How to Grow Consort
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Consort
Ribes nigrum 'Consort'
shrubConsort is a cold-hardy blackcurrant cultivar bred in Canada, known for its exceptional disease resistance and compact growth habit. It produces abundant clusters of dark purple-black berries with a rich, tart flavor ideal for jams, syrups, and fresh eating. This variety is particularly valued in northern climates where other blackcurrants struggle.
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Example Consort timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Consort
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Consort
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Consort dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-6; exceptionally cold-hardy down to -40°F
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Establishment (Year 1)
Spring through fall, first 12 monthsYoung shrub with sparse branching; initial root system development dominates energy allocation
Water regularly; remove flowers to encourage root and shoot establishment; avoid fertilizer the first year; mulch heavily; prune out weak or crossing stems
Vegetative Growth (Year 2-3)
12-24 monthsShrub develops full branching structure with 3-5 feet height; green leaves emerge in spring; branch canes thicken and mature
Allow some flowering; thin out weak or diseased canes; maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer in spring; prune to open up center for air circulation
Flowering
2-4 weeks in spring (April-May in most zones)Small greenish to reddish flowers appear in drooping clusters (racemes) before or with leaf emergence in spring; flowers are relatively inconspicuous
Ensure adequate water during flowering to prevent flower drop; avoid frost damage by monitoring weather; no intervention needed; good pollination by insects or wind
Fruiting
6-8 weeks (June-July in most zones)Berries develop from flowers, starting green, then ripening to dark purple-black over 4-6 weeks; berries hang in clusters and reach pea-sized at maturity
Maintain steady water supply; avoid overhead watering to reduce disease; support heavy-bearing branches if needed; monitor for pests and diseases; thin berries if extremely dense for larger individual fruit
Dormancy (Winter)
November through MarchLeaves drop in fall; canes harden off for winter survival; plant enters cold-hardiness phase; buds swell slightly in late winter as days lengthen
Mulch heavily with 3-4 inches of organic material to protect roots and insulate; no watering needed; prune in late winter or early spring before bud break; remove dead or diseased wood
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Handpick larvae in early spring; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap at first sign of damage; prune out affected shoots
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; apply neem oil if severe
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use sulfur dust or horticultural oil; ensure adequate moisture to reduce stress
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Space plants for good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; remove heavily affected leaves
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and
(Cylindrosporium ribes / Botryodiplodia)
Remove infected leaves and canes immediately; improve air circulation; apply copper fungicide; sanitize pruning tools between cuts
Uses
Preserves, Jams & Syrups
CulinaryConsort blackcurrants are premium for making dark, flavorful jams and syrups due to their high pectin and sugar content. The tart-sweet flavor makes exceptional fruit spreads and cordials that require minimal added sugar. [source]
Fresh Eating & Beverages
CulinaryWhile tart when raw, ripe Consort berries can be eaten fresh or used to make juices, smoothies, and desserts. They pair well with sweeter fruits and are a nutritional powerhouse in fresh drinks. [source]
Traditional & Nutritional Medicine
MedicinalBlackcurrants are rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C, and antioxidants, historically used to support immune function and eye health. Consort berries are valued in herbal remedies and modern functional food products. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdThe deep purple pigments in Consort berries have been used historically to create natural dyes for textiles and crafts. The juice produces shades of purple to blue depending on mordant and pH adjustment. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeConsort's early spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators critical for garden health. The berries provide food for birds and beneficial insects throughout summer. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick berries when fully dark purple-black and slightly soft, typically late June to early July in most regions. Harvest by stripping entire clusters from the canes into a container. Berries do not ripen further after picking. Consort typically yields 5-8 pounds of fruit per mature shrub (3+ years old). Peak flavor develops 3-4 days after picking; store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Consort was developed at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada specifically to thrive in extremely cold climates, surviving winters as harsh as -40°F without winter die-back.
- 🌱 Blackcurrants are banned or restricted in some U.S. states due to their role as alternate hosts for white pine blister rust, a fungal disease devastating to valuable timber operations; however, many newer varieties like Consort show improved disease resistance.
- 🌱 A single Consort shrub can produce thousands of berries in a season when mature, with some commercial growers harvesting up to 15,000 pounds per acre due to this cultivar's exceptional productivity.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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