Bred by the Scottish Crop Research Institute, Ben Hope is a vigorous and upright-growing bush variety producing consistently high yields of medium sized currants with good sensory qualities. The currants are high in quality and hang on long strigs. Ben Hope has a high level of resistance to gall mite and good resistance to both mildew, leaf spot and big bud. Particularly suitable for growing organically. Eventual height and spread: 1½m (5ft). Cropping season: July/August (approximately 10 days later than Ben Lomond). 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.