Currant, Consort Black

Description
Developed by Agriculture Canada, Consort Black is an old variety with resistance to White Pine Blister Rust. Upright, multi-stemmed shrubs bear fragrant flowers in spring and brilliant orange red foliage in fall. 

How to Grow
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients. Control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
Mulch around the plants to a depth of 2-3 inches of organic matter to preserve moisture and prevent weeds.
Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1-2 inches of rain per week during the growing season. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
In spring, before any leaves sprout, apply a granular fertilizer following the instructions on the label. Most new growth will come from the plant’s crown from under the soil. Plants use a lot of energy in spring when new growth begins, so do not let plants dry out.
Do not prune plants for the first 3 years except for removing broken or dead branches
Prune in winter or early spring before the new growth begins.
Every year after the third year remove all canes over three years of age down to the ground. Remove all but the strongest 6 to 8 one year old canes. Do not remove any two year old canes.
Monitor for Pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
Protect fruit crops with bird netting as they approach ripeness, or bag individual clusters with sturdy, brown paper bags tied securely to the cane when clusters are about half developed. Leave enough air space in the bags for clusters to develop.

Tips
Harvest season for currants is usually mid to late summer.
For fresh eating wait until they have fully ripened.
For jam and jelly, harvest when they are firm and their color has developed but they are not fully ripe. At this stage they have the most pectin and make the best jam.
To harvest, grasp the cluster at the top and twist. Berries can then just be stripped off the stems.
Place berries in plastic bags and chill in the refrigerator immediately after harvest. Berries that were chilled quickly can last two weeks in the refrigerator.