Varieties and cultivars

Step 1: Check local laws and restrictions

First of all, make sure that growing blackcurrant is permitted in your region. This may seem strange, but because some currant species are carriers of white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) – a dangerous fungal disease of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) – many US states and some Canadian provinces still have restrictions or complete bans on blackcurrant cultivation (Buckingham, 2010; Bowling, 2000). Although many resistant cultivars now exist, some regional restrictions remain in force. This is the first and mandatory step. Contact your local agricultural extension service or experienced gardeners to find out about current regulations.

Step 2: Assess your climate and site conditions

This is the most important practical step. Answer the following questions:

• Winter frosts: What are the minimum winter temperatures in your area? For most blackcurrant cultivars, temperatures below –30…–35 °C are critical, although hardier forms exist (Bowling, 2000; Hill & Perry, 2011). If winters are harsh, look for cultivars bred in your region or in a climatically similar one (e.g., for Siberia, cultivars from the Lisavenko Research Institute of Horticulture in Siberia) (Даньков и др., 2015).
• Spring frosts: Blackcurrant blooms early, and flowers are often damaged by late spring frosts (Westwood, 1993). If this is a frequent problem in your region, choose cultivars with late flowering that avoid frost. This is typical of many modern cultivars bred in Europe and Russia (Buckingham, 2010; Даньков и др., 2015).
• Summer heat and drought: Blackcurrant is a moisture‑loving crop, and in southern regions with hot, dry summers it can suffer from overheating and moisture deficit (Кривко, 2014). For such conditions, look for cultivars with enhanced drought tolerance (e.g., cultivars based on golden currant or special drought‑tolerant hybrids) (Потапов и др., 2000).
• Site illumination: Currant prefers sunny locations but can tolerate partial shade (Bowling, 2000). If your site is partly shaded, this is not critical, but yields may be slightly lower than in full sun.
• Soil type: Currant grows well on fertile loams and sandy loams with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction (pH 6.0‑6.5) (Даньков и др., 2015). Heavy, waterlogged and acidic soils are unsuitable without prior improvement.

Step 3: Determine disease and pest resistance

As already mentioned, this is a key factor for successful cultivation. The main threats are:

• American powdery mildew (sphaerotheca). A fungal disease affecting leaves and berries. Most modern cultivars have resistance to it (Hill & Perry, 2011; Даньков и др., 2015).
• Anthracnose and septoria (white leaf spot). Fungal diseases that cause premature leaf drop and weaken the bush. Look for cultivars with complex resistance to these diseases (Cornell Guide, 2003).
• Gall mite and reversion (virus). This is the most dangerous pest and the virus it transmits. Unfortunately, there are few cultivars with absolute resistance to gall mite, but some are damaged to a much lesser extent. Study the cultivar characteristics carefully in the description (Даньков и др., 2015; Westwood, 1993).
• White pine blister rust. If there are pines in your region, look for cultivars with resistance to this disease, e.g., 'Consort', 'Crusader', 'Titania' (Bowling, 2000; Hill & Perry, 2011). In some countries these are the only permitted cultivars.

Step 4: Determine the purpose of the crop and taste preferences

Blackcurrant is used in different ways:

• For fresh consumption (dessert cultivars). Such cultivars have sweeter, more aromatic berries with high sugar content and tender flesh. They are pleasant to eat straight from the bush (Buckingham, 2010; Hill & Perry, 2011).
• For processing (industrial cultivars). Jams, compotes, juices, wine, freezing – for these purposes, cultivars with more acidic but aromatic berries, often with thicker skins and higher pectin content, are better suited (Bowling, 2000). Berries of such cultivars retain their shape better during heat treatment.
• Universal cultivars. Combine good taste and suitability for processing. This is the most popular and safe choice for most gardeners.

