🫐 Black Currant
Ribes nigrum
Shrub
☀️ Sun
Full sun to partial shade
💧 Water
Moderate; consistent moisture; tolerates heavier soil
🗺️ Zones
3–7
📏 Spacing
4–5 ft
📐 Height
4–6 ft
🧪 Soil pH
6.0–6.5
⏱️ Maturity
2–3 years to first significant harvest
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (8)
Good companion — Black Currant and Gooseberry grow well together.
Good companion — Black Currant and Red Currant grow well together.
Good companion — Black Currant and Garlic grow well together.
Good companion — Black Currant and Chives grow well together.
Good companion — Black Currant and Marigold grow well together.
Good companion — Black Currant and Borage grow well together.
Good companion — Black Currant and Elderberry grow well together.
Good companion — Black Currant and Hyssop grow well together.
⚠️ Keep Apart (2)
Keep apart — these plants do not grow well together.
⚠️ White Pine (alternate host for white pine blister rust)
Keep apart — these plants do not grow well together.
📝 Growing Notes
Black currants are the most flavorful and medicinally valued of the currants, with exceptionally high vitamin C content. They are naturally more vigorous than red currants and require more space between plants. Garlic and chives are excellent pest-deterrent companions, and hyssop attracts beneficial insects while reportedly improving berry flavor.