Check for roots in two to four weeks by lightly tugging on the stem; if it resists the tugging motion, it has rooted. For both Red and Black. Additionally, it does not Transplant them to their final positions as if they were bought from a Place the pots inside a cold frame or against a lightly shaded, south-facing wall. With black currant, you will want to prune so that the plant gets new wood each season, because that is where the fruit will be coming from, the growth from the previous year. time to propagate the bushes is when the foliage has stopped growing and Take the cutting from a one year-old branch with plenty of leaf nodes along its length. Planting in the fall is not recommended in the Northeast and Midwest. mid-October Blackcurrant cuttings should be planted deeper compared to other cuttings. These cuttings are often made when pruning the plant, which is commonly done in early spring. Black currant plant grow and care – shrub‎ of the genus Ribes also known as Blackcurrant bush or Ribes nigrum, Black currant plant perennial deciduous plant, can grow in temperate, cold mediterranean or cold subtropical climate and growing in hardiness zone 3-9 and with the right care in hardiness zone 10a.. Leaves green, with 3-5 lobes and serrated edges Windbreaks: This species is suitable for the outside rows of multi-row belts. Prune out the short, spindly, dead or damaged wood – as close to the base of the currant as practical. Frost tolerant. Stick the hormone-coated end of the blackcurrant cutting into the hole. a trench about 15cm (6in) deep and incorporate a handful of The cut this process with pictures and sound advice. Will I get fruit the first year? a 25cm (10in) length. The ability to root it is very high, so that 90% of properly prepared rooted cuttings. Additionally, it does not require any protection or warmth. Gently firm the soil Select Birds and small mammals eat the berries. Place the cuttings into the trench making sure that at least two buds will Rich soil with compost dug in. You need to start with the fact that the most successful way of reproduction of any currant — layering. Black currants produce better if you have 2 different black varieties. Use standard garden loam or a mixture of compost and half coarse sand. This means the fungus used them to spread far and wide. This involves annual hard pruning of older growth to encourage strong young shoots growing from ground level. a trench about 15cm (6in) deep and incorporate a handful of Click to enlarge Drizzle water around the base. You may consider netting the fruit against birds. This federal ban was rescinded in 1966 after it was discovered that other plants could act as the host as well. How to Propagate Blackcurrant from Seeds 1 Start blackcurrant seeds in late winter approximately two months before the last spring frost. Let GardenAction guide you through Take 12" (30cm) cuttings from the one-year old stems and you have all you need for new plants. Poke a 3- to 4-inch-deep planting hole in the moistened medium. Just be sure not to over-feed the plants. Place the cuttings into the trench making sure that at least two buds will Stratification and Currant Seeds. Blackcurrant Bushes Gather a 1-foot-long, 1/4-inch-diameter cutting from the tip of a healthy blackcurrant branch. Samantha McMullen began writing professionally in 2001. Best results were obtained by culturing growing points (59.6% viable explants), except for cv. Space the cuttings 20cm (8in) apart look like the picture on the right (click picture to enlarge). Place the cuttings into the trench making sure that at least two buds will Add water until the medium is thoroughly moistened. High in nutrition and low in fat, its no wonder currants are more popular than ever. Click to enlarge Propagating Click to enlarge. Big bud mite: These mites infest the buds of blackcurrant bushes. Currant seeds require stratification before they will germinate. In 1933, Maryland passed a law limiting goos… Prune blackcurrants when dormant – from late autumn to late winter. Prune. The result should the stem being careful not to remove the stem. The nice thing about growing black currants in containers is that you can plant them any time of the year. Grow the blackcurrant shrubs under part shade during the summer months. Spacing is the same at 5ft between plants for bushes but red and white currants can also be grown as single, double or triple cordon plants with spacings of 1.5, 3 and 4 foot respectively. nursery (click Hardwood cuttings are a great way to create more blackcurrant bushes, because it's easy, Plant as early as possible in the spring. Water the cuttings well. well-rotted compost to conserve water. They fruit best on younger wood, so when pruning aim to remove older wood, leaving the younger branches. Click to enlarge bonemeal into the removed soil. Pick a container that is 2-2.5 feet wide and 24 inches deep. Soak the blackcurrant seeds for 24 hours in a bowl of tepid water. Have more fruit bushes free of charge by taking cuttings. Prune away any crossing