Blackcurrant 'Ben Hope' (Ribes nigrum)

A late-season powerhouse with exceptional disease resistance and superb flavour

Overview

Blackcurrant 'Ben Hope' is a remarkable late-ripening variety that extends the blackcurrant season well into August, providing fresh fruit when most other varieties have finished. Bred in Scotland for superior disease resistance and exceptional fruit quality, this outstanding cultivar combines heavy cropping with some of the best natural pest and disease resistance available in modern blackcurrants. The large, intensely flavoured berries ripen to perfection in late summer, offering gardeners the opportunity to enjoy fresh blackcurrants for weeks longer than traditional varieties. 'Ben Hope' represents the pinnacle of blackcurrant breeding, delivering commercial-quality fruit with remarkable reliability.

Key Features

• Harvest Period: Late July to mid-August (extends the season)

• Mature Size: 1.5 metres tall

• Spread: 1.5 metres wide

• Growth Rate: Vigorous, reaching full production in 3-4 years

• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -20 to -15 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)

• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-draining soil

• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade

• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit

Berry Quality

'Ben Hope' produces exceptionally large blackcurrants with outstanding flavour intensity that many consider the finest available. The berries are notably large, glossy, and deep purple-black with a perfect balance of sweetness and classic blackcurrant tartness that makes them ideal for both fresh eating and culinary use. The skin is firm yet tender, and the flesh is juicy with an intense, complex flavour that's particularly prized for premium jams, cordials, and liqueurs.

Cropping Performance

This variety is renowned for its consistently heavy crops, typically yielding 3-5kg of fruit per mature bush. The berries are borne in long, well-filled trusses that hang attractively from strong branches, making harvesting efficient and enjoyable. The late ripening period means 'Ben Hope' provides fruit when other varieties have finished, effectively extending the fresh blackcurrant season by 2-3 weeks.

Storage and Culinary Uses

The firm texture of 'Ben Hope' berries makes them excellent for fresh eating and superior for cooking applications where berry integrity is important. They store exceptionally well, keeping fresh in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, and freeze perfectly for year-round use. The intense flavour makes them particularly valued for premium preserves, cordials, and desserts where true blackcurrant character is essential.

Growth Habit

'Ben Hope' develops into a vigorous, upright bush with strong, well-branched stems that support heavy crops without requiring extensive support. The plant has a naturally open growth habit that promotes good air circulation, contributing to its excellent disease resistance. The robust framework means the bush can carry heavy crops year after year without structural problems.

Foliage and Flowers

The leaves are large, deeply lobed, and mid-green with the characteristic aromatic blackcurrant scent when crushed. The foliage remains healthy throughout the growing season, showing excellent resistance to common leaf diseases. Small greenish flowers appear in drooping racemes during late spring, later than many varieties, which helps avoid late frost damage.

Disease Resistance

'Ben Hope' exhibits outstanding resistance to the major blackcurrant diseases and pests, including:

• Big bud mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis) - excellent resistance
• Blackcurrant leaf spot - very good resistance
• American gooseberry mildew - good resistance
• Blackcurrant gall mite - excellent resistance This exceptional disease resistance makes it ideal for organic growing and reduces the need for chemical interventions.

Soil Requirements

'Ben Hope' thrives in deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. The variety performs best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions (pH 6.0-7.0) and benefits from soil rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soils should be improved with compost and organic matter, whilst sandy soils require regular mulching to maintain moisture and fertility.

Light Requirements

Full sun produces the heaviest crops and most intense flavour, though 'Ben Hope' tolerates partial shade better than many fruit crops. The late flowering helps avoid frost damage, but adequate sunlight is essential for proper fruit ripening and sugar development.

Watering Needs

Consistent moisture throughout the growing season is crucial for optimal fruit development. The variety is particularly sensitive to drought during fruit swelling in mid-summer. Deep, weekly watering during dry periods is more beneficial than frequent shallow watering. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and reduces watering requirements.

Planting

Plant bare-root bushes between November and March, or container-grown plants throughout the growing season when soil conditions are suitable. Choose a sheltered site protected from strong winds but with good air circulation. Prepare the planting area by incorporating generous amounts of well-rotted compost or manure. Plant at the same depth as previously grown, spacing bushes 1.8-2 metres apart.

Annual Care Programme

Spring: Apply balanced fertiliser (such as fish, blood, and bone) and mulch generously with compost or well-rotted manure. Check for any winter damage and prune if necessary.

Early Summer: Ensure consistent watering as fruit develops. Monitor for pest activity, though 'Ben Hope's' resistance means problems are rare.

Late Summer: Harvest fruit when fully ripe. The extended season means careful timing is important for peak flavour.

