Freedom Black Currant (Ribes nigrum ‘Freedom’) is a cold-hardy, disease-resistant berry bush that produces abundant clusters of deep black fruit, perfect for home gardeners and small-scale growers. Ideal for USDA zones 3–7, this variety is self-fertile, productive, and easy to grow.
Freedom Black Currant is one of the best black currant cultivars for North American growers. Selected for its resistance to white pine blister rust, it’s allowed in more states than older currant types. Plus, it delivers large, flavorful berries on a compact, productive bush with minimal maintenance. Our bare root Freedom Black Currant plants ship dormant and ready to thrive in your soil.
Botanical Name: Ribes nigrum ‘Freedom’
Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub
Shipping Format: Bare root, dormant
Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Mature Size: 4–6 ft tall and wide
Pollination: Self-fertile (no second plant needed)
Harvest Time: Mid to late summer (typically July)
Fruit Flavor: Rich, tart
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5)
When to plant: As soon as soil is workable in spring (usually March–May, depending on your zone)
Black currants are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a rich concentration of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. They are particularly high in vitamin C—providing up to four times the amount found in oranges—which supports immune health, collagen production, and iron absorption. Black currants also contain anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that give the berries their deep purple-black color and help fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, they offer vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium, and dietary fiber, making them beneficial for eye health, heart health, digestion, and overall wellness. Including black currants in your diet—whether fresh, dried, or in preserves—can support a strong immune system and healthy aging.
