Culture

Garden Use

Black currant is a deciduous shrub known and grown for its edible dark berries. It is considered easy to grow, and the taste and the nutritional value of its berries are worth the effort. The ideal spot in the garden is the one in dappled shade for most of the day, or a position where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

Interesting Facts

In the United States, black currant were a true “the forbidden fruit” for a long time. Wrongly accused of spreading the fungus that attacked pine trees, the farmers were banned from growing this native-European bush with highly nutritional berries. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why black currant has not become as commercially popular as other berries.

Name Story

Black currant: The term 'currant' originates from Anglo-Norman French 'raisins de Corauntz' meaning ‘grapes of Corinth.’ The berries are black in colour, distinguishing black currant from other species of the genus - redcurrant and White currant.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Black currant, including the following common varieties :

Black currant 'Ben Lomond'Black currant 'Big Ben'

Care Guide for Black currant

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Black currant flourishes in moist, well-drained soil, resembling its native European woodlands. It shows moderate drought tolerance once established but prefers consistent moisture. Watering every three weeks is adequate, with increased moisture needed during the growing season for optimal fruit development.

Fertilize: For black currant, use a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer in early spring, repeating every 4-6 weeks until late summer. Apply 1/4 cup per plant around the root zone, avoiding the stem. Stop fertilization in fall as black currant enters dormancy, and water after feeding for better nutrient uptake.

Pruning: Black currant is a hardy deciduous shrub valued for its edible berries. Prune in early to late winter while dormant to enhance growth and fruit. Remove dead wood, thin crowded areas, and cut back a third of the oldest stems annually to rejuvenate and maintain vigor.

Propagation: Propagate black currant using healthy, mature stem cuttings for genetic consistency. Apply rooting hormone to enhance root development. Plant in a well-draining medium with sufficient moisture and warmth. Once rooted, transplant into larger pots or garden spaces to allow black currant to thrive.

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Images of Black currant

Distribution of Black currant

Culture

Cultivars

Care Guide for Black currant

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