Bred by the Scottish Crop Research Institute, Ben Tirran is a late flowering variety that is vigorous and has a compact growth habit. It produces consistently heavy crops of very late ripening currants – excellent for extending the season, it also ensures that this variety has good resistance to frost. The attractive glossy fruit has a rich tart flavour and is probably best used in preserves and pies although it can be eaten fresh when newly picked – it also freezes well. Eventual height and spread: 1½m (5ft). Cropping season: late July.
Self fertile.
*Bareroot – November to March is the ideal time to plant bare-root plants. These are plants that have been grown in open ground, then dug up for despatch and planting during the dormant season. They are called ‘bare-root’ plants as they are supplied with no soil around their roots. They will come packed in damp compost to stop the roots drying out and should be planted as soon as possible. As long as the compost is kept damp planting can be delayed for a few weeks if necessary.