Blackcurrant Magnus
Blackcurrant Magnus is a robust, deciduous shrub bred in New Zealand for its high yields of medium to large, richly flavoured black fruit. Ripening in mid-summer, the berries are well-suited for juicing, preserves, baking, or fresh use. With strong disease resistance and a reliable fruit set, it’s a productive choice for home orchards and edible gardens. Reaching approximately 1.2-1.5 metres high and wide, it has a naturally upright habit that makes harvesting easy.
Plant in full sun with fertile, free-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Space plants 1.2-1.5 metres apart for healthy growth and airflow. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in winter to remove older canes and encourage vigorous new shoots for next season’s fruiting. Protect flowering plants from late frosts for best yield.
Trimming: Prune during winter dormancy to encourage strong, productive growth. Remove older, unproductive stems at the base and retain a mix of younger wood (1-3 years old), as this bears the best fruit. Maintain an open, vase-like shape to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Deadheading: Not required, as blackcurrants are grown for fruit rather than flowers.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser or composted manure in early spring to support vigorous growth and fruiting. Mulch annually with organic matter to retain moisture and enrich the soil.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment and in dry periods, especially while the fruit is developing in spring and early summer. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Pest Control: Use bird netting to protect ripening fruit. Monitor for aphids and currant blister aphid (causing red leaf blisters), and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
Disease Management: Powdery mildew and leaf spot can occur in damp or crowded conditions. Prune to improve airflow, remove any affected leaves promptly, and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide if necessary during wet seasons.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
