The blackcurrant, also known as cassis (Ribes nigrum), is a very hardy fruit shrub, recognized for its flavorful black berries, intensely aromatic and slightly tart. They are ideal for jams, jellies, juices, syrups, and liqueurs.
The discreet spring flowering is followed by a harvest usually in July in Quebec. The fruits are grouped in clusters and ripen progressively.
It develops into a vigorous, dense, and well-branched shrub, perfect for the vegetable garden or a fruit hedge.
The flowers are visited by pollinators, especially bees, which promotes good production.
Botanical name: Ribes nigrum
Type: Fruit shrub
Flowering: Spring
Harvest: July
Fruit: Black
Flavor: Aromatic, tart
Height: 1 to 1.5 m
Width: 1 to 1.5 m
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Rich and well-drained
Hardiness: Zone 3
Blackcurrant (Cassis) is an excellent choice for those looking for a robust and productive northern berry, perfectly suited to Quebec's climate.