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When to Plant Currants in Murray County, OK

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

Murray County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 640 feet, Murray County receives approximately 23.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94Β°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.

Murray County, OK (Zone 7b) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Murray County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 8

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 Murray County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5–7.7) is more alkaline than Currants prefers (6.0–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) β€” Currants will thrive.

How to Plant Currants

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.8″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 830 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Monthly Watering Guide for Currants

Currants needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Currants Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.5" 1.4" 2.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Apr 3.5" 2.3" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 3.5" 3.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.5" 3.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.5" 2.8" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Aug 3.5" 3.1" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Sep 3.5" 2.3" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 3.5" 1.4" 2.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 3.5" 0.8" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Murray County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Currants Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" β€” every day above 50Β°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Currants needs ~18,706 GDD — county provides 4,489 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline β€” Murray County, OK

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2

Β· 48" apart Β· Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March β€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June β€”
July β€”
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

0.8"/week Β· 1-2 times/week

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 Β· Your soil: too_alkaline

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

219 days in Murray County

Growing Tips for Currants in Murray County

Direct sow Currants outdoors after March 28 in Murray County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 219.0-day growing season in Murray 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Currants in Murray County, OK?

Murray County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Murray County, OK?

Murray County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Murray County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Murray County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.