Blackcurrant 'Big Ben' Ribes nigrum

Bred by the Scottish Crop Research Institute, Big Ben is an outstanding early season variety with many excellent qualities. Its standout feature however is that it produces enormous blackcurrants – two or three times the size of other varieties.

Developed especially for the fresh market, the fruit has a soft shiny skin and is extremely sweet – particularly so when eaten straight from the bush! Mature bushes of this variety develop a slightly arching habit which makes the fruit easier to pick and enables the plants to be wire-trained if so desired. Resistant to powdery mildew and leaf spot.

Characteristics

Species - nigrum
Variety - Big Ben
Cropping Season - July
Planting Distance - 1.2m (4ft)
Height - 1.5m
Spread - 1m

Grow against a fence or wall for support in well-drained but moist, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade.

When planting ensure the root ball is moist before planting. Plant in a hole twice the diameter of the root ball or pot. Mix soil improver and general fertiliser with the infill soil. Water regularly until established. Fruit is produced on the previous year's stems. Tie in the new shoot - these will flower and fruit in the second year. Cut away the older stems and replace them with new vigorous shoots. Cut back damaged shoots in late winter and apply a general fertiliser.

Your plants will be picked and packed carefully to ensure they arrive to your door alive and fresh. Please unpack orders as soon as possible.

During the "Available Season - March to August" we aim to deliver all orders between Tuesday and Friday. According to our stock availability orders might be placed on hold until plants are in a suitable condition to be sent or in case you have placed an order out of Available Season. We will keep you informed via email about a delivery date.

Our couriers will leave orders with a neighbour or in a cool shaded area if there is no one at the address provided. If you have specific delivery requirements please supply them on the cart/checkout page. 

Please note that we only ship to the UK.