Blackcurrant Triton - Ribes nigrum

Ribes nigrum 'Triton' is a variety of Blackcurrant bush that is characterised by high and regular productivity on a vigorous plant with healthy growth. It is robust, resistant to powdery mildew, mould, anthracnose, and rust. The round, black berries in fairly long clusters, ripen around mid-July. They contain greenish, firm and juicy flesh, very aromatic and sweet, subtly acidic. They offer a varied taste experience, whether fresh to savour their rich flavours or transformed into deliciously sweet jellies and jams. They enhance the flavour of pastries and bring a distinctive note to savoury dishes. With its broad and upright habit, Triton easily integrates into an edible garden. In addition to its fruiting, its dark green leaves and coloured wood in winter add an ornamental touch throughout the year. Very hardy (to -25°C), it prefers a partly sunny or semi-shaded exposure. Easy to grow and maintain, it thrives in well-drained, moist soil that is not constantly wet. The ideal planting period extends from October to March, with harvesting starting around mid-July.

The Blackcurrant bush, in Latin Ribes nigrum, is sometimes commonly called Blackcurrant or Black Gooseberry. It belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, like Redcurrants and Gooseberries, from which it is distinguished by its black fruits. Originating from temperate regions of Northern Europe to Asia, the Blackcurrant bush has a very good cold resistance. Cultivated since the 16th century, the Blackcurrant bush grows spontaneously in the cool woods of northeastern Europe. Historically, it has been mainly used as a medicinal plant, with apothecaries and healers attributing powerful virtues to it.

Ribes nigrum 'Triton' is a Swedish selection from 2001, resulting from hybridisation ('Consort' x 'Welington') x 'Stachanovka Altaj'. It was selected for its high yield, large and fleshy fruits, on vigorous and disease-resistant plants. It forms a bushy, non-thorny bush with a tufted habit of slightly stiff, sparsely branched branches, with soft wood and abundant pith. This very hardy bush reaches a height of 1.50 to 2 m and a spread of 1.20 to 1.50 m. The foliage is deciduous, composed of palmate, lobed, medium green leaves. It is particularly aromatic and pleasantly scented when crushed. Leaves, fruits, and buds are intensely fragrant due to the presence of glands containing essential oils, used in perfumery. This variety of Blackcurrant blooms in April, in the form of clusters of small greenish to brownish flowers, quite insignificant but intensely visited by bees. Fruiting mainly develops on 2- and 3-year-old branches and is rarer on older ones. Medium to late, it produces very long clusters composed of 10 to 15 large black berries, about 1.2 cm in diameter, with fleshy and juicy pulp, sweet and aromatic flavour, marked by a hint of acidity. When ripe, the berries are black, round, and filled with juicy flesh, containing very few tiny seeds.

The 'Triton' Blackcurrant bush is self-fertile, so it does not need a companion to bear fruit, but the presence of another variety nearby will increase production. Harvesting is staggered as the fruits ripen, and is made easier by the size of the berries. The production of a Blackcurrant bush is about 3 to 5 kg of fruit per plant depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. All varieties of Blackcurrant bushes are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, as well as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, making them a healthy choice. Moreover, they are among the least calorific small fruits (50 kcal per 100 g). Freshly consumed, the berries are rich in nutrients. They can also be used to prepare jellies, jams, pies, cakes, sorbets, ice creams, and milkshakes. They are perfect for accompanying fruit salads and red meats, or as in composed salads. They can also be transformed into juice or syrups, and into liqueur to flavor Kir, cocktails, and Sangria.

In summer, the Blackcurrant bush adds a decorative touch to your garden with its clusters of black berries. Combine it with other varieties of small fruits such as Redcurrants and Raspberries to create an edible hedge. In the planting of Blackcurrant bushes, as with any planting, it is crucial to alternate species and varieties to encourage pollination, even if the variety is self-fertile, and to reduce the risk of diseases. It is possible to grow it in a pot, however, you must choose a container with a height of at least 40 cm and ensure regular watering with non-calcareous water.