black currant

Black currants (Ribes nigrum 'Ben Sarek') should receive 1-2 inches of water per week, either through precipitation or irrigation. It is important to water them deeply and thoroughly, allowing their soil to dry a bit between waterings. During the warmer months watering should occur 1-2 times per week, and during cooler months watering only needs to occur once every 1-2 weeks. Avoid allowing the soil to become too wet or too dry. Keep an eye on your black currant plants during extreme temperatures and water them accordingly.

Black currant (Ribes nigrum 'Ben Sarek') prefers to receive full sunlight exposure for 6 to 8 hours a day. Plants grown in full sun have larger and sweeter fruits than those grown in shade. This means that it will typically thrive in areas that receive good direct sunlight for most of the day. In areas of northern climates, several hours of direct sunlight is also beneficial. If the area in which the black currant is growing receives less direct sunlight, a grow light may help to ensure that it receives the ideal amount of sunlight for proper growth.

Prune black currant shrubs (Ribes nigrum 'Ben Sarek') in late winter or early spring (February to early March) to maintain a vigorous and healthy shrub. Remove up to 1 third of the oldest, lowest shoots, as well as any dead or diseased wood. Cut just above a healthy bud that points outward, and discard the removed shoots. An annual pruning of this type will keep the shrub manageable and productive.