Blackcurrant Ribes nigrum 'Ben Connan' (B)
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ABOUT
'Ben Connan' is a variety of blackcurrant known for its heavy crop of large, glossy black fruit. The plant is compact and sturdy, with strong branches that hold up well under the weight of the berries. Its leaves are a bright, deep green with three or five lobes, typical of the blackcurrant plant, and they have a slightly serrated edge with a gentle aroma that is often released when brushed against. During the spring, 'Ben Connan' produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that can range in color from pale green to pink or white. These blossoms are quite attractive and often visited by bees and other pollinators. By summer, the flowers give way to the large berries which are the standout feature of the plant. The fruits appear in strigs, similar to grapes, but are known for their much larger size compared to other blackcurrant varieties. The berries themselves have a brilliant shine and are noted for their rich flavor and firmness, making them excellent for both fresh consumption and culinary use, such as in jams, jellies, and desserts. Overall, the appearance of the 'Ben Connan' blackcurrant conveys a sense of bounty and robust health, with its lush foliage providing a vibrant backdrop for the dark, alluring fruit it produces.
About this plant
Names
Family
Grossulariaceae.
Synonyms
Black Currant, European Black Currant, Ben Connan Black Currant.
Common names
Ribes nigrum 'Ben Connan'
Toxicity
To humans
Ribes nigrum 'Ben Connan', commonly known as blackcurrant, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, the berries are commonly consumed for their high vitamin C content and are used in a variety of culinary dishes. The leaves and other plant parts are not commonly eaten but do not contain toxic principles known to be harmful to humans when consumed in normal food quantities.
To pets
Blackcurrant is not known to be toxic to pets. The plant, including the berries, is not commonly associated with poisoning in animals. However, as with any non-typical food, ingestion of large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the unusual nature of the food in their diet.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-yellow
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits
- High Yield: B is known for its heavy crop of fruit, providing a generous harvest for gardeners.
- Compact Growth: This variety is compact, making it suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces.
- Disease Resistance: B is bred for resistance to common diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Taste Quality: The fruits of B are known for their excellent flavor, making them a favorite for fresh eating and culinary uses.
- Early Fruiting: B is an early fruiting cultivar, allowing gardeners to enjoy the harvest sooner in the season.
- Attractive Flowers: Along with fruit, B produces attractive flowers that can add ornamental value to a garden.
- Wildlife Friendly: The berries provide a food source for birds, and the flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Medical Properties
- Antioxidant support - Blackcurrant (the common name of Ribes nigrum) berries are rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, which are known to have antioxidant properties.
- Anti-inflammatory actions - The plant contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that may aid in reducing inflammation.
- Eye health - Blackcurrant seed oil may help to improve blood flow to the eyes and reduce visual fatigue.
- Cardiovascular benefits - The potassium and GLA in blackcurrants may contribute to heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles.
- Immune support - The high vitamin C content may boost the immune system by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Blackcurrant 'Ben Connan' varietals can be used as a natural fabric dye, offering hues ranging from light pink to deep purple depending on the concentration and type of fabric used.
- The leaves of the blackcurrant bush can be infused to create natural insect repellents, due to their strong aromatic properties which many pests find distasteful.
- The plant can be used in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal, particularly for its glossy dark green leaves and the contrast of its dark berries.
- Blackcurrant branches can be woven into baskets and other crafts, with younger, flexible stems being preferred for this use.
- Blackcurrant waste from juicing or jam making can be composted and returned to the garden to improve soil quality and structure.
- The high pectin content in blackcurrants make them suitable as a natural thickener in sauces, desserts, and even in some savoury dishes.
- Mash from blackcurrant berries can be used as a bait for traps in controlling garden pests, taking advantage of their strong fragrance to lure insects.
- The robust flavor of blackcurrants can be infused into vinegars or oils to create unique and flavorful culinary condiments.
- Empty blackcurrant bushes after harvest can provide shelter and nesting opportunities for beneficial garden insects and small wildlife.
- The acidity of spent blackcurrant soil, after exhaustive cultivation, can be repurposed for growing other acid-loving plants such as blueberries.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The blackcurrant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The blackcurrant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Prosperity: The abundant production of berries from the Blackcurrant symbolizes richness and plenty.
- Protection: Historically, Blackcurrant shrubs were believed to ward off negative influences when planted around homes.
- Intuition: The deep purple, almost black color of the berries can represent intuition and the mystical.
- Healing: With high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, Blackcurrants symbolize health and recovery.
Water
Black currants, including the 'Ben Connan' variety, prefer consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During dry periods, or in the case of young plants which have shallower roots, the frequency should be increased to twice a week. It is important to water the base of the plant and avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases. Adjustments should be made based on rainfall, ensuring the soil does not dry out completely or become waterlogged. Mulching can help retain soil moisture, requiring less frequent watering.
Light
Black currant plants, such as 'Ben Connan', thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting is one where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help prevent heat stress. Avoid places that are shaded for most of the day, as insufficient light can lead to poor fruit production and weak growth.
Temperature
Black currants, including the 'Ben Connan' variety, are hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range; they can survive winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for black currants are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can negatively impact the plant, especially during flowering and fruit set.
Pruning
'Ben Connan' black currants require annual pruning to remove dead wood and encourage new growth, which leads to better fruit production. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove about a third of the oldest branches each year, cutting them back to the base, and prune out any weak or diseased stems. This encourages the plant to produce strong new shoots, which will bear fruit the following year.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Blackcurrants, like 'Ben Connan', thrive in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH of approximately 6.5. For the best soil mix, combine two parts loam, one part peat or well-rotted compost, and one part sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Mulching around the base with organic material will also help maintain soil moisture and health.
Repotting
Blackcurrants such as 'Ben Connan' are not commonly grown in containers and thus typically do not require repotting. They are usually planted directly in the ground where they can spread their roots indefinitely. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth.
Humidity & Misting
Blackcurrants like 'Ben Connan' prefer outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated. They do not have specific humidity requirements, but they tolerate a wide range of humidity levels found in temperate climates. Avoiding excessively dry air is usually not a concern for these plants when cultivated outdoors.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure good light, cool winter temps for dormancy.
Outdoor
Full sun, shelter from winds, moderate watering.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle
'Ben Connan' blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum 'Ben Connan') starts its life cycle when the seeds germinate in spring, after the cold stratification period that breaks seed dormancy. The seedlings then develop into young plants with characteristic lobed leaves and woody stems; it typically takes a year before they mature into fruit-bearing bushes. Flowering occurs in early to mid-spring, where the plants produce small, greenish to reddish flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit development. By midsummer, the flowers have turned into clusters of glossy, black berries, which are the edible fruits rich in vitamin C. After harvesting in the summer, the plant focuses on root and shoot growth in preparation for the next year's cycle. During autumn, the leaves turn yellow and fall off as the plant enters dormancy for the winter, conserving energy for the next spring's growth cycle.
Propogation
Propogation time
Early Spring
Ribes nigrum 'Ben Connan', commonly known as black currant, is typically propagated through hardwood cuttings. The most popular time to take cuttings is during the dormant season, specifically from late fall into winter. To propagate black currants by hardwood cuttings, one would select healthy, mature stems from the current or previous year's growth. These stems should be cut into lengths of about 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters), making sure each cutting has several buds. The bottom cut should be made just below a bud, and the top cut should be made about half an inch (1.3 centimeters) above a bud to prevent dieback. The cuttings are then inserted into a prepared bed or potting medium so that at least two buds are below the surface, which encourages a strong root system to develop. Through this method, new black currant bushes that are genetically identical to the parent plant will develop.