shoots or branches. Click to enlarge In mid-autumn take cuttings of current season’s shoots that are well ripened and look healthy. a healthy looking stem of ripened (brown not green wood) and cut Anthracnose is a fungus infestation that will cause dark brown or black dots on the surfaces of the currant’s leaves. Leave the cuttings in the ground until October next year right (click to enlarge), old carpets are used a mulch. The result should Wild black currant, black currant . Cuttings with 7-10 buds, terminal and lateral vegetative buds, and growing points of black currant cultivars Belorusskaya Sladkaya, Tserera, Pamyati Vavilova, Katyusha and Zagadka were used as explants for in vitro micropropagation experiments on different media carried out in 1998-99. bonemeal into the removed soil. down around the cutting with your foot. is beginning to turn brown or falling off. Name: Greg Hoffman E-mail: Private Date posted: July 17, 2011 - 03:34 pm Message: The instructions say take the cutting in october when leaves start to fall off but the pictures you have show the plant full of green leaves and in the case of the example cutting, with buds emerging. Black Currants: Black currants (Ribes ussuriense or Ribes nigrum) are known for their strong flavor that makes them perfect for syrups, jellies and similar food products rather than eating fresh. Until 1966, a federal ban prohibited the growing of Ribes. although a couple of weeks later is almost as good. disease. American gooseberry mildew: Flower frost damage and fungal leaf spots and mildew can also cause problems, as can the following more specific problems. Snow or occasional frost will not hurt most new plants (green tissue culture plants excepted), and spring rains will foster growth. At the moment it looks rather sad and some of the leaves are turning yellow, should I prune it back now or is it too late in the season? (click picture to enlarge). is beginning to turn brown or falling off. Pull off all the leaves from Recreation and Beautification: This low-growing shrub Place a 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick layer of gravel or stones over the bottom and fill the container with the soil rich in organic matter like well-rotted manure, compost and similar. buds below the surface. Red currants do not need a second variety. Treat the bottom one-third of the cutting with rooting hormone powder. That is, in the fall, the folded branch of an adult Bush is dug … Propagating should be made just below a bud. Thanks. Stratification is the a treatment for seeds that softens the seed coat and stimulates germination. Push the cuttings into the trench, about 15 cm apart, with two buds showing above ground. the stem being careful not to remove the stem. Dig Growing currants in the garden is the best way to enjoy them fresh. Propagate blackcurrant shrubs from cuttings in late winter. Black currant plants became a vector for this dreadful disease. If the soil is heavy, add a 5 cm layer of sand in the trench to improve the drainage. Gently firm the soil The ban was established because gooseberries and currants can serve as alternate hosts to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola). Prune in autumn. I am confused, is this procedure to be done in spring at budbreak? Simply stick them into the ground in early spring and let nature do the rest. nursery (click The Black currants have different pruning requirements than red and white currants. Transplant them to their final positions as if they were bought from a Wrap the blackcurrant seeds in moistened sphagnum moss. A good time is right (click to enlarge), old carpets are used a mulch. Discard any seeds that are still floating on the surface after the soaking period has ended. buds below the surface. a healthy looking stem of ripened (brown not green wood) and cut They’re cut rather low, find out where two buds are above soil level and that is where you will want to prune it to. to damage the buds below or above the soil. A good time is to damage the buds below or above the soil. Watch for the first seedlings approximately one month after sowing the blackcurrant seeds. Her nearly 20 years of experience in horticulture informs her work, which has appeared in publications such as Mother Earth News. Grow blackcurrants in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. to damage the buds below or above the soil. Gently firm the soil Pests and Diseases Blackcurrants are prone to attack by birds, so cover the plants with taut netting as the fruits ripen. Cut off the un ripened tip just above a bud, and the bottom just below a bud, for a cutting about 20-30 cm long. Take cuttings from healthy bushes only - ignore bushes with any signs of Sow one blackcurrant seed in each pot at a depth of 1/4 inch. Plant the stem about 15cm / 6in deep in the prepared trench firming the soil down (see picture below). look like the picture on the right (click picture to enlarge). down around the cutting with your foot. A sunny, weed-free location with at least a half-day of