Description
Risager is a newer Dutch black currant and its headline is health: it resists white pine blister rust, mildew and leaf spot together, which is an unusual combination and a real advantage in a wet summer. Yields are high to go with it.
The flavor is the full, strong, aromatic black currant taste that is treasured in Europe and eaten fresh there without complaint. Most American growers turn the crop into jam, cordial, syrup or cassis, where that same intensity is exactly what carries the finished thing.
Overview
- Resists white pine blister rust, mildew and leaf spot; high yielding.
- Strong, aromatic, classic black currant flavor.
- Outstanding for jam, cordial, cassis and baking.
- A modern Dutch cultivar.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Ribes nigrum ‘Risager’
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: Upright and compact, about 3 to 5 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
Pests & Diseases: Resistant to white pine blister rust, mildew and leaf spot
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Black currant flavor is an acquired taste eaten raw and an immediate one cooked. If the fresh fruit surprises you, make the cordial before judging.
- 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
