La black currant (Ribes nigrum), also known as cassis, blackcurrant or black sarsaparilla, is a shrub appreciated not only for its delicious fruits, but also for its ornamental value y medicinalProper care of this shrub ensures a generous harvest and healthy fruit for years to come.
General characteristics of blackcurrant
Scientific name: Ribes nigrum
Popular names: Gooseberry, ribes, blackcurrant, cassis, black sarsaparilla.
Family: Saxifragaceae.
Origin: Europe, Asia and America.
It is a shrub of up to 1.5 m height, leafy and thornless. Its leaves are deciduous, divided into toothed lobes and with a characteristic pale, pubescent underside, where yellow secretory glands are found. The flowers appear in clusters, being reddish inside and greenish outside. The fruit is a black berry, with smooth skin, pulp reddish aromatic and flavor sour-sweetFor successful cultivation, it's advisable to learn how to grow gooseberries to optimize their care and production.
Cultivation requirements
- Ground: It prefers fertile, deep, and well-drained soils. While the blackcurrant tolerates neutral or slightly calcareous soils, it is essential avoid puddles Since its shallow roots (up to 40 cm) are susceptible to rot, visit How to Care for Blackcurrants for more details on all aspects of soil.
- Lighting: It grows well both in full sun and in partially shaded areas, although direct sun favors the fructification and the flavor.
- Temperature: It is resistant to cold and heat; however, it thrives best in cool and humid areas, with cold winters necessary for its cycle.
- Location: Blackcurrants tolerate shade and can be planted in many corners of the garden, even in areas where cold air accumulates, unlike redcurrants, which are more demanding when it comes to light and drainage.
Planting and multiplication
- Soil preparation: At least four weeks before planting, it's recommended to dig the soil (50 x 50 cm), remove weeds, and mix in two buckets of well-rotted manure to a depth of about 7 cm. Allow the soil to settle, turning it over again before planting.
- Plantation: Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the seedling's root ball. Plant the stem 6 to 7 cm deeper than in the nursery to encourage the development of productive basal branches. Space the bushes at least 1,5 m each.
- Multiplication: By cuttings, rooted shoots or division of clumps, preferably in autumn, outdoors and in sheltered areas.
Irrigation, fertilization and mulching
Irrigation: Irrigation must be abundant and frequent during spring and summer, without letting the soil dry out because it can affect the quantity and size of the fruits. In winter, it is enough to keep the soil barely moist. Organic mulch (with straw, leaves or compost) helps retain moisture and reduces weed growthTo better understand how to care for blackcurrants, it's advisable to complement them with mulching techniques.
Subscriber: Once a year, applying compost, worm castings, mature manure, or liquid fertilizers specifically for fruit trees maintains soil fertility and promotes production. If the leaves have yellow or light green tones, foliar feeding may be necessary to supplement the soil. specific deficiencies.
Pruning and maintaining blackcurrants
After planting, carry out a initial pruning Leaving the shoots about 5 cm from the ground level, stimulating the production of new stems and future fruits. Annual pruning should be done before budding, removing old branches (dark wood), weak, diseased, horizontal or growing inwards of the bush. It promotes good growth. aeration and access to light, and prevents diseases and pests.
Controlling and eliminating weeds is essential, as they compete for resources with the gooseberry's surface roots. Mulching helps reduce their growth and protect the roots.
Main diseases, pests and prevention
Common disease: Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Pseudopeziza ribis, causes leaf spots, yellowing, and leaf drop. It is prevented and controlled with copper-based treatments and by removing affected plant material. For further control, learn how to care for blackcurrants to prevent specific pests.
Other diseases include powdery mildew and various types of rust, as well as pests such as aphids, red spider mites, and sawflies. Proper ventilation, cleaning and ecological treatments are essential for integrated control.
Production, harvesting and uses
Currants can begin to produce fruit from the first year if conditions are optimal, reaching their maximum production after several years of growth, where they can yield between 2 and 6 kg per plantThe fruits are rich in Vitamin C, even surpassing oranges, and contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and niacin, as well as minerals. To learn all the ways to take advantage of its fruits, check out how to care for blackcurrants to get the most out of them.
The fruit can be eaten fresh, in jams, jellies, syrups, liqueurs like the well-known cassis, and even as a natural coloring and in infusions. The leaves also have medicinal uses, for example in infusions for colds or as a gargle.
The blackcurrant is a hardy plant, ideal for both traditional and urban gardens or potted plants, adapting well as long as it receives the right care and environment. With simple but consistent attention, it is possible to grow a blackcurrant bush. enjoy its fruits and beauty for years.
