Blog

When to Plant Currants in Weld County, CO

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

Weld County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 6,992 feet, Weld County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Currants successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Weld County, CO (Zone 5a) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Weld County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 9

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 844 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Currants needs ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,409 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Weld County, CO

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jun 6

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
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 5a

Growing Season

158 days

Growing Tips for Weld 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 Weld County, CO?

Weld County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Weld County, CO?

Weld County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Weld County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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