Blog

When to Plant Currants in Wallace 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.

Wallace County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Wallace County receives approximately 33.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.

Wallace County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Wallace County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 22
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.

Soil Compatibility in Wallace County

How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7โ€“7.2) is more alkaline than Currants prefers (6.0โ€“6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Wallace County is excellent for Currants โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) โ€” Currants will thrive.

How to Plant Currants

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.8″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Currants needs ~11,178 GDD — county provides 1,972 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Wallace County, KS

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 5

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

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.8"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“6.5 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

161 days in Wallace County

Growing Tips for Currants in Wallace County

Direct sow Currants outdoors after May 01 in Wallace County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 161.0-day growing season in Wallace County is tight for Currants (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

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 Wallace County, KS?

Wallace County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wallace County, KS?

Wallace County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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