Autumn/Winter: Prune after leaf fall to maintain bush structure and remove any old or damaged wood.

Pruning

'Ben Hope' benefits from regular pruning to maintain vigour and cropping performance. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches annually. After the third year, remove 25% of the oldest wood each winter to encourage new growth, as blackcurrants fruit best on young wood. The variety's vigorous nature means it responds well to pruning and quickly produces replacement growth.

Feeding

As a vigorous variety, 'Ben Hope' has substantial nutritional requirements. Apply a balanced organic fertiliser in early spring, followed by a generous mulch of compost or well-rotted manure. Supplementary potash feeding in late summer supports fruit bud development for the following year. The variety responds particularly well to organic feeding regimes.

Organic Cultivation

'Ben Hope's' exceptional disease resistance makes it ideal for organic growing systems. The natural pest resistance means chemical interventions are rarely necessary, making it perfect for gardeners preferring organic approaches.

Commercial-Style Training

For maximum yields, 'Ben Hope' can be grown using commercial techniques such as:

• Stool bed systems for propagation

• High-density planting for increased yields per area

• Mechanical harvesting techniques adapted for garden use

Container Growing

While 'Ben Hope' can be grown in containers, its vigorous nature means it requires large containers (minimum 60cm diameter and depth) and more intensive care than compact varieties. Container cultivation allows precise control of growing conditions but requires consistent watering and feeding.

Dedicated Fruit Production

Ideal for serious fruit growers wanting maximum yields and quality. The disease resistance and heavy cropping make it suitable for small-scale commercial production.

Allotment Growing

Perfect for allotment holders wanting reliable, high-quality fruit with minimal pest and disease problems. The late season extends fresh fruit availability.

Mixed Fruit Gardens

Excellent for extending the blackcurrant season when planted alongside earlier varieties. The vigorous growth provides good structure in mixed soft fruit plantings.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

The late flowers provide valuable nectar when many other sources have finished. The dense growth offers excellent nesting sites for birds.

Companion Planting

'Ben Hope' benefits from companions that support soil health and provide beneficial insect habitat:

• Comfrey (deep-rooted dynamic accumulator)
• Alliums (chives, garlic chives) for pest deterrence
• Calendula and other beneficial insect attractors
• Other soft fruits with similar cultural requirements

Timing

'Ben Hope' fruit ripens 2-3 weeks later than most varieties, typically from late July through mid-August. Berries are ready when they're fully black, glossy, and have developed their characteristic sweet-tart balance.

Harvesting Technique

Pick whole trusses for efficiency, or individual berries for immediate consumption. The firm berries handle well during harvesting and transport.

Post-Harvest Handling

The excellent keeping quality means berries can be stored fresh for extended periods. For processing, the late harvest coincides perfectly with preserve-making season.

Potential Challenges

Vigorous Growth

The variety's vigour means it can outgrow its allocated space if not properly managed. Regular pruning and appropriate spacing are essential.

Late Harvest Timing

The extended season means harvest may coincide with early autumn weather. Plan protection from excessive rain during ripening.

Bird Protection

The late ripening period may require extended bird protection as other food sources become scarce.

Nutritional Excellence

'Ben Hope' blackcurrants provide:

• Exceptional vitamin C content (up to 200mg per 100g)
• High levels of anthocyanins and antioxidants
• Significant amounts of potassium, iron, and manganese
• Natural compounds supporting immune system function

Storage and Preservation

Fresh Storage

Refrigerated berries keep for 2-3 weeks, significantly longer than most soft fruits.

Freezing

Berries freeze excellently, retaining flavour and nutritional value. Freeze on trays before bagging for best results.

Processing

The intense flavour makes 'Ben Hope' ideal for premium preserves, cordials, and value-added products.

Why Choose 'Ben Hope'?

'Ben Hope' represents the ultimate in modern blackcurrant breeding, combining exceptional disease resistance with outstanding fruit quality and extended season cropping. For gardeners seeking the finest blackcurrant experience with minimal pest and disease problems, this variety is unmatched.

The late ripening period provides fresh fruit when other varieties have finished, effectively extending the blackcurrant season and providing opportunities for extended fresh eating and preserve making. The combination of heavy cropping, superb flavour, and remarkable disease resistance makes 'Ben Hope' an investment in long-term garden productivity.

Whether you're an experienced fruit grower seeking the ultimate blackcurrant or a beginner wanting a reliable, high-quality variety that's virtually problem-free, 'Ben Hope' delivers exceptional results. Its Scottish breeding ensures complete hardiness in British conditions, whilst the outstanding disease resistance means success is virtually guaranteed.

For gardeners prioritising quality, reliability, and extended harvest seasons, Blackcurrant 'Ben Hope' represents the pinnacle of what modern fruit breeding can achieve.