Step 5: Choose ripening times

Given that the ripening period of blackcurrant in different climatic zones can be extended, for personal consumption it is logical to have one cultivar each of early, mid‑season and late ripening. This will allow you to harvest over a month or even longer (Даньков и др., 2015). For small farmers, this also helps to rationally distribute the harvest workload and avoid peak loads.

Step 6: Consider growth habit and bush shape

• Bush height and habit. Compact bushes are convenient for care and harvesting. Some cultivars have a spreading shape, which may be important if you have limited space (Hessayon, 1993).
• Vigour. Vigorous cultivars may require more severe pruning, while weak‑growing ones need almost no shaping.
• Resistance to berry drop. Some cultivars drop berries heavily when ripe, making harvesting difficult. In others, berries stay on the clusters for a long time. This characteristic is often indicated in the cultivar description.

Step 7: Consult local sources

Remember that even the most advertised cultivar may not meet expectations in your conditions. The most reliable way is to find out which cultivars grow well for your neighbours or in the local nursery. Join local gardening communities, visit exhibitions and fairs. Getting advice from local specialists or nurseries is the most direct path to success (Cornell Guide, 2003).

Thus, a systematic approach to cultivar selection based on these seven steps significantly increases the chances of obtaining a stable and abundant blackcurrant harvest. Next, we will look at what cultivar base is available in different regions of the world.

Western Europe: classics and modern trends

In Western Europe (UK, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Scandinavia), blackcurrant has traditionally been an important industrial crop. Many cultivars have been bred there that are now known worldwide.

• Key breeding directions: increasing yield, large fruit size, resistance to powdery mildew and gall mite, suitability for mechanical harvesting. Special attention is paid to creating cultivars with late flowering to avoid flower damage by spring frosts (Buckingham, 2010; Hessayon, 1993).
• Well‑known cultivar series: The Scottish “Ben” series (Ben Lomond, Ben Nevis, Ben More, Ben Sarek, etc.) gained wide recognition. These cultivars are characterised by high yields, good winter hardiness for their region and disease resistance (Buckingham, 2010; Hessayon, 1993). In Poland and Germany, many cultivars have been created that are adapted to local soil and climatic conditions and suitable for both industrial and amateur cultivation.
• Characteristics: European cultivars often have large, sweet berries suitable for fresh consumption. However, their winter hardiness may be insufficient for regions with very severe winters (Westwood, 1993).

Russia and post‑Soviet countries: enormous diversity

Main page: Overview of Russian blackcurrant cultivars

Russia is one of the world leaders in blackcurrant acreage, and domestic breeding has accumulated enormous experience. The cultivar fund here is unusually rich and diverse, because breeding institutions have worked in a wide range of climatic zones – from the North‑West to Siberia and the Far East (Даньков и др., 2015; Потапов и др., 2000).

North America: restrictions and solutions

In the United States and Canada, blackcurrant cultivation was long prohibited because of white pine blister rust. Although the federal ban was lifted in 1966, many states and provinces still have local restrictions (Bowling, 2000; Cornell Guide, 2003).

• Key breeding direction: Creating cultivars resistant to white pine blister rust. Among such cultivars are Consort, Crusader, Coronet, Titania (Bowling, 2000; Hill & Perry, 2011). These cultivars are most often recommended for growing in regions where white pines are present.
• Characteristics: The assortment of blackcurrant in North America is significantly narrower than in Europe or Russia. Gardeners there especially need to check local laws and choose exclusively rust‑resistant cultivars.

New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere

In New Zealand, blackcurrant is grown on a commercial scale, mainly for processing into juices and jams. The climate there is mild, so the main focus is on yield, large fruit size and ease of mechanical harvesting (Bowling, 2000; Westwood, 1993). Cultivars adapted to the conditions of the Southern Hemisphere often have a different origin from European or Russian ones.

