Willoughby is a older variety, With that classic strong currant flavor. It is a incredibly hardy and durable plant that self pollinates. Willoughby is vigorous and reliable making it my first recommendation to get currants established in your landscape. My favorite use is to add Willoughby black currants into foods with other typically sweeter berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. While not a typically mentioned aspect of Willoughby I find that it holds onto the berries longer then other varieties. As a homesteader this harvest flexibility is well appreciated. It seems Willoughby will hang onto near to fully ripe berries for 7-14 days before dropping. With my red currant varieties the fruit typically drops with in 2-3 days.
I find that Willoughby responds very well to strong pruning. It fruits on second year growth. In year one you will get long whips, up to 48″ long. Typically lighter in color then the second year wood. In the second year those whips will send out new branches and continue growing but will also produce the berry clusters. Regular annual pruning to encourage as much growth of first and second year stems, while removing the third year stems will help you stay in full productivity.
Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Grossulariaceae family, known for its small, glossy, dark purple to black berries. The plant thrives in temperate climates, requiring well-drained, fertile soils and full sunlight to partial shade.
Willoughby is a older variety, With that classic strong currant flavor. It is a incredibly hardy and durable plant that self pollinates. Willoughby is vigorous and reliable making it my first recommendation to get currants established in your landscape. My favorite use is to add Willoughby black currants into foods with other typically sweeter berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. While not a typically mentioned aspect of Willoughby I find that it holds onto the berries longer then other varieties. As a homesteader this harvest flexibility is well appreciated. It seems Willoughby will hang onto near to fully ripe berries for 7-14 days before dropping. With my red currant varieties the fruit typically drops with in 2-3 days.
I find that Willoughby responds very well to strong pruning. It fruits on second year growth. In year one you will get long whips, up to 48″ long. Typically lighter in color then the second year wood. In the second year those whips will send out new branches and continue growing but will also produce the berry clusters. Regular annual pruning to encourage as much growth of first and second year stems, while removing the third year stems will help you stay in full productivity.
Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Grossulariaceae family, known for its small, glossy, dark purple to black berries. The plant thrives in temperate climates, requiring well-drained, fertile soils and full sunlight to partial shade.
