Ribes nigrum aka Black Currant

Taxonomy

Genus Ribes Family Grossulariaceae Order Saxifragales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Ribes nigrum, also known as blackcurrant or cassis, is a medium-sized deciduous shrub in the Grossulariaceae family. It is native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia, where it grows well in damp, fertile soil. The plant produces alternate, strongly aromatic leaves with five palmate lobes and serrated margins. In midsummer, the plant produces racemes of strigs containing up to 20 small, yellow-glanded flowers, which are mostly insect-pollinated but may also be wind-pollinated. The flowers develop into edible berries that are very dark purple, almost black, with a glossy skin and persistent calyxes. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and polyphenols and can be eaten raw or cooked in sweet or savory dishes. It is commonly used to make jams, preserves, syrups, alcoholic beverages, and dyes. Blackcurrants are grown commercially for the juice market, and an established bush can produce up to 10 pounds of fruit each year. Black Currant is also a rare houseplant that thrives in direct light and well-draining soil, requiring regular watering and no added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. Cold weather during flowering may reduce the crop size, and frost can damage both open and unopened flowers if temperatures fall below -1.9°C.

Common names

Black Currant, European Black Currant

How to care for Black Currant

Difficulty

Black Currant requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Black Currant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Black Currant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Black Currant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Black Currant should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Black Currant’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to France, Bulgaria, N. and C. Asia.

More info:
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More Species in Ribes Genus

Ribes bracteosum Stink Currant

Ribes triste Swamp Red Currant

Ribes divaricatum Wild Black Gooseberry

Ribes alpinum Alpine Currant

Ribes montigenum Alpine Prickly Currant

Ribes sanguineum Flowering Currant

Ribes malvaceum Chaparral Currant

Ribes nevadense Mountain Pink Currant

Ribes hirtellum Hairystem Gooseberry

Ribes lacustre Bristly Black Gooseberry