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Can You Grow Red Currant in North Carolina?

US · USDA Zone 7b · zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

3a–6b

North Carolina last frost

late February

North Carolina 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 North Carolina

North Carolina spans the mountains (Zone 5b-6a), Piedmont (Zone 7a-7b), and coastal plain (Zone 8a). Long warm seasons support tobacco, sweet potatoes, and a wide range of vegetables.

See what grows well in North Carolina →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Red Currant in North Carolina?

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

What zone is North Carolina?

North Carolina spans USDA Zone 7b (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a).

When do you plant Red Currants in North Carolina?

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