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Can You Grow Red Currant in Virginia?

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

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

3a–6b

Virginia last frost

early March

Virginia 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 Virginia

Virginia ranges from Zone 5b in the mountains to Zone 7b on the coast. The Shenandoah Valley is Zone 6b-7a. Four seasons with a long productive growing window in most areas.

See what grows well in Virginia →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Red Currant in Virginia?

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

What zone is Virginia?

Virginia spans USDA Zone 7a (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).

When do you plant Red Currants in Virginia?

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