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When to Plant Red Currant in Martindale, Pennsylvania (17549)

Location

Martindale, Pennsylvania

ZIP Code

17549

USDA Zone

7a

Last Frost

Friday, April 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, March 13, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, April 10, 2026 · Zone 7a

Pro tip: Sow Red Currant directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Ribes rubrum
Days to Maturity 730 days
Mature Height 36-60"
Spread 48"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

60" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

4" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 21-42 days

Ready to Plant Red Currant in Martindale?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, March 13, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

RosemaryHyssop

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Black Walnut
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Red Currant

See which plants help Red Currant thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest ripe berries mid-summer when fully red.

Processing

Mash berries, strain seeds from pulp, rinse and dry completely before storing.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Cold-stratify seeds in the fridge for 6–8 weeks before sowing in spring to improve germination.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 1 plant of Red Currant. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Red Currant in Martindale, Pennsylvania? +

In Martindale (Zone 7a), direct sow Red Currant outdoors around Friday, March 13, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Martindale, Pennsylvania? +

The average last spring frost date for Martindale, Pennsylvania (ZIP 17549) is around Friday, April 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 7a.

How long does Red Currant take to grow? +

Red Currant typically matures in about 730 days from direct sowing. In Martindale, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 13, 2026 plus 730 days.

Should I start Red Currant indoors or direct sow in Pennsylvania? +

Red Currant does best when direct sown outdoors. In Martindale, sow directly around Friday, March 13, 2026.

Other Plants for Martindale

Growing Red Currant in Zone 7a

Red Currant (Ribes rubrum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Martindale, Pennsylvania, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, March 13, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, April 10, 2026. Red Currant grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.