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Blackcurrant Ben Sarek
Blackcurrant Ben Sarek
This is a superb variety which produces mouth-watering fruit in abundance between July and August. These are very large and often cause the branches to bend under the weight of the fruits. It is noted for being easy to harvest and was specifically selected for small-scale growers where high yield per unit area, combined with ease of management, are important. Displaying good resistance to mildrew and frost, it can also be grown as an ornamental hedge and has received the prestigious RHS award of garden merit. Currants may be eaten ripe off the shrub or used to make jams, jellies and pies. To make blackcurrant jam use 300ml of water and 600 grams of sugar to every 500 grams of fruit.
Position:
Prefers partial shade
Soil:
Any reasonably well-drained garden soil is suitable
Rate of Growth:
Average
Flowering Period:
Late April
Flower Colour:
Greenish-yellow
Other Features:
Lobed, mid-green leaves which are fragrant when crushed. The fruits are highly attractive to wildlife, particularly blackbirds. Rarely exceeds a metre in height
Hardiness:
Fully hardy: stands a temperature down to -15°C
Garden Care:
As a general rule, cut some of the older wood right back to the base about four years after planting to encourage new growth to develop. Once the plant is established, this can be done on an annual basis to keep it looking neat and tidy. Also beware of birds, especially blackbirds, who love the fruits. Placing a net curtain over the plant during the summer should help reduce the amount of blackcurrants which are lost to wildlife. Mulch with a well-rotted organic matter and apply a slow-release fertiliser such as Osmocote in spring to encourage the development of fresh new growth over the summer. It can be covered with a sheet of mesh over the summer to revent birds from stealing the fruit.
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread:
1.2m
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Unfortunately, this plant is currently unavailable |
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