Overview
Ribes nigrum 'Ben Connan'
This early to mid-season variety is compact in habit and easy to grow.
Pick: Early July
Use: Eating & Cooking
Description
Developed by the Scottish Crop Research Institute in 1993, Ben Connan is an ideal variety for growing in colder climates. This early to mid-season shrub has very large, high quality fruits that ripen early and have a rich and delicious flavour. The enormous berries are black and glossy, growing on short trusses, making them very easy to pick. This heavy cropper is perfect for the garden with its good compact habit, easy to grow and amongst other things, it's frost, pest and disease resistant.
Planting Position
For best results, plant in a sunny sContainer that is sheltered from cold winds. Blackcurrants are tolerant of many soils as long as they retain moisture and are well-drained. They can be planted in either spring or autumn and its advisable to cut back all of the shoots after planting. It is beneficial to the bush long term if it loses it first year fruits.
After Care
Blackcurrants require moderate maintenance. Prune dead, diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots; heavy pruning should be carried out during the dormant season and promote new growth in the following season—water only in extremely hot or dry periods.
Attributes
Ben Connan is know for attracting bees due to its pollen-rich flowers.
