When to Plant Currants in Albemarle County, VA
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Albemarle County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,017 feet, Albemarle County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.
Albemarle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Currants
Currants needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Currants Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Albemarle County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Currants Planting Timeline — Albemarle County, VA
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Albemarle County
Growing Tips for Albemarle 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Currants in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Currants in Albemarle County, VA?
Albemarle County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Albemarle County, VA?
Albemarle County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Albemarle County gardeners in Zone 7a 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.