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When to Plant Currants in Cibola County, NM

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

Cibola County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.

At an elevation of 4,342 feet, Cibola County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Currants will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Currants successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Cibola County, NM (Zone 6a) Short season
132 days
Last Spring Frost May 23
132 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Cibola County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.1-8.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 1

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 728 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Currants needs ~14,600 GDD — county provides 2,112 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Cibola County, NM

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 13 Jun 13 โ€“ Jun 27

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 6a

Growing Season

132 days

Growing Tips for Cibola 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 Cibola County, NM?

Cibola County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cibola County, NM?

Cibola County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is October 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cibola County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Cibola County, NM. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.