How to grow Blackcurrant in Australia
A cool-climate berry for Tasmania, the ranges and cool southern gardens. Likes moist, rich soil and a bit of afternoon shade.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 12 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 150 cm
- Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
- Time to germinate: 1 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 6.8
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | Not suited | Not viable in SEQ. Currants need hundreds of chill hours and mild summers. |
| Northern Rivers NSW | Not suited | Not viable. Currants need hard winters and mild summers. Too warm and humid here. |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | Not suited | Not reliable on the coast. Too little winter chill and too much humidity. The upper Blue Mountains suits currants. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | June to August | |
| Adelaide & SA | June to August | |
| Perth & WA | Not suited | Not reliable in Perth. Needs cold winters and mild summers; only the cooler south west suits currants. |
| Tasmania | June to August | |
| Canberra & ACT | June to August | |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Currants need hundreds of chill hours. Impossible in the tropics. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Currants need winter chill and dormancy. No chill in Darwin. |
Harvest and storage
Storage
Fridge a few days; freezes brilliantly.