Ben Sarek Black Currant (Ribes nigrum)

The Ben Sarek Black Currant is a compact and hardy variety well-suited to Canadian climates. It matures to a relatively small size, typically reaching about 1 meter in height and spread. This cultivar is particularly noted for its cold hardiness, thriving in zones 3 through 7, making it an excellent choice for many regions in Canada.

Ideal soil conditions for the Ben Sarek Black Currant are well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least four hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the best fruit.

Historically, black currants have been cultivated for their rich, tart berries and high vitamin C content. The Ben Sarek variety, in particular, yields large, sweet berries that are ripe for harvesting in mid-summer. These berries are versatile, used in jams, jellies, and baking, or simply eaten fresh.

The Ben Sarek Black Currant was developed for its compact growth habit, making it ideal for smaller gardens. While the original breeder is not explicitly mentioned in the knowledge source, this variety is known for its disease resistance, especially to powdery mildew and white pine blister rust, which are common issues in many currant varieties.

Introduced by the Scottish Crop Research Institute.