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Blackcurrant Merveille De Gironde - Ribes nigrum

Ribes nigrum Merveille De Gironde
Blackcurrant

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More information

Very original, it is the first variety of blackcurrant with purple-red foliage, darkening towards autumn. The very bright variation of the leaves offers a highly evolving spectacle throughout the season. It abundantly produces large, juicy, very sweet and finely aromatic black fruits. This blackcurrant is ideal for making jellies or jams, for processing into juice or liqueurs, for the preparation of pastries or to accompany savoury dishes. Planting from October to March for a harvest around the month of July. A variety resistant to powdery mildew and leaf drop disease.
Flavour
Sour
Height at maturity
1.30 m
Spread at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Best planting time October to November
Recommended planting time January to March, September to November
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Flowering time April to May
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Harvest time August
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Description

The 'Merveille de Gironde' Blackcurrant is a late variety that produces long clusters composed of large black berries with delicious, sweet, and tangy flesh. This variety, thanks to its late flowering, is recommended in all regions of continental Europe. The Ribes nigrum 'Merveille de Gironde' is an easy-to-grow variety in non-scorching sun, in well-drained soil, even poor soil. This variety is resistant to diseases. The presence of other varieties of Blackcurrants nearby will allow for staggered harvests and increase productivity through better pollination. Planting from October to March for a harvest around August.

Blackcurrants belong to the Grossulariaceae family, like Redcurrants and Gooseberries, from which they are distinguished by their black fruits. Their origins in temperate regions from Northern Europe to Asia give the Blackcurrant a very good resistance to cold. Cultivated since the 16th century, the Blackcurrant grows spontaneously in the cool woods of northeastern Europe. Historically, it has been mainly used as a medicinal plant, with apothecaries and healers attributing powerful virtues to it. It is a bushy shrub, non-thorny, with a clumping habit of slightly stiff, sparsely branched twigs, with soft wood and abundant pith. This very hardy bush will reach 1.30 m (4ft) in all directions. The foliage is deciduous, composed of palmate, lobed medium green leaves. It is particularly aromatic and pleasantly fragrant when crushed. Leaves, fruits, and buds are intensely fragrant, due to the presence of glands containing essential oils, used in perfumery.

Flowering occurs in spring, in the form of clusters of small, inconspicuous greenish to brownish flowers, intensely visited by bees. Fruit production mainly occurs on two- and three-year-old branches and becomes rarer on branches of 4 years and older. The bush then becomes covered with numerous clusters of round, black berries filled with juicy flesh containing small seeds. The 'Merveille de Gironde' Blackcurrant is a vigorous and self-sterile variety, meaning it requires the presence of another variety of Blackcurrant nearby, such as 'Noire de Bourgogne', 'Andega', or 'Blackdown', for good fruiting and abundant production. Picking, staggered as the fruits ripen, is simplified due to the size of the berries. Indeed, it produces long clusters of large black fruits with fragrant and juicy flesh and a sweet flavour with a slight acidity. The production of a Blackcurrant is about 3 to 5 kg of fruit per plant depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. All varieties of Blackcurrants are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, as well as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, making them real assets for health. Moreover, they are among the least energetic small fruits (50 kcal per 100 g).

The berries of the ''Merveille de Gironde' Blackcurrant, with their fragrant and sweet flesh and a unique flavor with a slight acidity, are exquisite when eaten fresh to benefit from all the nutritional benefits of the fruit. Excellent in jellies or jams, they can also be used to garnish pies and make cakes. They are perfect for making sorbets, ice creams, or milkshakes. The flavour of the fruits adds a real plus when served with seasonal fruit salads, red meats, or as a small touch in salads. Juice or syrup can also be made, not to mention the traditional blackcurrant liqueur, which adds flavor to Kir, cocktails, and Sangria.

In summer, the Blackcurrant is very decorative with the colour of its long clusters of black berries that are enjoyed while picking. In the garden, it finds its place alongside Redcurrants, Raspberries, or other varieties of small fruits to form a small edible hedge. It can be grown in a pot, but be careful to choose a container at least 40 cm (16in) tall and to be diligent in watering with non-limestone water.

Blackcurrant Merveille De Gironde - Ribes nigrum in pictures

Blackcurrant Merveille De Gironde - Ribes nigrum (Harvest) Harvest

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.30 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Growth rate normal

Fruit

Fruit colour black
Fruit diameter 8 mm
Flavour Sour
Use Table, Jam, Patisserie, Cooking, Alcohol
Harvest time August

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time April to May
Inflorescence Cluster
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Ribes

Species

nigrum

Cultivar

Merveille De Gironde

Family

Grossulariaceae

Other common names

Blackcurrant

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference1010201

Other Blackcurrant bush

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3,95 € Bare root
11
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From 14,90 € 1.5L/2L pot
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10
From 12,50 € 1.5L/2L pot
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From 12,50 € 2L/3L pot
6
From 45,00 € 7.5L/10L pot

Available in 2 sizes

Available to order
From 10,50 € 2L/3L pot
6
From 10,50 € 1.5L/2L pot

Available in 3 sizes

14
19,50 € 2L/3L pot

Planting and care

Plant the Blackcurrant bush from October to March, avoiding periods that are too cold or too wet. It thrives in ordinary soils, even poor ones, without too much limestone. The Blackcurrant bush prefers well-drained, fresh soil, but not constantly wet. Avoiding heat and drought, plant it in full sun in northern regions or in partial shade in the south. Choose a location sheltered from strong winds.

When planting, space the plants 1.20m (4ft) apart in all directions. For bare-root plants, soak the roots in a compost tea to prevent air pockets between the roots and the soil. You can either prepare the tea by mixing 1/3 very fine soil or compost, 1/3 cow manure or compost, and 1/3 rainwater, or buy it ready-made. Dig a hole, incorporate decomposed manure or well-rotted compost into the soil, place the plant and cover with soil. Water thoroughly. Then mulch the soil to retain moisture in summer.

An application of organic fertiliser at the start of vegetation will support fruit production and plant health. It is an accommodating bush, not very susceptible to diseases. It has a few enemies, such as aphids, which can be eliminated by spraying with soapy water or a garlic decoction. In case of powdery mildew attack, spray with Bordeaux mixture. In June-July, protect the harvest with nets to counter the greed of birds. To get rid of raspberry worms, which can also be present on Blackcurrant bushes, you can sow forget-me-nots along the planting; they have a reputation for repelling them.

It is important in a Blackcurrant plantation, as in any plantation, to alternate varieties and species when space allows: pollination will be improved, and the spread of epidemics or diseases will be limited.

Planting period

Best planting time October to November
Recommended planting time January to March, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Container, Orchard
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Free-draining and fertile.

Care

Pruning instructions Fruiting mainly occurs on two- and three-year-old branches. Pruning of the Blackcurrant bush is important as it promotes better fruiting and facilitates harvesting. During the first two years after planting, keep only 2 to 3 buds on the main branches, if possible leaving the last outer bud to encourage spreading habit. In the following years, only prune the current year's shoots without touching the fruiting organs. Side branches should be pinched above the fifth leaf, in August after the harvest. In February, keep only 10 to 12 main branches and remove all others at ground level; shorten the main branches by one-third of their length. This February pruning will allow for the renewal of one-third of the stems each year. Clear the centre of the plant during pruning to allow air and light to circulate in the middle.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time February to March, August
Soil moisture Wet
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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