Position
- Full sun to partial shade
- Sheltered from strong winds
- Good air circulation
- Avoid frost pockets
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -20°C (-4°F)
Soil Type
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Moisture-retentive but not waterlogged
- Rich in organic matter
- Loamy soil preferred
Soil PH
- Slightly acidic to neutral
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Height: 100-120cm (3-4 feet)
- Spread: 100-120cm (3-4 feet)
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering: Early spring (March-April)
- Fruiting: Early summer (July)
- Foliage: Dark green during growing season, turning yellow in autumn
- Deciduous, losing leaves in winter
Additional Notes
- Compact variety, ideal for smaller gardens
- Produces large glossy black berries with a sweet flavour
- High-yielding and reliable crops
- Plant 120cm apart for best results
- Resistant to mildew and frost
- Perfect for fresh eating, jams, and cooking
- Benefits from annual mulching
- Prune in winter to maintain shape
- Performs well in UK climates, even in cooler regions
- Compatible with container growing
- Great for beginner gardeners due to its ease of maintenance
Blackcurrant Ben Connan: Everything You Need to Know
Blackcurrant Ben Connan is a compact, high-yielding variety that produces glossy black fruits with a rich flavour. This easy-to-grow shrub is perfect for gardeners looking to enjoy a reliable and abundant blackcurrant harvest without excessive maintenance. Whether growing in the garden or containers, this guide will help you establish, care for, and maximise your Ben Connan blackcurrant crop.
What Makes Blackcurrant Ben Connan Special?
Ben Connan blackcurrant is an outstanding early-season variety, developed by the Scottish Crop Research Institute. It is known for its compact habit, excellent mildew resistance, and heavy cropping potential. This variety is particularly suitable for smaller gardens due to its small bush variety status, making it an ideal choice for growers who need a reliable, space-efficient fruiting shrub. With yields reaching over 3.5kg (7lb) per bush, Ben Connan blackcurrant is highly productive and offers high-quality fruits rich in flavour.
How to Plant Blackcurrant Ben Connan
Choosing the Right Location
Blackcurrant bushes thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun, though they can tolerate semi-shade. Select a sheltered spot that protects the plant from cold winds and frost damage, which can impact fruiting. Gardeners growing in the garden or containers should ensure the plants have access to nutrient-rich soil with good drainage.
Preparing the Soil
Incorporate well-rotted manure or compost into the soil before planting to enhance fertility and moisture retention. Blackcurrants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Adding organic matter like ericaceous compost can help balance pH levels if the soil is too alkaline. Test your soil before planting with a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth.Planting Blackcurrant Ben Connan
Plant bare-root plants in late autumn or early spring while the plant is dormant. If growing in pots, ensure the container is at least 30cm (12 inches) in diameter to allow room for root growth.- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and 5cm (2 inches) deeper than it was previously planted.
- Place the plant at a depth of 5cm (2 inches) to encourage multiple stems to develop.
- Space plants 1.5m (5ft) apart to allow air circulation.
- Water well after planting and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Blackcurrant Ben Connan
Watering and Mulching
Blackcurrant plants require regular watering, especially during dry periods and fruiting. Apply mulch annually using well-rotted manure or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.Feeding
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote strong growth and heavy cropping. Supplementing with a high-nitrogen fertiliser in mid-summer can improve yields.Pruning Blackcurrant Ben Connan
Prune annually during the dormant period (late autumn to winter). Remove old stems to encourage new growth and improve air circulation. Cut back branches to ground level, leaving younger stems for fruiting. Regular pruning ensures high yields and maintains a compact growth habit.
Pests and Diseases
Common Issues
Ben Connan blackcurrant is resistant to mildew but can be affected by leaf curling midge and gall mite. Checking for signs of pests and applying organic treatments such as neem oil or insecticidal soap can help maintain plant health.Preventative Measures
Encourage beneficial insects and birds to help control pests. Keep the area around the plant free from debris, and apply a mulch layer to prevent soil-borne diseases.Harvesting Blackcurrant Ben Connan
Ben Connan blackcurrants are ready to harvest from mid-summer onwards. The large fruits, known for their glossy black appearance and rich flavour, can be eaten straight from the bush or used for culinary purposes, including jams, jellies, and cordials.
- Pick fruit in dry weather for best quality.
- Store in a cool, dry place or freeze for long-term use.
- Expect a consistent yield from the second season onwards, with mature plants producing over 3.5kg (7lb) per bush.
From Darren’s Patch
Ben Connan has been a firm favourite in my garden for years. It’s one of those varieties that just gets on with the job — no fuss, drama, and plenty of fruit. I particularly appreciate how compact and well-behaved the bush is. It fits beautifully into smaller spaces without sacrificing yield, which is a real win if, like me, you’re always looking to squeeze in “just one more” plant!
The berries are big, bold, and full of flavour — brilliant for jam-making and freezing. I usually get a heavy crop from mid-summer onwards, and it’s one of the first blackcurrants I pick each year. Its strong mildew resistance and tidy habit make it one of the easiest soft fruits I grow. If you’re after reliable results with minimal effort, Ben Connan won’t disappoint.
Key Points to Remember:
- Choose a sunny, sheltered location for best fruit production
- Improve soil fertility with manure or compost before planting
- Water regularly and mulch annually to retain moisture
- Prune during the dormant season to encourage new growth
- Harvest in mid-summer, ensuring fruits are fully ripe for the best flavour
Blackcurrant Ben Connan is a fantastic addition to any garden. It offers high yields, excellent flavour, and a compact habit that suits even smaller spaces. By following these care tips, you’ll enjoy a productive and rewarding fruit harvest year after year.
To see the RHS article, please click here.
Want to learn about other blackcurrant varieties? Read about Blackcurrant Ben Sarek here.
For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here.