What soil does Blackcurrant grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Blackcurrant hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Blackcurrant be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Blackcurrant need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Blackcurrant cost?

It sells for roughly €7.90 to €18 in local shops, depending on size.

Blackcurrant

Ribes nigrum

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is a fruit plant. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €7.90.

Illustration of Blackcurrant — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Blackcurrant is a fruit bush with strongly aromatic leaves and distinctive, vitamin C rich berries that ripen in June and July. Most varieties are self-fertile but set better next to another variety, so planting two is worthwhile. It wants fresh, fertile, moist soil and shelter from scorching midday sun, and it fruits best on one-year-old wood, so a third of the oldest stems should be cut out every year.

Watch out for

In Central Europe blackcurrant, which comes from cooler and more even climates, struggles in hot, dry lowland summers: it needs a lot of water, drops its leaves early and crops poorly in scorching sun, and its early flowers are damaged by even a light frost. It does not tolerate calcareous, alkaline or drying soils. Its most serious problem is the blackcurrant gall mite, which swells the buds (big bud) and spreads the incurable reversion virus (affected bushes have to be removed). Currant clearwing moth, aphids, powdery mildew and leaf spot with early leaf drop are also common.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, green

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	1–1.8 m × 0.9–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, green
Harvest	June–July
Self-fertile	yes
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	120 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €7.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
55-65 cm	approx. €10
100 cm	approx. €11
size not stated	approx. €7.90 – €18

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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