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When to Plant Red Currant in Alamogordo, New Mexico (88310)

Location

Alamogordo, New Mexico

ZIP Code

88310

USDA Zone

8a

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

πŸ“… Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, February 20, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, March 20, 2026 Β· Zone 8a

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"

β˜€οΈ Growing Requirements

β˜€οΈ

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

πŸ’§

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 Alamogordo?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, February 20, 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 β†’

πŸ› οΈ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟑 Moderate
βœ… Open-pollinated β€” 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.

πŸͺ΄

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4Γ—8 bed fits 1 plant of Red Currant. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size β†’

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Red Currant in Alamogordo, New Mexico? +

In Alamogordo (Zone 8a), direct sow Red Currant outdoors around Friday, February 20, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Alamogordo, New Mexico? +

The average last spring frost date for Alamogordo, New Mexico (ZIP 88310) is around Friday, March 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8a.

How long does Red Currant take to grow? +

Red Currant typically matures in about 730 days from direct sowing. In Alamogordo, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, February 20, 2026 plus 730 days.

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

Red Currant does best when direct sown outdoors. In Alamogordo, sow directly around Friday, February 20, 2026.

Other Plants for Alamogordo

Growing Red Currant in Zone 8a

Red Currant (Ribes rubrum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Alamogordo, New Mexico, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, February 20, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Red Currant grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.