Description
A European species much loved in gardens across the world. Breeding programs have selected for white pine blister rust disease and mildew resistance, productivity, and large delicious fruit. Seed is from two improved cultivars, “Nicola” and “Blackcomb”, whose berries often exceed 12mm in diameter. 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.
