Black currants are used to produce Creme de Cassis, a liqueur, as well as jellies and pastries. Currants do best in cool soil temperatures with full sun. They're winter hardy, growing in USDA Hardiness zones three to five. Native species are found in northern parts of North America, and will even grow at elevations up to 10,000 feet. Consequently, they perform better in some shade, as they may defoliate if temperatures exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period.
Currants do best in fertile, loamy soil that has good drainage.
Optimum pH is 6.2 to 6.5, but they tolerate 5.5 to 7.0. At a higher pH, the fruit quantity may be limited, but the plants can still be used for landscaping. Currants are an alternate host for white pine blister rust, so avoid planting them with white pines. Fortunately, white pine blister rust generally isn't a problem in the Rocky Mountain and High Plains regions. Permission is hereby given to duplicate this Plant talk Colorado TM script as is if credit is given to the sources.