When to Plant Red Currant in Massachusetts

Growing Red Currant in Massachusetts: Complete Guide

Red Currant (Ribes rubrum) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. Depending on your zone, the right time to direct sow in Massachusetts falls between March 13, 2027 (Zone 7a) and March 23, 2027 (Zone 6a), once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Massachusetts stretches across 3 USDA hardiness zones (6a, 6b, 7a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 730 days to maturity, Red Currant fits comfortably within Massachusetts's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.

Red Currant requires full sun to partial shade and regular (1-2 inches/week) moisture. In the Northeast, cool summers and moderate humidity can slow warm-season crops, so choose a sheltered, south-facing spot to maximise heat.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Massachusetts.