Blackcurrant Ben Sarek | 3L Pot

High yielding currant variety. Position: full sun Soil: any well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Hardiness: fully hardy A compact shrub that only grows to about 1.2m (4ft) tall, but has in-bred frost resistance and some resistance to mildew. In mid-July, a heavy crop of large blackcurrants is produced which are perfect for serving fresh or made into jams, jellies or pies. The fruit should be picked quickly before it falls. Garden care: Space at 1.5m intervals and once planted apply a mulch of well-rotted manure every spring, as well as a nitrogen and potassium fertiliser. Make sure the plant is kept well watered in dry weather and net the bushes to protect the currants from birds. In the first year, prune back to one bud above soil level in winter. After that only prune out weak branches. Garden care: Blackcurrants can be planted from October to March, preferably in the autumn when the soil is still warm. Prepare the ground well before planting by removing all weeds and incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure into the area. Once planted, apply a mulch of well-rotted manure every spring, as well as a nitrogen and potassium fertiliser. Make sure the plant is watered in dry weather and net the plants to protect the currants from birds.