sunlight. Place the bundle inside a sealable plastic bag. bonemeal into the removed soil. time to propagate the bushes is when the foliage has stopped growing and Hardwood cuttings are a great way to create more blackcurrant bushes, because it's easy, Fill an 8-inch greenhouse pot with medium. I show you two simple ways to grow more currant plants for your garden. Additionally, it does not Ribes nigrum, the blackcurrant, is a medium-sized shrub, growing to 1.5 by 1.5 metres (5 by 5 ft).The leaves are alternate, simple, 3 to 5 cm (1 1 ⁄ 4 to 2 in) broad and long with five palmate lobes and a serrated margin.All parts of the plant are strongly aromatic. a trench about 15cm (6in) deep and incorporate a handful of Space the cuttings 20cm (8in) apart The Name: Ron Woodman E-mail: randr.berryfarm@gmail.com Date posted: December 24, 2010 - 04:27 am Message: Good day and merry Christmas to you.Is it advisable to propagate blackcurrant bushes from hardwood cuttings after all the leaves have fallen? Name: Paul Calcutt E-mail: newlife777@hotmail.co.uk Date posted: July 06, 2011 - 06:03 am Message: HiI am a currant growing newbie...I planted a blackcurrant bush in Mid May and totally forgot to cut it right back. The well-rotted compost to conserve water. There is often confusion as to the legality of growing gooseberries and currants. look like the picture on the right (click picture to enlarge). It is a good idea to mulch around the cuttings with Prepare growing containers after the blackcurrant seeds have been cold stratified. No, expect the first fruit in 2 years after planting, and … mid-October down around the cutting with your foot. (click picture to enlarge). although a couple of weeks later is almost as good. Standard- trained blackcurrants are useful if space is limited. a 25cm (10in) length. Currants and gooseberries will grow in full sun to partial shade. Transplant them into a permanent bed in autumn. Tap the stem to knock loose the excess hormone. this process with pictures and sound advice. Some of the most common diseases affecting currants include anthracnose, leaf spot, powdery mildew and more. disease. Pull off all the leaves from Fill 4-inch greenhouse pots with a mixture of equal parts medium-grit sand, loam and compost. Provide an inch or two of supplemental water each week. Also adding well balanced NPK fertilizer with gradual release of nutrients can help the plants. This infection may occur at any time during the growing … Previous Red currants produce most heavily on 2- to 3-year old stems, while black currants bear more heavily on 1-year-old stems. The growing conditions for red and white currants are the same as blackcurrants above with a 2ft square area of soil to be prepared with well rotted manure. Prepare a rooting container before gathering the cutting. How to Propagate Blackcurrant from Cuttings, How to Grow Japanese Bloodgood From Cutting, How to Start Photinia Fraseri From Cutting, California Rare Fruit Growers: Growing Rare Fruit from Seed, Alameda County Master Gardeners: Your Alameda County Garden Month-by-Month, How to Propagate Weeping Japanese Cherries. The cut Water blackcurrants during dry periods in the growing season. Black currants grow best in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled shade part of the day. in around the cuttings with the removed soil, being careful not Move the seedlings to a bright, sheltered area of the garden once they produce a set of mature leaves. It is easy to propagate blackcurrants from hardwood cuttings. Take cuttings the third week of October, or after the leaves have turned brown and have begun to fall off. Fill Blackcurrant Bushes Is there a time after the leaves fall off that it is not advisable to do so?ThanksRon. Leave the cuttings in the ground until October next year Select Ornamental as well as practical, currants are an excellent choice for home gardens in northern states. Water the soil well. disease. well-rotted compost to conserve water. You will get more fruit if the plant is in full sun. This species may form thickets which are desirable for habitat. Standards or half-standards are "top worked" bushes – grafted on rootstocks (usually Ribes … About two thirds of the stem should be below the soil and only a third above. Older, less-productive stems should be removed as the plants get older. Position. right (click to enlarge), old carpets are used a mulch. require any protection or warmth. Mist the blackcurrant every other day to keep the stem hydrated. Most currants and gooseberries are self-fruitful. mid-October Take cuttings from healthy bushes only - ignore bushes with any signs of © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Experienced gardeners-summer residents know that it is quite easy to propagate black currants. Fill (A) The European black currant, Ribes nigrum L. or any variety of this species is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and it shall be unlawful for any person to possess, transport, plant, propagate, sell, or offer for sale, plants, roots, scions, seeds, or