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When to Plant Currants in Pike County, AR

Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.

Pike County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 891 feet, Pike County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.

Pike County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Pike County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 329 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Currants needs ~15,969 GDD — county provides 4,060 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Pike County, AR

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ Apr 27

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

232 days

Growing Tips for Pike County

Plant in a sheltered location with morning sun. Prune out wood older than 3 years to encourage new fruiting wood. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Currants in Pike County, AR?

Pike County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pike County, AR?

Pike County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pike County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pike County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.