When to Plant Red Currant in Ohio
Direct Sow Outdoors
Friday, March 13, 2026
State
Ohio
USDA Zones
5b, 6a, 6b, 7a
Avg Last Frost
Friday, April 10, 2026
Cities Covered
1059
Ohio Planting Schedule by Zone
Ohio spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 5b | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Saturday, March 28, 2026 |
| 6a | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, March 23, 2026 |
| 6b | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 7a | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Friday, March 13, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
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Growing Red Currant in Ohio: Complete Guide
Red Currant (Ribes rubrum) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Ohio, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, March 13, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Ohio stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (5b, 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 Ohio'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. Most of Ohio receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
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 Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Red Currant in Ohio?
In Ohio, direct sow Red Currant outdoors around Friday, March 13, 2026. Ohio spans zones 5b–7a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Ohio?
Ohio spans 4 USDA zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), so last frost dates vary by region. Sparta (5b) sees frost until around Saturday, April 25, 2026, while Cleveland, Lakewood, Rocky River (7a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Red Currant take to grow in Ohio?
Red Currant takes about 730 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Ohio's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Ohio cover for Red Currant?
Ohio includes zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Red Currant grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.