Brief summary

The world’s blackcurrant cultivar base is huge, but it is clearly differentiated by region. The key rule: always give preference to cultivars bred in your region or in a region with a similar climate. For Russian gardeners, this means choosing cultivars from the State Register recommended for their zone (Northwest, Central, Volga‑Vyatka, etc.). For gardeners from other countries – rely on the recommendations of local agricultural services and experienced nurserymen.

Common mistakes

Mistake 1: Choosing a cultivar only by picture or taste description

The most common mistake is buying a cultivar that “looks good in the picture” or has the most glowing taste reviews, without considering its adaptation to the local climate. A cultivar that grows well in Krasnodar may freeze in Siberia, and a cultivar resistant to diseases in Europe may prove defenceless against local strains of fungi in your region (Даньков и др., 2015; Westwood, 1993).

Mistake 2: Ignoring disease resistance

Choosing a cultivar only for large berries but susceptible to powdery mildew or gall mite condemns you to constant chemical treatments. This reduces the environmental friendliness of the harvest and increases labour and costs. Modern resistant cultivars are not a luxury, but a necessity for stable fruiting (Hill & Perry, 2011; Cornell Guide, 2003).

Mistake 3: Choosing only one cultivar

Even if the cultivar is self‑fertile, cross‑pollination with another cultivar increases yield and berry size (Westwood, 1993; Потапов и др., 2000). Moreover, one cultivar produces a harvest in a rather narrow time window. Having 2‑3 cultivars of different ripening times extends the fresh berry season.

Mistake 4: Choosing too early or too late cultivars for your region

In regions with severe winters and short summers, late cultivars may not have time to ripen, and their wood may not prepare for winter. In regions with mild winters, too early cultivars may suffer from return spring frosts. Always rely on the recommendations of local specialists (Buckingham, 2010; Bowling, 2000).

Mistake 5: Buying planting material of unknown origin

Buying seedlings from hands, at spontaneous markets, is a lottery. You may get the wrong cultivar, a diseased plant, or a cultivar that is not adapted to your region. Buy seedlings only from verified nurseries or reliable suppliers with certificates of conformity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: Can a single blackcurrant bush bear fruit without another cultivar?

Answer: Most blackcurrant cultivars are self‑fertile, meaning they can set fruit from their own pollen (Bowling, 2000; Hessayon, 1993). However, cross‑pollination with another cultivar significantly increases yield, berry size and quality. Therefore, to obtain maximum yield, it is recommended to plant 2‑3 different cultivars.

Question: Are all blackcurrant cultivars equally healthy?

Answer: The content of vitamin C, anthocyanins and other beneficial substances varies greatly among cultivars (Даньков и др., 2015). Some cultivars (e.g., Yadryonaya) contain record amounts of vitamin C but may be more sour. Other cultivars are sweeter but less rich in vitamins. Choose a cultivar according to your priorities: for health – more “vitamin‑rich” ones, for desserts – sweeter ones.

Question: What if I have already bought a cultivar that grows poorly in my region?

Answer: If the cultivar is clearly unsuitable (constantly freezes, is severely diseased), it is better to replace it. Many gardeners practice rooting cuttings from well‑growing neighbours’ cultivars – this is one of the most reliable ways to obtain planting material adapted to local conditions (Cornell Guide, 2003).

Question: How can I check a cultivar’s disease resistance myself?

Answer: The best way is to observe the cultivar during the season. Cultivars resistant to powdery mildew have no white coating on leaves and berries even at the end of summer. Resistance to gall mite can be assessed by the absence of “swollen” (“big bud”) buds on the branches. However, if you are only choosing a cultivar, rely on information from nurserymen and local agricultural services.

Question: Are there cultivars that require no care at all?

Answer: Perfect cultivars that require no care do not exist. However, there are cultivars with complex resistance to diseases and high winter hardiness that require minimal intervention. These are, for example, many Siberian cultivars (Seyanets Golubki, Dikovinka) or some rust‑resistant Canadian and European cultivars (Titania). But even they need pruning and watering in dry years to obtain a stable harvest (Hill & Perry, 2011).