Blackcurrant Ribes nigrum 'Ben Connan' (B)

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.