Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) STORKLAS

Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) 'Storklas'

Extremely hardy Swedish variety for the harshest conditions.

'Storklas' is a popular Swedish variety bred at the SLU university in Balsgård, specifically designed for the harshest climatic conditions. It is a "Viking" among currants, offering high and regular yields even where other varieties fail. It features large clusters and a dense habit, with branches often bending under the weight of the abundant crop.

Key Highlights:

• Extreme hardiness: Ideal for cold regions.
• High yield: Large clusters and large berries.
• Leaf usage: Young leaves are aromatic, suitable for drying and tea.
• Uniform ripening of fruit.
• Less attractive to deer (more resistant to browsing).

Origin and Registration

• Origin: Sweden (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Balsgård), bred in 1986.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Medium vigor. Habit is dense.
• Branches: Slightly drooping, bending under fruit weight (older bushes may require support).
• Leaves: Healthy and fragrant.

Fruit

• Clusters: Large and long.
• Size: Berries are large, black.
• Taste: Slightly tart, typical for black currants, rich in Vitamin C.
• Usage: Universal – fresh consumption, jams, juices, cakes.

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Good resistance to powdery mildew. Extreme frost resistance.
• Soil: Requires well-drained, humus-rich soil that retains moisture. Tolerates calcareous soils.
• Note: On dry sites, fruits are smaller, and susceptibility to powdery mildew increases.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Location: Warm, sunny, and airy.
• Pruning: Thinning pruning after harvest is recommended (every 2–3 years).
• Ecology: Flowers are an important nectar source for pollinators.

Harvest and Storage

• Ripening: Fruits ripen uniformly, facilitating harvest.