Black Consort Currant

Description

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Black Consort is a cold-hardy black currant with dark, tart, aromatic berries for preserves, juice, baking, and fresh use when fully ripe. This cultivar is recognized for resistance to white pine blister rust; resistance reduces risk but does not make a plant immune to every disease.

Botanical name: Ribes nigrum 'Consort'

Plant form: One dormant bare-root plant

USDA zones: 3–8

Chill requirement: Approximately 500–1,000 hours

Pollination: Self-fruitful

Sun: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is helpful in hot-summer areas

Spacing: Allow about 4–5 feet between black currant plants

Harvest: Typically summer, depending on climate and planting year

Planting and care
Plant while dormant in well-drained soil amended with organic matter. Keep the root zone evenly moist, mulch to moderate soil temperature, and prune during dormancy to remove weak, damaged, or crowded growth. Currants perform best in cool-summer climates and may struggle where prolonged heat is common.

Regional note: Some states or counties regulate Ribes because of white pine blister rust. Check local rules before planting, especially near five-needle pines.

Shipping and resources
This seasonal plant ships dormant and may arrive without leaves. Browse berries, vines, and other perennial edibles, or review our currant growing guide before planting.