Description
Ben Sarek was bred at the Scottish Crop Research Institute specifically for home gardeners, and it shows in every design decision. It resists frost, which protects the flowers in a cold spring, and it resists mildew, which is the problem black currants actually get.
The bush is easily maintained at 3 to 4 ft and can be spaced just 2 to 3 ft apart, so it fits a garden row rather than a field. It then produces such an abundance of large, flavorful fruit that the branches genuinely need supporting in a heavy year.
Overview
- Compact at 3 to 4 ft, spaced 2 to 3 ft apart.
- Resists frost and mildew.
- Very large, flavorful berries in heavy quantity.
- Bred at the Scottish Crop Research Institute for home gardens.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Sarek’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 3
Rootstock: Grown from cuttings
Bearing Age: Light crop the year after planting; full crops by the third or fourth year
Size at Maturity: Compact, easily held at 3 to 4 ft tall and wide
Ripening Time: Mid season; July into August
Pollination: Self-fertile; one bush sets a full crop, and a second currant nearby increases berry size
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: The Ben series really does stand out among black currants, and Ben Sarek is the one bred for a garden rather than a field.
- Regional Insight: Currants are cool-climate fruit, at their best where summers stay moderate and winters are properly cold.
- Explore more berries in our collection: Berries
