Shrub · Grossulariaceae family
blackcurrant
Ribes nigrum
In short a 10-second read
Blackcurrant (shrub) grows to 0.9–1.2 m tall and 0.9–1.2 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. It flowers in April; the flowers are green or yellow. Hardy to −40 °C.
× spread 0.9–1.2 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −40 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: humus-rich, loamy, sandy
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 4–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
April · green or yellow
Pruning
thin out old stems (December–February)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −40 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does blackcurrant flower?
In April; the flowers are green or yellow.
Does blackcurrant tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does blackcurrant need?
At maturity 0.9–1.2 m wide and 0.9–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 90 cm.
Does blackcurrant survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (12)
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Ribes nigrum 'Ben Sarek'
- University of Minnesota Extension — Growing currants and gooseberries in the home garden
- BfN (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) — Naturschutzfachliche Invasivitätsbewertung
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Ribes nigrum
- Wikidata (CC0) — Ribes nigrum
- RHS - How to grow blackcurrants
- Penn State Extension - Gooseberries and currants
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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