Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) STORKLAS

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) 'Storklas'

An extremely frost-hardy Swedish variety with high and regular yields.

'Storklas' is a popular Swedish variety, specially bred for cultivation in the harshest climatic conditions. It is characterized by extreme frost hardiness, high and regular yields, and good resistance to powdery mildew. The bush has a dense habit and produces large, slightly tart berries that are rich in Vitamin C and suitable for versatile use.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extreme frost hardiness, suitable for the harshest conditions.
• High and regular yield.
• Good resistance to powdery mildew.
• Large fruits and strigs.
• Versatile use of fruits rich in Vitamin C.
• Considered less attractive to deer.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Sweden
• Institution: SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), Balsgård
• Year of breeding: 1986

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth and habit: Medium-vigorous, dense, with slightly drooping branches.
• Leaves: Healthy, fragrant. Young leaves can be collected and dried for tea.

Fruit (Berry)

• Size: Large.
• Colour: Black.
• Flavour: Slightly tart.
• Strigs: Large.
• Use: Versatile – suitable for fresh consumption and processing (jams, juices, pies). Rich in Vitamin C.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Extreme.
• Disease resistance: Good resistance to powdery mildew.
• Site requirements: Thrives best in a warm, sunny, and airy location.
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, humus-rich, moisture-retentive, and ideally calcareous soil.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Older bushes may require support as the branches bend under the weight of the fruit.
• In drier locations, the fruits are smaller and the bush is more susceptible to powdery mildew.
• A thinning prune every 2-3 years after harvest is recommended.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Ripens evenly, which facilitates a single harvest.
• Yield: High and regular.