{"product_id":"currant-consort-black","title":"Currant, Consort Black","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow to Grow\u003cbr\u003eKeep 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.\u003cbr\u003eMulch around the plants to a depth of 2-3 inches of organic matter to preserve moisture and prevent weeds.\u003cbr\u003eKeep 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.\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.\u003cbr\u003eDo not prune plants for the first 3 years except for removing broken or dead branches\u003cbr\u003ePrune in winter or early spring before the new growth begins.\u003cbr\u003eEvery 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.\u003cbr\u003eMonitor for Pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.\u003cbr\u003eProtect 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTips\u003cbr\u003eHarvest season for currants is usually mid to late summer.\u003cbr\u003eFor fresh eating wait until they have fully ripened.\u003cbr\u003eFor 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.\u003cbr\u003eTo harvest, grasp the cluster at the top and twist. Berries can then just be stripped off the stems.\u003cbr\u003ePlace berries in plastic bags and chill in the refrigerator immediately after harvest. Berries that were chilled quickly can last two weeks in the refrigerator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seedsplant","offers":[{"title":"30 Seeds","offer_id":51778950037821,"sku":null,"price":5.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 Seeds","offer_id":51778950070589,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Seeds","offer_id":51778950103357,"sku":null,"price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200 Seeds","offer_id":51778950136125,"sku":null,"price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0107\/1487\/3956\/files\/1_4df88dc4-d055-483a-9742-2b984cf77f45.jpg?v=1780322232","url":"https:\/\/seedsplant.com\/products\/currant-consort-black","provider":"Seedsplant","version":"1.0","type":"link"}