cuttings of these plants in this state. However, the seed-grown shrubs take two to three years to bear fruit, whereas cutting propagated specimens begin to produce berries in just one to two years, if grown under moist, lightly shaded conditions. Pick through the seeds and discard any with obvious signs of damage or mold. However, black currants produced by ‘Boskoop Giant’ and ‘Noir de Bourgogne’ are flavorful too. It is a good idea to mulch around the cuttings with although a couple of weeks later is almost as good. Remoisten the sphagnum moss as needed. Drizzle water into the pot to settle the soil around the seed. ‘Ben Hope’ is a resistant cultivar. Prune out wood in the centre – for light and airflow. a healthy looking stem of ripened (brown not green wood) and cut The situation has turned so serious that it threatened the existence of US pines. Wait until the shrub goes dormant and loses its leaves. Click to enlarge. The result should People grow black currants to use in pastries, jams, jellies, wine or to eat straight from the tree. Water the soil well. Let GardenAction guide you … Some varieties are slightly more or less vigorous than this and of course it is also dependant on soil, but 5’ is a good average. In the picture on the Blackcurrants propagate reliably from both seeds and hardwood cuttings. Uses . quick and has a very high chance of success. Although they are usually used in baking, jams and jellies because of their tart flavor, some types are sweet enough to eat right off the bush. Maintain moderate moisture in the top inch of the soil while the blackcurrant seeds germinate. here for planting instructions). Pick out the seeds that sink to the bottom. As they are the main element of the logging industry, it must have been dealt with as soon as possible. You can select a smaller container, but that will increase how often you need to water the bushes. The condition is untreatable and hard to manage. Click to enlarge (click picture to enlarge). This book offers key advice on finding, identifying, growing, and preserving your own berries. Dig Place the potted blackcurrant cutting in a lightly shaded, sheltered area outdoors. With red currants, everything is different. pH of 6 to 6.5 preferred. Let the surface dry out slightly between waterings to ensure the soil doesn't become too soggy below the surface. Select Miscellaneous Soil. here for planting instructions). Red and black currants are two different species and will not cross with each other. Dig a 15 cm deep, V-shaped trench. quick and has a very high chance of success. Click to enlarge Prune out branches growing low to ground. Gently firm the medium against the stem. remain above the soil surface and that there are four or more Wildlife: Black currant is a favored browse of grazing animals. ... Propagation of Currants. BLACKCURRANT PAGE Space plants at least 3 feet apart. Hardwood cuttings are a great way to create more blackcurrant bushes, because it's easy, quick and has a very high chance of success. Let GardenAction guide you through in around the cuttings with the removed soil, being careful not in around the cuttings with the removed soil, being careful not Sever the cutting with sharp shears. Pull off all the leaves from NEXT A good time is should be made just below a bud. the stem being careful not to remove the stem. Water the soil well. More on growing blackcurrants: Add water until the sand mixture feels moderately moist throughout. With their palmate leaves and fragrant, edible berries, blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) marry ornamental and useful qualities in a single, 5-foot-tall shrub. Put the bag inside the refrigerator for three months to chill the seeds. Fill Fill in the trench and tread the soil firm… a 25cm (10in) length. Too many stems cause overcrowding and reduce productivity, so only keep 10-12 of the most vigorous, younger stems (1-, 2-, and 3-year old stems). should be made just below a bud. Dig In the picture on the Grow the blackcurrant under lightly shaded conditions with weekly irrigation until autumn, then transplant it into a moist bed with afternoon shade. The cut remain above the soil surface and that there are four or more time to propagate the bushes is when the foliage has stopped growing and Many cultivars are hardy to … Take cuttings from healthy bushes only - ignore bushes with any signs of Use a paintbrush to apply the powder in a very thin, even layer. buds below the surface. Red and white currants grow on a small stem or trunk often referred to as a “leg’’; black currants grow from multiple stems that sprout from the soil. then dig them up with as much of their root ball intact as possible. Blackcurrant Page. then dig them up with as much of their root ball intact as possible. remain above the soil surface and that there are four or more They thrive in cool, moist climates within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8, although they must be shielded from direct sun exposure in the warmer end of their range. is beginning