Blackcurrant 'Ben Lomond'

Overview

Transform your garden with Blackcurrant 'Ben Lomond', the reliable and productive variety that has become a cornerstone of British fruit growing since its introduction in 1975. This robust cultivar combines exceptional hardiness with outstanding crop yields, making it the perfect choice for gardeners seeking dependable harvests of flavoursome blackcurrants. Renowned for its late flowering that avoids frost damage and excellent disease resistance, 'Ben Lomond' delivers consistent performance year after year, establishing itself as one of the most trusted varieties for both amateur and commercial growers.

Key Features

• Plant Type: Compact upright deciduous fruiting bush
• Planting Season: October to March
• Mature Height: 1.5m
• Spread: 1.5m
• Harvest Period: Late July to early August
• Berry Characteristics: Large, dark purple-black berries with sweet-sharp flavour
• Productive Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper care
• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -20 to -15 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)

Proven Reliability

Blackcurrant 'Ben Lomond' has earned its reputation as one of Britain's most dependable fruit varieties through decades of consistent performance. This is normally the heaviest cropper of all the blackcurrant varieties, even so the plants are compact and not sprawling. The variety's exceptional track record stems from its ability to thrive after harsh winters, with cold weather actually enhancing its productivity and fruit quality.

Outstanding Crop Yields

'Ben Lomond' stands out as the heaviest cropper of all the blackcurrant varieties, delivering impressive harvests of 3-5kg per mature bush annually. This strong growing variety really thrives after a hard Winter, producing bumper crops, making it particularly well-suited to the British climate. The concentrated harvest period in late July to early August provides abundant crops when fresh blackcurrants are most appreciated.

Compact Garden-Friendly Growth

Despite its exceptional productivity, 'Ben Lomond' maintains a pleasingly compact habit that makes it ideal for smaller gardens and container growing. It is ideal for small gardens and pots; compact with strong, upright growth, reaching a maximum height and spread of just 1.5m while still bearing a heavy late crop. The upright growth pattern requires minimal space whilst maximising fruit production in limited areas.

Superior Berry Quality

The berries of 'Ben Lomond' are notably large and well-formed, with glossy dark purple-black skin that develops excellent flavour intensity. Sweet/sharp flavour characterises these berries, providing the perfect balance that makes them exceptional for both fresh eating and culinary applications. The substantial berry size makes harvesting efficient and rewarding.

Frost Resistance Advantage

One of 'Ben Lomond's' greatest strengths lies in its exceptional frost tolerance during the critical flowering period. Flowering late, the blossom is rarely damaged even by late frosts, ensuring reliable crops even in challenging seasons. This late flowering characteristic provides insurance against the unpredictable spring weather that can devastate earlier varieties.

Disease Resistance

'Ben Lomond' demonstrates good resistance to mildew, reducing the need for chemical treatments and making it an excellent choice for organic growing approaches. This natural disease resistance contributes to the variety's reputation for easy maintenance and reliable performance.

Ideal Growing Position

Plant 'Ben Lomond' in full sun locations where it receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit development and flavour. The variety tolerates partial shade but performs best with maximum light exposure. Choose a position with good air circulation whilst providing shelter from strong winds that might damage the fruit-laden branches.

Soil Requirements

'Ben Lomond' thrives in well drained, rich soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. The variety benefits from generous soil preparation with organic matter incorporation to improve both drainage and moisture retention. Deep, fertile soil supports the vigorous growth and substantial fruit production that makes this variety so productive.

Planting and Spacing

Plant between October and March, spacing bushes 5 x 5 feet (1.5 x 1.5 metres) apart to allow for mature growth and adequate air circulation. The compact nature means 'Ben Lomond' can be grown successfully in containers using large pots with good drainage. Plant at the same depth as grown in the nursery, ensuring the root system is well-established before the growing season begins.

Self-Fertile Convenience

'Ben Lomond' is self fertile, meaning individual bushes will produce fruit without requiring a pollination partner. However, yields can be enhanced by planting alongside other blackcurrant varieties to encourage cross-pollination and increased fruit set. This self-fertility makes it perfect for gardeners with limited space who want guaranteed fruit production.

Establishment and Early Cropping

Young plants establish quickly and often produce modest crops within the first year after planting. Our customers even report fruits the first year of planting! Full productivity typically develops by the second or third year as the root system and framework establish. The variety's vigorous nature ensures rapid establishment and early returns on investment.

Harvesting Excellence

Harvest from late July when berries develop their full dark colour and come away easily from the bush. The concentrated harvest period makes picking efficient, with the large berry size contributing to quick container filling. Fresh blackcurrants maintain excellent quality for several days after harvest when properly stored.

Pruning and Management

Maintain 'Ben Lomond' bushes at around 4 - 5 feet (1.2 - 1.5 metres) tall through annual winter pruning. Remove old wood over three years old to encourage vigorous new growth that produces the best fruit. The compact habit makes pruning straightforward, with the upright growth pattern naturally maintaining good shape.

Wildlife Benefits

'Ben Lomond' provides valuable wildlife habitat and food sources throughout the growing season. Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects, the flowers support pollinating insects whilst the berries attract birds. This makes it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Annual Care Programme

Apply balanced fertiliser in early spring to support the substantial fruit production, followed by organic mulching to maintain soil fertility and moisture levels. Provide consistent watering during dry periods, particularly during fruit development to ensure optimal berry size and quality. The variety's disease resistance minimises maintenance requirements throughout the growing season.

Culinary Applications

• Fresh Eating: Large, flavourful berries perfect for healthy snacking
• Preserves: Excellent flavour creates superior jams and jellies
• Baking: Large berries ideal for pies, crumbles, and muffins
• Beverages: Perfect for juices, cordials, and smoothies
• Desserts: Attractive berries enhance fruit salads and tarts
• Health Benefits: High in vitamin C and antioxidants

Container Growing Success

'Ben Lomond's' compact habit makes it ideal for small gardens and pots, allowing gardeners with limited space to enjoy homegrown blackcurrants. Use containers at least 40cm wide and deep with excellent drainage. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering and feeding but reward care with impressive harvests.

Companion Planting

Plant alongside other soft fruit varieties to create a productive kitchen garden area. The compact growth works well with gooseberries, red currants, and dwarf fruit trees. Beneficial companion plants include chives, garlic, and marigolds that help deter pests whilst supporting the overall garden ecosystem.

Investment Value

The combination of exceptional productivity, disease resistance, and compact growth makes 'Ben Lomond' an outstanding long-term investment for practical gardeners. The variety's proven track record and reliable performance ensure consistent harvests that provide excellent value for money over its productive lifespan.

Growing Success Tips

Success with 'Ben Lomond' centres on providing the well-drained, fertile soil and full sun position that supports its exceptional productivity. The variety's natural hardiness and disease resistance make it forgiving of growing conditions whilst rewarding good care with bumper crops. Take advantage of the late flowering to avoid frost damage and the compact growth to maximise productivity in limited space. Your 'Ben Lomond' blackcurrant will quickly establish itself as a reliable cornerstone of your fruit garden, delivering consistent harvests of large, flavourful berries that combine exceptional productivity with garden-friendly growing habits.