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Can You Grow Red Currant in California?
US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Currants require cold winters to fruit well and cannot handle hot summers.
Plant zones
California last frost
California first frost
Days to harvest
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.
Gardening in California
California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow Red Currant in California?
Currants require cold winters to fruit well and cannot handle hot summers.
What zone is California?
California spans USDA Zone 9b (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b).
When do you plant Red Currants in California?
See the planting guide for Red Currant — timing depends on your exact frost date.