How to Grow Currants: A Growing Guide

April 28, 2025 Jamie Ferre

The fundamental considerations and subtle nuances of growing and caring for currants are beyond the scope of this introduction to plant care. Please see our Resource Center where we offer additional instructional videos and articles, as well as our bookstore.

Cultural Requirements

Currant plants are enjoyed for their fruit, which is the main ingredient in currant jelly. Dried currants also make a popular snack. Black currants, white currants and red currants prefer full sun in cooler, humid areas with plenty of summer rain such as the Pacific Northwest and upper Midwest. All of these varieties can thrive in other areas across the country.

Currants are easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of soils. Soil must be well-drained and relatively free of salts. Keep soil constantly moist but do not allow it to become too soggy.

Currants are long-lived plants and very winter hardy but do not like hot summers. If your summer temperatures are in excess of 90°F, plant on the north side of your house or building. Planting on the north side will also protect your currants from a late spring frost, by delaying bloom time. You can also plant in areas that get afternoon shade.

Heeling In

When your bare root currant plants arrive, open the plastic bags immediately. It is best to plant right away, within a week of delivery, however if you cannot plant right away, you may “heel in” the plants. This protects them and keeps them alive (but still dormant) until you are able to plant them in their permanent spot.

Outdoors: To heel in bare root plants outside, pick a location that is shielded from wind. Next, dig a trench for the berries about twice as deep as the roots are long. Place in the hole roots side down and cover the roots with soil or sand and gently tamp down to avoid air pockets. Check the root area from time to time, keeping the soil moist.

Indoors: To heel in bare root strawberries indoors, whether due to snow or a frozen ground, choose a cool place like a root cellar, basement, or garage. It is important to choose a place where the temperature stays between 38°F and 45°F. This is important so the roots neither freeze, nor does the plant break dormancy. Place the roots in a container with soil or sand and be sure to keep the root area moist.

Planting & Growing

Currant bushes can be planted in rows or trained as a simple espalier. If you choose to grow these as bushes, plant shorter cultivars, at least 3 feet apart in a row or 3 feet apart from neighboring plants. Plant further apart if you have selected larger cultivars.

Space multiple rows 7 or more feet apart. Set plants at least an inch deeper than they were grown in the nursery. Shallow plants are prone to drying out so err on the deep side. At planting time, cut young single-stemmed plants down to three or four buds, but no more.

If your plant has more than one stem, cut off all but the healthiest looking one.

The above ground portion of the plant must be balanced with the root system or the plant will suffer. Drip irrigation works best as it keeps the water off of the leaves and fruit.

If you’re interested in growing other members of the Ribes family, consider trying gooseberries as well—such as the popular Hinnonmäki Red Gooseberry. You can also read our full guide on how to grow them Hinnonmaki Red Gooseberries growing guide.

Fertility

Currants love soil that is high in organic matter. If you have conducted a soil analysis, up to 5% organic matter is ideal. If you have low organic matter, add high-quality compost. Once the currants are planted, mulch the watering zone with several inches of compost each year.

Add a well-balanced organic fertilizer in the spring if your soil lacks nutrients. Do not over-apply nitrogen as this will cause excess vegetative growth and make the plant susceptible to mildew and insects. Never apply nitrogen after fruit has set.

Harvest

Currants are ready to harvest in early to midsummer, late June to mid July, for many cultivars in most of North America. For fresh consumption, allow berries to fully ripen on the plant.

FAQs About Growing Currant

What growing conditions are best for currant bushes?

Currants generally grow best in cool climates with fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. They tolerate partial shade, although adequate sunlight can improve fruit production. In regions with hot summers, afternoon shade can help protect plants from heat stress. Avoid poorly drained areas, as waterlogged soil can damage roots. The ideal growing conditions depend on the currant variety and local climate, so choose cultivars suited to your region.

How should bare-root currant plants be prepared and planted?

Plant bare-root currants as soon as practical after delivery. Until planting, keep the roots cool and moist, but do not let them dry out or sit in water. Soaking the roots in water for three to four hours immediately before planting can help rehydrate them. Choose a planting site with well-drained soil, dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots, and follow the planting depth recommended for your cultivar and growing region. After planting, prune as recommended for the plant's size and type to encourage healthy establishment.

How often should currant bushes be watered?

Currant bushes need consistent soil moisture, particularly while becoming established and during dry weather. Water when needed to prevent the root zone from drying out, and use organic mulch to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overwatering or allowing water to pool around the roots. The frequency of irrigation depends on rainfall, temperature, soil type, and the age of the plant, so there is no single watering schedule suitable for every garden.

When and how should currant bushes be fertilized?

Currants benefit from fertile soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, a soil test can help identify nutrient deficiencies and determine whether compost or fertilizer is needed. Established bushes can benefit from suitable fertilizer or well-composted organic material applied according to soil conditions and local recommendations. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization. Too much nitrogen can encourage leafy growth at the expense of balanced plant development and may increase susceptibility to certain diseases. Follow soil-test recommendations and the fertilizer product's instructions rather than applying a fixed amount to every bush.

When are currants ready to harvest?

Currants are generally harvested in summer, but the exact timing depends on the variety and local climate. The berries are ready when they develop their characteristic mature color and flavor. For fresh eating, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the bush. Red currants are typically harvested in whole clusters, while black currants can be picked individually. Harvest timing also depends on the intended use: fruit picked slightly before full ripeness may be preferable for some jelly recipes because it retains more natural pectin.

Additional Resources for Growing and Caring for Currants

For more detailed guidance on currant cultivation, propagation, and creative ways to incorporate them into your garden, explore the following resources:

Historical Cultivation Practices of Currants — Discover the fascinating history of currant cultivation and how these plants have been grown and enjoyed for centuries.
Wildlife-Friendly Currant Gardens — Learn how currants can be a valuable part of your garden, benefiting not only you but the local wildlife, too.
Currant Propagation Techniques — Find out how to propagate currants from cuttings or other methods to grow your own plants and expand your currant garden.
Currants Are the Edible Almost Everyone Can Grow — Learn why currants are an excellent option for a wide range of gardeners and climates, with tips on making them a part of your edible garden.
Currants in Edible Landscaping (Video) — Watch this video to see how currants can be incorporated into your edible landscape design for beauty and function.
Shop Currant Bushes — Browse a variety of currant bushes for sale, including different cultivars perfect for various growing conditions.

These resources will help you delve deeper into currant cultivation, from their historical significance to practical tips for growing and enjoying them in your own garden. Whether you’re new to currants or a seasoned grower, these guides and videos will help you make the most of these versatile fruiting shrubs.