Ben Alder Black Currant (Ribes nigrum)

Ben Alder black currant produces uniform strings of dark purple berries with concentrated juice suited to commercial pressing, preserves, or freezing. The moderately vigorous, upright bushes keep rows narrow and are straightforward to harvest by machine or hand.

Ben Alder shows strong tolerance to powdery mildew and leaf spot, responds well to renewal pruning, and performs reliably in exposed shelterbelts or dense plantings. Grow it in full sun to light shade in fertile soil that retains moisture; annual mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Cold Hardiness Zone: 3