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When to Plant Red Currant in Honolulu, Hawaii (96821)

Location

Honolulu, Hawaii

ZIP Code

96821

USDA Zone

12b

Last Frost

Thursday, January 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Based on last frost Thursday, January 1, 2026 · Zone 12b

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 Honolulu?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, December 4, 2025.

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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 Honolulu, Hawaii? +

In Honolulu (Zone 12b), direct sow Red Currant outdoors around Thursday, December 4, 2025.

What is the last frost date for Honolulu, Hawaii? +

The average last spring frost date for Honolulu, Hawaii (ZIP 96821) is around Thursday, January 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 12b.

How long does Red Currant take to grow? +

Red Currant typically matures in about 730 days from direct sowing. In Honolulu, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, December 4, 2025 plus 730 days.

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

Red Currant does best when direct sown outdoors. In Honolulu, sow directly around Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Other Plants for Honolulu

Growing Red Currant in Zone 12b

Red Currant (Ribes rubrum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Honolulu, Hawaii, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 12b, you should direct sow seeds around Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, January 1, 2026. Red Currant grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.