Description
A European species much loved in gardens across the world. So much so, a breeder in British Columbia took it upon himself to make the best black currants possible and was rewarded with great success. Here we offer seed from two of his varieties “Nicola” and “Blackcomb”. Both have white pine blister rust disease & powdery mildew resistance and unsurpassed productivity with huge 12mm diameter sweet delicious fruit. Huge fruit bearing clusters are so heavy, its best to create a raspberry like trellis support to keep the branches off the ground. Excellent fresh eating. Perfect for jams, jellies, wine and liquors. Its high anthocyanin and Vitamin C content is attributed to overall better health, and you’ve probably seen bottles of blackcurrant juice concentrate in grocery stores.
Easy to grow and fast growing. Can start bearing 4 years fruit after germination. It just needs good soil and a sunny location. I’ve never seen deer munch Ribes plants, but those are our locals. Yours might not be as picky. Protect if needed.
- Seed Count: 40-50
- Collection Date: July 2024
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Height and Width: 2m x 2m
- Germination test type: float
- Family: Grossulariaceae
How to germinate Ribes nigrum seeds:
Soak seed 24 hours. Sow in well draining humus rich moist medium 3mm deep. Use deep pots for good root development. Remember to sow thinly. Mixing some silica sand with the hydrated seed helps even dispersal on medium surface. Thinly top dress with fine mulch. Alternately, direct sow dry seed in prepared pots, mist well, cover 3mm deep along with a thin layer of fine mulch. Cold stratify 60 days. Give gentle warmth to germinate. I wouldn’t disturb the pot until the end of the second growing cycle as sometimes seed will germinate in its second spring.
