Consort Black Currant
Consort Black Currant is a stunning fruiting hedge plant that produces clusters of medium sized fruit that can be eaten fresh or processed into preserves. A Northwest native, it is cold hardy to zone 4.
Popular in much of the rest of the world but less common in the U.S., black currants are one of the most nutritious berries “currantly” overlooked by many Americans. Their unique flavor is excellent for fresh eating, juicing, or baking. Their nutritional profile in relation to other popular berries and fruits is very impressive. Black currants are particularly high in antioxidants and contain more vitamin C than oranges, and nine times the calcium, five times the iron, and four times the magnesium and potassium of blueberries. Their unique taste and health benefits should not be overlooked!
Latin Name: Ribes nigrum
Site and Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 40° F
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 3-6 ft. in height and width
Bloom Time: March-April
Ripening Time: June- July
Taste: Sweet-tart
Pests & Diseases: Consort is fairly resistant to most insect and fungal pests of the genus Ribes.
USDA Zone: 4-8