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Can You Grow Red Currant in British Columbia?

Canada · Canadian Zone 8 · zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Won't grow here

Currants require cold winters to fruit well and cannot handle hot summers.

Plant zones

3a–6b

British Columbia last frost

early March

British Columbia first frost

early December

Days to harvest

Perennial

About Red Currant

Red currants produce clusters of jewel-like berries in early summer — tart, high in pectin, and exceptional for jams, jellies, and juice. One of the most cold-hardy small fruits available.

Plant in a sheltered spot with good air circulation. Fruits on two and three-year-old wood — prune out older stems annually. Harvest full clusters in midsummer. Birds love them, so net the bush as they ripen.

Full red currant growing guide →

Gardening in British Columbia

BC has dramatically different climates. The mild rainy coast (Zone 7-9) allows near-year-round growing. The interior is semi-arid (Zone 5-7) with hot summers and cold winters. One of Canada's most productive growing regions.

See what grows well in British Columbia →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Red Currant in British Columbia?

Currants require cold winters to fruit well and cannot handle hot summers.

What zone is British Columbia?

British Columbia spans Canadian Zone 8 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9).

When do you plant Red Currants in British Columbia?

See the planting guide for Red Currant — timing depends on your exact frost date.