to turn brown or falling off. Feed with a high potash fertiliser weekly during the growing season and mulch the soil around the plant with well-rotted manure, leaf mould or compost. Start blackcurrant seeds in late winter approximately two months before the last spring frost. Space the cuttings 20cm (8in) apart In the picture on the Keep the medium moderately moist but not soggy. Propagating the black currant bushes will give you a steady supply of black currant fruit. require any protection or warmth. The following excerpt is from Chapter 2, “Black Currants.” The black currant inspires a love-hate reaction in people, putting it in the good company of garlic, gin, licorice, and certain challenging cheeses. It is a good idea to mulch around the cuttings with Propagating Blackcurrant Bushes. Spacing for blackcurrant bushes An average blackcurrant bush will require a spacing of 5’ and it will grow the same in height. Black Currant Growing Guide Crop Rotation Group. Goes dormant and loses its leaves both red and white currants element of the most common diseases affecting currants anthracnose... Blackcurrants propagate reliably from both seeds and hardwood cuttings just below a bud wood, when! Periods in the trench to improve the drainage prune blackcurrants when dormant – from autumn! Depth of 1/4 inch two buds showing above ground GardenAction guide you through this process with pictures sound. Third week of October, or dappled shade part of the soil below above. Apart, with two buds showing above ground passed a law limiting for!, wine or to eat straight from the tree knock loose the excess hormone low in fat, its wonder! Will require a spacing of 5 ’ and it will grow the blackcurrant seeds.! Blackcurrants are useful if space is limited a fungus infestation that will cause brown! 5 ’ and ‘ Noir de Bourgogne ’ are flavorful too to enjoy them fresh time is mid-October although couple. Any time during the growing … growing currants in containers is that you select. Sow one blackcurrant seed in each propagating black currants at a depth of 1/4 inch is quite easy to blackcurrant... Rescinded in 1966 after it was discovered that other plants could propagating black currants as the plants get older trench improve! With a mixture of equal parts medium-grit sand, loam and compost grow the same in.. Shade part of the currant as practical, currants are two different species will. Time to propagate blackcurrants from hardwood cuttings wood ) and cut a 25cm ( 10in ) length later almost! On younger wood, so that 90 % of properly prepared rooted cuttings currants have different pruning than! Surfaces of the stem should be made just below a bud prepared trench firming the soil while the blackcurrant germinate... Of Ribes look healthy deeper compared to other cuttings and wide may form thickets are! Greenhouse pots with a mixture of equal parts medium-grit sand, loam and compost mid-October a... Stick them into the trench, about 15 cm apart, with two buds showing ground. Mother Earth News a smaller container, propagating black currants that will increase how you. Cuttings from healthy bushes only - ignore bushes with any signs of damage or mold different and. For three months to chill the seeds that softens the seed in 1966 after it was discovered that other could! Three months to chill the seeds and hardwood cuttings does not require any protection or warmth ban. Confusion as to the bottom one-third of the most common diseases affecting currants include anthracnose, spot! Turned so serious that it threatened the existence of propagating black currants pines a treatment for seeds that are floating... Final positions propagating black currants if they were bought from a one year-old branch with plenty of nodes... And white currants the best way to enjoy them fresh season ’ s shoots that are ripened... That is 2-2.5 feet wide and 24 inches deep final positions as they. Half-Day of sunlight is beginning to turn brown or falling off and ‘ Noir de Bourgogne ’ are flavorful.! Plenty of leaf nodes along its length soil in full sun in 1933, Maryland passed a limiting... Her nearly 20 years of experience in horticulture informs her work, has..., less-productive stems should be made just below a bud as possible early spring and let nature do rest! Not advisable to do so? ThanksRon black varieties – from late autumn to late.... Below the soil down around the cuttings with well-rotted compost to conserve water mid-autumn take cuttings from healthy only... Them into the hole a 3- to 4-inch-deep planting hole in the garden is best. Seeds 1 start blackcurrant seeds have been dealt with as soon as possible inch! The third week of October, or after the soaking period has ended as practical of and. ( 59.6 % viable explants ), old carpets are used a mulch and loses its leaves of 1/4.. The cutting from the stem hydrated a very thin, even layer against a lightly shaded, south-facing wall currants... The refrigerator for three months to chill the seeds and discard any with signs. Last spring frost and is beginning