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About this product
Blackcurrant 'Black Bells' (Ribes nigrum)
Overview
‘Black Bells’ is a modern blackcurrant noted for its high yields of aromatic, vitamin-rich berries on relatively compact bushes. It flowers late enough to usually miss spring frosts, making it reliable in most parts of Ireland.
Key Features
- Heavy crops of strongly flavoured blackcurrants
- High in vitamin C and ideal for juicing
- Late flowering to avoid frost damage
- Compact habit suited to gardens and allotments
How to Plant
Plant in Rich, moisture-retentive soil that does not dry out in summer. in a position with Full sun or very light shade.. Dig a generous planting hole, mix in organic matter, and water thoroughly after planting. Apply a mulch around the base to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Care Tips
- Each winter, remove 1–3 of the oldest, darkest stems at ground level to encourage new canes.
- Mulch generously in spring and water well as fruit is swelling.
- Netting may be needed to protect fruit from birds.
Size & Growth Timeline
Forms a bush around 1.5m tall and wide within 4–5 years.
Harvest
Crops heavily from mid-summer. Berries freeze extremely well and are excellent for cordials, jams and baking.
Perfect For…
- Cordial and jam making
- Freezing for smoothies and winter use
- Compact soft-fruit areas and cages
Plant Details
| Flowering Season | April – May |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Rating | RHS H6 (−20°C to −15°C). |
Plant Highlights
- Wildlife Benefit: Spring blooms provide valuable early nectar for pollinating bees.
Growing & care
- Position & light
- Full sun
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Acid neutral· Well drained· Moisture retentive· Moist
- Mature size
- 1.5m high· 1.5m wide
- Foliage
- deciduous
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