CORVALLIS, Ore. — Currants and gooseberries, known for their tart-sweet flavor, are a gardener’s delight. Whether used in jams, juices or pies, these cold-tolerant shrubs thrive across Oregon and make an attractive addition to home gardens.
Gardeners can begin site preparation now by adding organic materials, setting the stage for planting in early spring.
Currants and gooseberries are not only easy to grow but also packed with vitamin C. Their colorful berries — ranging from black, red and yellow-green to whitish hues — freeze well and add a vibrant touch to the landscape.
According to Scott Lukas, a berry specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service who holds the Endowed Professorship for Northwest Berry Production and Management in the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences, currants and gooseberries are not only easy to grow but also packed with vitamin C.
Their colorful berries — ranging from black, red and yellow-green to whitish hues — freeze well and add a vibrant touch to the landscape.
Historically native to North America, currants and gooseberries were widely cultivated at the turn of the 20th century. Their role as carriers of white pine blister rust led to federal regulations requiring removal to protect pine trees. By 1966, these restrictions were lifted in most states, including Oregon, which has many native Ribes species, including red flowering currant and stinking currant.
Since then, plant breeders have developed disease-resistant varieties of currants and gooseberries and tested them in Oregon at U.S. Department of Agriculture facilities in Corvallis.
Top varieties by Oregon region
Western Oregon (Willamette Valley/North Coast)
- R. rubrum ‘Rovada’; R. nigrum ‘Titania’; R. uva-crispa ‘Hinnomaki Red’
- Note: Morning sun, afternoon shade in hot sites.
Southern Oregon (Rogue/Umpqua valleys, South Coast)
- R. uva-crispa ‘Hinnomaki Yellow’; R. uva-crispa ‘Invicta’; R. nigrum ‘Titania’
- Note: Provide afternoon shade and deep mulch.
Central Oregon (High Desert)
- R. rubrum ‘Red Lake’; R. nigrum ‘Ben Sarek’; R. uva-crispa ‘Captivator’
- Note: Plant after last frost; wind protection helps.
Eastern Oregon (Columbia Plateau, Basin, Blue Mountains)
- R. rubrum ‘Rovada’; R. nigrum ‘Ben Lomond’; R. uva-crispa ‘Poorman’
- Note: Choose well-drained slopes; drip irrigation.
Oregon Coast (North/South Coast)
- R. rubrum ‘Rovada’; R. rubrum ‘White Imperial’; R. nigrum ‘Ben Sarek’
- Note: Use windbreaks; ensure sharp drainage.
Tip: For long, easy-harvest strings, choose R. rubrum ‘Rovada’. For dependable black currants with disease tolerance, choose R. nigrum ‘Titania.'
Tips for growing currants and gooseberries
Site selection
- East of the Cascades: Avoid frost-prone low spots. Planting on slopes helps reduce frost risk and can minimize issues such as powdery mildew. In areas with hot summers, choose partial shade or a north/northeast-facing slope.
- West of the Cascades: Choose a spot with full sun.
Soil preparation
These shrubs thrive in well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter. If drainage is poor, consider raised beds. Space plants 3–4 feet apart in rows. Black currants need a bit more room — 4–5 feet between plants and at least 7 feet between rows.
Rust-resistant varieties
If you have five-needled white bark pines nearby, select rust-resistant choices such as ‘Viking’ red currant or ‘Consort’ black currant.
Regional considerations across Oregon
Western Oregon (Willamette Valley and North Coast)
- Full sun with good air movement helps reduce foliar diseases in wetter springs.
- Mulch 2–3 inches to moderate summer dry spells; drip irrigation supports steady growth.
- Most soils are moderately acidic — confirm pH near 6.0 before planting.
Southern Oregon (Rogue and Umpqua valleys, South Coast)
- Hot summers can stress plants; provide afternoon shade and deep mulch.
- Prioritize even moisture; avoid heat-reflected sites near pavement or south-facing walls.
- Rust awareness near foothill pine habitats — choose resistant cultivars if five-needle pines are nearby.
Central Oregon (High Desert)
- Expect late spring frosts and low humidity. Use protected sites, windbreaks and mulch the root zone.
- Full morning sun with light afternoon shade reduces heat and wind stress.
- Raised beds with amended soil improve drainage; monitor soil pH if irrigation water is alkaline.
- Delay planting until danger of hard frost has passed; consider row covers on cold nights.
Eastern Oregon (Columbia Plateau, Basin, Blue Mountains)
- Cold winters and wide diurnal swings favor hardy selections. Site on gentle slopes to avoid frost pockets.
- Drip irrigation and mulch are helpful in arid summers; ensure well-drained soils to prevent crown issues.
- Where five-needle pines occur in nearby mountains, select rust-resistant varieties.
Oregon Coast (North and South Coast)
- Cool, humid conditions suit currants and gooseberries; provide morning sun and wind protection.
- Ensure sharp drainage to prevent root problems in prolonged wet periods.
- Salt spray in exposed locations may scorch foliage — use windbreaks where needed.
Preparing your garden
Clear weeds — especially perennials — and incorporate organic materials such as compost, manure, leaves or chopped hay in the fall so they can decompose over winter. Aim for soil pH around 6; if needed, adjust overly acidic soil with lime.
Plan to plant in early spring, choosing varieties suited to your region. OSU Extension offers region-specific berry variety guidance, including options for Central Oregon.
Previously titled How to grow currants and gooseberries for jams and pies
