Blackcurrant 'Ben Hope' 3Ltr

If you want a blackcurrant that looks after itself, 'Ben Hope' is one of the most dependable choices. It was bred at the Scottish Crop Research Institute and released in 1998, and it was developed to resist blackcurrant gall mite, the pest behind 'big bud' and the reversion virus that can wear out older bushes. It also has good resistance to mildew and leaf spot, which makes it an excellent variety for low-input and organic growing. Heavy crops of well-flavoured berries hang on long strings that are easy to pick, ripening from late July into August. They are perfect for jams, cordials, crumbles and freezing.

'Ben Hope' is a vigorous, upright bush that reaches around 1.5m tall and wide. It is self-fertile, so one plant will crop on its own. It does best in full sun or light shade, in fertile soil that holds moisture but drains well. Prepare the planting hole with plenty of well-rotted manure or compost, and plant about 5cm deeper than the bush sat in its pot to encourage new shoots from below ground. If you are planting more than one, space them 1.5m apart.

Each spring, feed with a general fertiliser and mulch thickly around the base. Water during dry weather while the fruit is developing, and net the bush as the berries colour to keep birds away. From the third or fourth year, cut around a third of the oldest stems back to the base each winter. This keeps a steady supply of young, productive wood coming through.

Supplied in a 3 litre pot and can be planted at any time of year, though autumn is ideal. Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.