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When to Plant Currants in Dawes County, NE

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

Dawes County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.

At an elevation of 790 feet, Dawes County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.

Dawes County, NE (Zone 4a) Short season
126 days
Last Spring Frost May 18
126 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Dawes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 7

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 215 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Currants needs ~9,809 GDD — county provides 1,354 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Dawes County, NE

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 15 Jun 15 โ€“ Jun 29

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
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 4a

Growing Season

126 days

Growing Tips for Dawes 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 Dawes County, NE?

Dawes County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dawes County, NE?

Dawes County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dawes County gardeners in Zone 4a 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 Dawes County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.