The Secret to Growing Juicy Blackcurrant Ben Alder Berries

Ribes nigrum

Blackcurrants are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering delicious berries packed with nutrients. Blackcurrant Ben Alder is a high-yielding variety that produces flavourful fruit, perfect for fresh eating, preserves, and juice production. If you love homegrown soft fruit, this bush is an excellent choice.

This guide will help you successfully grow and care for your Blackcurrant Ben Alder bush, ensuring a plentiful harvest year after year.

Blackcurrant Ben Alder is a high-yielding blackcurrant variety bred by the Scottish Crop Research Institute. It is a mid-season variety, producing small to medium berries with excellent colour stability. This plant is known for its good resistance to mildew and thrives in well-drained soil.

It is a late-flowering variety, making it ideal for regions prone to late spring frosts, as it avoids damage from cold temperatures.

Choosing the Right Location

For the best results, plant your Blackcurrant Ben Alder in a sunny position. It can also tolerate semi-shade, though fruit production may be reduced.

Preparing the Soil

• Blackcurrants prefer well-drained soil.
• Incorporate compost and manure before planting to enrich the ground.
• Dig a hole wide enough and deep enough to accommodate the bareroot plant.
• Lay out the roots evenly before covering with soil.
• Ensure the base of the stem is slightly below the soil line.
• Apply a mulch to protect roots and retain moisture.

Planting Bareroot Blackcurrants

• 1-year-old bareroot pre-pruned plants establish quickly.
• Once planted, water well to help roots settle.
• Space multiple bushes at a distance of 1.5m for adequate growth.

Watering and Feeding

• Water well, especially during dry spells.
• Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning for a Healthy Bush

• Prune in late autumn to encourage the production of extra stems.
• Remove weak or damaged branches to promote vigorous new growth.
• Keeping the centre open improves air circulation, reducing the risk of mildew and leaf spot.

Protecting from Cold Winds and Frost

• Though Blackcurrant Ben Alder is fairly vigorous, avoid planting in areas exposed to cold winds.
• Late flowering helps escape damage from late spring frosts.

• Estimated time to cropping: 4-8 months for premium bareroot plants.
• Time to cropping once planted: Expect fruit in the first summer.
• Ripe fruit will only hang on the bush for a short time before falling.
• Regular picking ensures a high yield and maintains fruit quality.

• High-yielding blackcurrant with a high colour stability.
• Late-flowering and so escapes frost damage.
• Good resistance to mildew and leaf spot.
• Ideal for juice production due to its deep flavour.
• Bred by the James Hutton Institute for improved resilience.

Key Points to Remember:

• Choose a sunny position for best fruit production
• Prepare well-drained soil and enrich it with compost and manure
• Water well and mulch to retain moisture
• Prune annually to encourage healthy growth
• Space plants 1.5m apart for good air circulation
• Harvest fruit regularly for the best quality and yield

By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a high-yielding blackcurrant harvest and delicious berries straight from your garden!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Blackcurrant Ben Alder?

A: Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’ is a high-yielding variety of Ribes nigrum, known for its sweet yet tangy berries. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow soft fruit bushes at home.

Q: How do I plant bare-root Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’?

A: When planting bare-root Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’, dig a hole deep enough to spread the roots evenly, usually around 5cm deep. Ensure the soil is well-drained and position the plant at ground level for the best results.

Q: How much sunlight do Blackcurrant bushes need?

A: Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’ thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Providing at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day will encourage strong growth and a good fruit crop.

Q: When is the best time to water Blackcurrant plants?

A: Water thoroughly when planting, particularly for 1-year-old bare-root pre-pruned plants, as they establish quickly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season.

Q: How tall and wide do Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’ bushes grow?

A: These bushes typically grow to a height of 1.2 to 1.5 metres and spread to a similar width. Their compact yet productive nature makes them a great addition to gardens of all sizes.

Q: How do I care for my Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’ during the growing season?

A: Regular watering is essential, particularly in dry spells, to maintain soil moisture. Good drainage is important, and staking the bushes in windy areas can help prevent damage. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth and fruiting.

Q: How often do Blackcurrant bushes produce fruit?

A: ‘Ben Alder’ is a late-season variety, typically producing a heavy crop from mid to late summer. With proper care, these bushes will reliably fruit year after year.

Q: Can I grow Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’ alongside strawberry plants?

A: Yes! Blackcurrants and strawberries can be grown together, but ensure they have enough space to develop fully. This combination allows you to enjoy a variety of homegrown soft fruits.

Q: What should I do if my Blackcurrant plants look dead after planting?

A: Don’t worry! Newly planted bare-root blackcurrants may look lifeless initially. Keep them well-watered and allow time for them to establish. They should soon show signs of new growth.

Q: Where can I buy Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’ plants?

A: Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’ plants are widely available at garden centres and online retailers. Look for healthy, certified plants to ensure strong growth and a productive harvest.

Q: What is the best time to plant Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’?

A: The best time to plant is in late autumn or early spring when the soil is moist and easy to work with.

Q: How do I protect my Blackcurrant bush from frost?

A: ‘Ben Alder’ is a late-flowering variety, meaning it avoids late spring frosts. Adding mulch around the base of the plant can provide extra insulation and protection.

Q: How often should I prune my Blackcurrant bush?

A: Prune annually in late autumn to remove old wood and encourage new growth. This helps maintain a healthy and productive plant.

Q: Can Blackcurrant ‘Ben Alder’ be grown in containers?

A: While blackcurrants thrive in gardens, they can also be grown in large containers. Ensure the soil is well-drained and feed regularly to support growth and fruit production.