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When to Plant Currants in Pierce 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.

Pierce County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.

At an elevation of 658 feet, Pierce County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.

Pierce County, NE (Zone 4b) Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
159 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Pierce County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 13

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 644 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Currants needs ~11,862 GDD — county provides 2,067 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Pierce County, NE

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jun 11

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 4b

Growing Season

159 days

Growing Tips for Pierce 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 Pierce County, NE?

Pierce County is in Zone 4b 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 Pierce County, NE?

Pierce County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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