shrub

Blackcurrant

Ribes nigrum

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) — a shrub, for Full sun, Medium water. Companions: Tansy, Chives.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium to high

↑ Gives back

Fruitedible berries
Mulch_biomassmedium

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceBud break and leaf emergence typically occur after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 5°C.
floweringFlowering begins approximately 30 days after emergence, lasting for about three weeks.
fruitingFruit development starts about 45 days after flowering and continues for a month.
harvestHarvest typically occurs in July, lasting for several weeks as berries ripen.
senescenceLeaves begin to senesce and drop with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.
dormancyPlants enter full dormancy shortly after the first autumn frost, remaining dormant through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained but consistently moist
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, phosphorus
Soil textureloam, clay
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceLow

Propagation

Methodscuttings, seeds, division
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 3-4 months
Self-seedingLight
Divisionautumn_or_spring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, hoverflies, birds
Can host pestscurrant aphid, gooseberry sawfly, currant clearwing moth
Can host diseasesblackcurrant reversion virus, white pine blister rust