The bush is very tall, thornless, tends not to branch and requires the space of 2 currant bushes. The foliage is glossy, larger than gooseberry, lobed, scentless and resists mildew. It survives full sunlight but requires much winter chilling. The lateral buds usually shed, leaving blind branches. They are the size of small gooseberry and lacking in flavor, suitable only for experimentation.
Buffalo currant produces comparable fruit more abundantly in less space and is recommended instead.
New forms of Josta, backcrossed to the black currant parent, may be better than original types. C.H. The Cultivation of Berried Fruits . The Ribes Reporter , Vols. 1 - present. Uncommon Fruits Worthy of Attention. Reading, Mass., Addison-Wesley, 1991.