Currant - Ben Conan

Ben Conan is a black currant bred for cold hardiness by the Scottish Crop Research Institite. It is the heaviest cropper of all the black currant varieties producing up to 7 pounds of fruit per bush per year. The black, glossy, round fruit (18mm) is high in Vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants and can be used for fresh eating, preserves, syrups or dried.

Fruit is produced on second year branches. Prune at base after third year to make room for new growth. Compact, non-sprawling growth habit. Prefers a cool, moist, well drained clay-loam soil. Mulch with grass clippings to conserve moisture and maintain a cool soil temperature. Heavy feeders. Prefer good morning sun, but shade from hot afternoon sun. Shallow root system so ensure competition is removed from the surrounding area before planting. Not susceptible to mildew.

Harvest: mid to late summer
Pollinators: Better fruit set with another plant
Zone: 3
Light: Full Sun to part shade (at least 5 hours direct sun per day)
Height: 1.2 m Width: 1.2 m
Suckers: No
Deer Resistant: Some
Drought Resistant: No