Quick answer: Red currant is a fruiting shrub for USDA zones 3–7 that grows 3–5 feet tall and wide. Plant it in full sun or light afternoon shade in moist, well-drained soil. Buy it for clusters of tart red berries for jelly and fresh eating, starting 1–3 years after planting; one bush is self-fertile.
Why grow Red Currant
- Edible harvest, starting in about 1–3 years
- Bees work the spring flowers, and birds eat the ripe berries, so netting may be needed
- Yellow fall color
Red Currant at a glance
| Botanical name | Ribes rubrum 'Perfection' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Deciduous shrub |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–7 |
| Mature height | 3–5 ft |
| Mature spread | 3–5 ft |
| Sunlight | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Years to fruit | 1–3 |
| Pollination | No second plant needed |
| Fall color | Yellow |
| Ships as | Dormant bare-root plant, 1–2 ft |
| Can't ship to | AK, HI, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, RI, VA, WV |
Pollination
Red currants are self-fertile, so one bush sets fruit. Bees do the pollinating, and planting a second variety can improve yields.
Planting and care
- Sun: Full sun to part shade; full sun gives the largest crop, and afternoon shade helps in warm areas.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; mulch to keep roots cool.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring. Fruit forms on 1-, 2- and 3-year-old canes, so keep 9–12 canes of mixed ages and remove canes older than three years.
- Pests and diseases: Powdery mildew, aphids and currant borers are the usual problems; borers favor red currants, so cut out infested canes. Red currants are less susceptible than black currants to white pine blister rust, but they can still host it, which is why some states restrict them.
Step-by-step bare-root planting instructions
What arrives and when
Your Red Currant ships dormant (no leaves) and bare root (no pot or soil) at 1–2 ft. It may look like a bare stick with roots; that is normal for a dormant plant. Spring shipping runs March 15 to July 30 for all zones, timed to your zone. Fall shipping, November 15 to late February, is for Zones 6–10 only. See the dates for your zone.
We can't ship this plant to: AK, HI, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, RI, VA, WV.
Covered by our 1-year warranty (store credit; terms apply).
Frequently asked questions
Do red currants need a pollinator?
No. Red currants are self-fertile, so a single bush will fruit, though planting a second variety can increase yields.
How long until a red currant bush produces fruit?
Expect the first berries 1–3 years after planting, with full crops once the bush has canes of several ages.
How do I prune red currants?
Prune in late winter or early spring. Fruit forms on 1-, 2- and 3-year-old canes, so keep three or four canes of each age and remove anything older.
Why can't red currants ship to some states?
Currants can host white pine blister rust, so some states restrict them. Check the can't-ship list on this page before ordering.
Can red currants grow in shade?
They tolerate part shade, especially afternoon shade in warm areas, but full sun gives the most fruit.
What does the red currant look like when it arrives?
It ships as a dormant, leafless bare-root bush about 1–2 feet tall. Soak the roots and plant it as soon as possible.
Plant facts checked October 2026 against: University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin–Madison.