Blackcurrant 'Jostabes' (Ribes nigrum) - hardy small fruit - 9 cm pot - Height 35 cm

Yes, the Jostabes blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum x divaricatum) is indeed a hybrid resulting from the cross between the blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) and the gooseberry (Ribes divaricatum). This complex cross, developed in the 1970s, combines the qualities of both species: the rich aroma and vitamin content of the blackcurrant, and the large fruit size characteristic of the gooseberry. The resulting berries are larger than those of the classic blackcurrant, with a glossy black-purple color and a slightly less tart taste than pure blackcurrant.

The Jostabes Blackcurrant is a perfectly hardy shrub, capable of withstanding very low temperatures without any special protection. In the ground, it easily withstands the harshest winters experienced in France, including in continental or mountainous regions. Its roots tolerate deep frost and the'shrub vigorously regrows from the first days of spring.

The ideal time to plant the Jostabes blackcurrant bush in the ground is in'autumn, between October and November, or in early spring, from March to April, outside of frost periods. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, loosening the bottom. Mix the excavated soil with mature compost or decomposed manure to enrich the substrate. Place the plant so that the crown is level with the ground, without'burying it. After filling, water thoroughly and apply an organic mulch (bark, dead leaves) to retain'moisture and limit weeds.

For a generous crop of sweet berries, the Jostaberry blackcurrant bush should be planted in full sun, ideally with a south or west-facing exposure. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is essential for the proper ripening of the fruit and the development of the plant's characteristic aromas. Light shade in the late afternoon is tolerated, but it significantly reduces production. Avoid overly shaded areas, where the'shrub will grow poorly, flower little, and produce small, unsweetened berries.

The Jostabels blackcurrant bush is ideally pruned at the end of w'inter, in February or early March, before the vegetation starts to grow. The 'aim is to regularly renew the framework by removing old branches over 3 years old, which produce little, in favour of vigorous young shoots from the base. When pruning, keep 6 to 8 well-spaced stems to ensure an airy shape that limits the risk of diseases. Also remove all diseased branches, those damaged by frost or that cross over each other.

Yes, the Jostabes Blackcurrant is perfectly suited to container-growing on a sunny balcony or terrace. For this, choose a container d'at least 30 to 40 cm in diameter and of equivalent depth, filled w'ith a good universal potting mix enriched with compost. The main constraint in a pot is w'atering, which must be more regular th'an in the ground, because the volume of soil is limited and dries out faster in summer. A d'application of slow-release fruit tree fertilizer in spring is enough to meet the nutritional needs for the season.

Jostabes blackcurrant berries are quite tasty when eaten fresh, straight from the'bush. Their taste is milder and less astringent than that of the classic blackcurrant, with a slight gooseberry note that makes them pleasant to snack on straight from the plant, unlike pure blackcurrants, which are often reserved for processing. The harvest generally takes place in July, when the berries are deep black, firm and shiny.