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When to Plant Currants in Thomas County, KS

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

Thomas County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 810 feet, Thomas County receives approximately 26.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.

Thomas County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Thomas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 4

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 578 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Currants needs ~14,600 GDD — county provides 2,640 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Thomas County, KS

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 4

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 5b

Growing Season

165 days

Growing Tips for Thomas 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 Thomas County, KS?

Thomas County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Thomas County, KS?

Thomas County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Thomas County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Thomas County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.