HomeRed Currant › Grow in Arkansas

Can You Grow Red Currant in Arkansas?

US · USDA Zone 7a · zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

3a–6b

Arkansas last frost

early March

Arkansas first frost

late November

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 Arkansas

Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Long warm summers support a wide range of vegetables and fruits. The Ozarks are slightly cooler.

See what grows well in Arkansas →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Red Currant in Arkansas?

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

What zone is Arkansas?

Arkansas spans USDA Zone 7a (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).

When do you plant Red Currants in Arkansas?

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