Currants of all colors

I'm in Zone 8A and want to know if currants are even a viable option to grow here. If so, what variety is recommended? It would be nice to have some of each color, but I'm also being realistic. Also, what gooseberry variety do you recommend? Also, where have you had the best luck ordering from? I'm finding shipping is ridiculous for such things (sometimes more than the plant itself). If there are some hidden gem places to order from, that would be helpful! Also, I'm willing to trade!

Any advice or recommendations are welcome!

Katie,

Nothing compares to

Whitman Farms

in selection of currants and gooseberries. The plants come in good size. If you get ten you get a bonus. Being in Oregon, they ship early. I have ordered twice. I'm in 8b with extreme summer heat every other summer. Definitely not the climate for any berries, but a few gooseberries are surviving. I have not tried my favorite black currants, because supposedly they are even more sensitive to heat than gooseberries. Growing them here is like growing figs in Chicago - it can be done with a lot of effort. When it's over 40 C, 10% humidity and hot wind blows, no shading or mulching helps, they are just getting roasted to death.

I appreciate the referral! Yes, we do fine with blueberries, brambles, grapes, and strawberries. I just wasn’t sure if it was worth the time to try currants/gooseberries. I’ll check out Whitman for sure!

Cristobal Cristo wrote:Katie,

Nothing compares to

Whitman Farms

in selection of currants and gooseberries. The plants come in good size. If you get ten you get a bonus. Being in Oregon, they ship early. I have ordered twice. I'm in 8b with extreme summer heat every other summer. Definitely not the climate for any berries, but a few gooseberries are surviving. I have not tried my favorite black currants, because supposedly they are even more sensitive to heat than gooseberries. Growing them here is like growing figs in Chicago - it can be done with a lot of effort. When it's over 40 C, 10% humidity and hot wind blows, no shading or mulching helps, they are just getting roasted to death.

I'm in a very different zone here (4, t 9,000 ft), but I've gotten plants from native foods nursery that've done pretty well despite our harsh dry conditions! Many of what they shipped was bare root which is much easier to package but you would do well to have temporary pots you can put them in as soon as they arrive.

https://nativefoodsnursery.com/categories/native-berries/