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Can You Grow Red Currant in South Carolina?

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

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

3a–6b

South Carolina last frost

mid-February

South 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 South Carolina

South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. The Upstate is Zone 7a-7b; the coast is Zone 8a-8b. Two growing seasons are standard.

See what grows well in South Carolina →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Red Currant in South Carolina?

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

What zone is South Carolina?

South Carolina spans USDA Zone 8a (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).

When do you plant Red Currants in South Carolina?

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