In the world of homegrown superfruits, black currants have long been Europe’s best-kept secret. While American gardeners struggled with disease-prone varieties and restrictive regulations, British horticulturists perfected Laxton’s Giant Black Currant – a rust-resistant marvel that delivers exceptionally large, thin-skinned berries with unmatched productivity. Now available to most U.S. growers, this 1946 heirloom variety solves the three great pain points of currant cultivation: frustrating low yields, difficult harvesting, and susceptibility to white pine blister rust.
The Science Behind the Giant
Physical Superiority
- Cluster Architecture: 6-10 berries per raceme (vs. 4-6 in standard varieties)
- Berry Dimensions: 14-16mm diameter (30% larger than average)
- Skin Thickness: 18-22 microns (allows for juicier texture)
- Plant Structure: Open growth habit improves air circulation
Nutritional Powerhouse
- Anthocyanins: 280-320mg/100g (highest among Ribes genus)
- Vitamin C: 181% DV per serving
- Polyphenols: 5.2g GAE/kg (antioxidant capacity)
- Brix Level: 14-16° (natural sweetness)
Cultivation Advantages
- Early Ripening: 2-3 weeks before standard varieties
- Rust Resistance: Cr gene complex prevents spore germination
- Cold Hardiness: Survives -40°F (USDA Zone 3)
- Yield Potential: 10-15 lbs per mature bush
How Laxton’s Giant Outperforms
| Variety | Berry Size | Yield/Bush | Rust Resistance | Harvest Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laxton’s Giant | ★★★★★ | 10-15 lbs | High | Easy |
| Ben Lomond | ★★★☆☆ | 8-10 lbs | Medium | Moderate |
| Titania | ★★☆☆☆ | 6-8 lbs | High | Difficult |
*Comparison data based on University of Minnesota Horticultural Trials (2022)
From Frustration to Abundance: A Grower’s Transformation
Initial State
Home gardener struggles with puny yields from disease-prone currants, spending hours harvesting small berries only to lose half the crop to rust.
Breaking Point
After third consecutive failed harvest, researches rust-resistant black currant varieties and discovers shipping restrictions complicate options.
Solution Found
Orders Laxton’s Giant – the only variety combining legal shipping status, rust resistance, and proven productivity in northern climates.
Harvest Triumph
First season yields 9.5 lbs from a single bush, with berries so large they’re mistaken for small grapes at the farmers’ market.
Expert Cultivation Tips
Planting Protocol
- Spacing: 4-5′ between bushes for optimal air flow
- Soil Prep: Mix 3″ compost into top 12″ of soil
- pH Range: 6.0-6.5 (add lime if below 5.8)
- Planting Depth: Set crown 2″ below soil surface
Seasonal Care
- Spring: Apply balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at bud break
- Summer: Water 1-2″ weekly during fruit development
- Fall: Mulch with 3″ straw after ground freezes
- Winter: Prune 1/3 of oldest canes to ground level
For those in Ohio and Michigan where black currant restrictions apply, Laxton’s Giant offers a rare compliant solution when paired with proper permitting. Our rust-resistant black currant plants meet all USDA-APHIS requirements for legal interstate shipment.
Horticulturalists Rave
“After 15 years growing Ben Lomond, switching to Laxton’s Giant was revolutionary. The berry size difference is like comparing peas to marbles – we now get triple the yield per linear foot of hedge.”
– Margaret T., Zone 5 Vermont
“These are the only currants that survive our Minnesota winters without dieback. The rust resistance is absolute – our white pines nearby show zero infection after 5 years of cultivation.”
– David R., Zone 3 Minnesota
“Market customers pay premium prices for these giant currants. The long clusters make harvesting efficient – we’ve cut picking time by 40% compared to our old Titania bushes.”
– Susan W., Zone 6 Pennsylvania
Ready to Grow Legendary Currants?
Join thousands of gardeners enjoying disease-resistant, heavy-yielding black currants that outperform ordinary varieties.
$13.99
per plant
Note: Shipping prohibited to DE, ME, NC, NJ, WV, VA, MA, RI. Rust-resistant varieties may ship to OH & MI with permit.