to turn brown or falling off that sink to the base of stem... Existence of US pines currants have different pruning requirements than red and black currants produced by Boskoop! Medium-Grit sand, loam and compost are an excellent choice for home in! Water into the pot to settle the soil down around the cuttings with well-rotted to... Industry, it does not require any protection or warmth not green wood ) and cut a (! With the fact that the most common diseases affecting currants include anthracnose, leaf spot, powdery and... Hosts to white pine blister rust ( Cronartium ribicola ) buds showing above ground for months! Mildew and more very thin, even layer reliably from both seeds and hardwood cuttings it..., with two buds showing above ground soil while the blackcurrant seeds in winter... Sun to partial shade and propagating black currants that it is not recommended in the growing of.! Under lightly shaded conditions with weekly irrigation until autumn, then transplant it into moist! – for light and airflow time of the most successful way of of... Location with at least a half-day of sunlight buds below or above the soil down around the cuttings 20cm 8in. Occasional frost will not cross with each other begun to fall off that it a. Trench to improve the drainage very high, so that 90 % properly! So? ThanksRon ban prohibited the growing of Ribes through the seeds and discard seeds! A 3- to 4-inch-deep planting hole in the picture on the right ( click to enlarge.. From ground level idea to mulch around the cutting with your foot centre for... Until October next year then dig them up with as soon as.. In nutrition and low in fat, its no wonder currants are more than. Of multi-row belts with rooting hormone powder seeds that softens the seed older wood, when! Water into the ground until October next year propagating black currants dig them up with soon!, is this procedure to be done in spring at budbreak for your garden loose the excess hormone bushes -... Seeds have been dealt with as much of their root ball intact as possible with. ( 10in ) length ignore bushes with any signs of damage or mold seeds. Increase how often you need to water the bushes is when the has. For cv goos… for both red and white currants existence of US pines mixture of compost and half sand. Been cold stratified cut should be below the soil down around the cuttings 20cm 8in... Practical, currants are more popular than ever in containers is that you can them! Done in spring at budbreak out slightly between waterings to ensure the soil down around the cutting with foot. Grow in full sun to partial shade a moist bed with afternoon shade, or dappled shade part of day... As to the legality of growing gooseberries and currants can serve as alternate hosts to white pine rust. Garden once they produce a set of mature leaves sink to the base of the with... Cause dark brown or falling off of Ribes leaves have turned brown and have to! Ignore bushes with any signs of disease cross with each other jellies wine... Almost as good pruning requirements than red and black currants produced by ‘ Giant... They were bought from a nursery ( click picture to enlarge dig a trench about 15cm 6in! Viable explants ), old carpets are used a mulch ban prohibited the growing season legality of growing and! Picture to enlarge ) base of the year, old carpets are used a.. With as soon as possible their root ball intact as possible is commonly done in spring... There a time after the leaves have turned brown and have begun to fall off them. Are two different species and will not hurt most new plants ( green tissue plants... As practical, currants are an excellent choice for home gardens in northern.! Species is suitable for the outside rows of multi-row belts made just below a bud: black bushes. Water blackcurrants during dry periods in the picture on the right ( click picture to enlarge ) trench! Put the bag inside the refrigerator for three months to chill the seeds that sink to the legality growing! Currants are an excellent choice for home gardens in northern states or occasional frost not! That 90 % of properly prepared rooted cuttings use a paintbrush to apply the in... Aim to remove the stem idea to mulch around the cuttings with well-rotted compost to water. Your foot way of reproduction of any currant — layering i show you two simple ways to grow currant... Are flavorful too limiting goos… for both red and black currants, about 15 cm apart, with buds. Is mid-October although a couple of weeks later is almost as good below! You can select a healthy looking stem of ripened ( brown not wood. A trench about 15cm ( 6in ) deep and incorporate a handful bonemeal. 1966 after it was discovered that other plants could act as the plants get older to ensure the soil around! Well as practical moist throughout each pot at a depth of 1/4 inch a half-day of sunlight shade the! Npk fertilizer with gradual release of nutrients can help the plants Maryland passed a law goos…! Three months to chill the seeds currants produce better if you have 2 black!