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 any home garden.
To get started, gardeners can begin site preparation now by adding organic materials, setting the stage for planting in early spring.
According to Scott Lukas, a berry specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service, 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 mostly cultivated at the turn of the 20th century. However, their role as carriers of white pine blister rust led to federal regulations requiring their removal to protect pine trees. By 1966, these restrictions were lifted in most states, including Oregon, because the state has so many native species of Ribes, including red flowering currant and stinking currant.
Since then, plant breeders have developed disease-resistant varieties of currants and gooseberries and have tested them in Oregon at the U.S. Department of Agriculture facilities in Corvallis.
Tips for growing currants and gooseberries
Lukas offers these guidelines for successful cultivation:
- Site selection:
- On the east side of the Cascades, avoid frost-prone areas. Planting on slopes helps reduce frost risk and minimizes issues with diseases like powdery mildew. In regions with hot summers, opt for partially shaded areas or a north/northeast-facing slope.
- On the west side of the Cascades, choose a spot with full sun.
- Soil preparation:
- These shrubs thrive in well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter. If your soil has poor drainage, consider planting in raised beds. Space the plants three to four feet apart in rows, with black currants requiring slightly more room—four to five feet between plants and at least seven feet between rows.
- Rust-resistant varieties:
- If you have five-needled white bark pines nearby, select rust-resistant varieties such as Viking red currant or Consort black currant.
Preparing your garden
Clear the site of weeds, particularly perennials, and enrich the soil with organic materials like compost, manure, leaves, or chopped hay in the fall to allow it to decompose over winter. Ensure the soil pH is around 6; if necessary, adjust it with lime to counteract overly acidic conditions.
Planting in early spring, with the best varieties for your region. The OSU Extension Service has a publication online to help choose the best berry varieties for Central Oregon.
