Blog

When to Plant Currants in Whatcom County, WA

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

Whatcom County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.

At an elevation of 386 feet, Whatcom County receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.

Whatcom County, WA (Zone 7b) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
206 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Whatcom County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.4

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 โ€” 6.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 6.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 4.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov โ€” 7.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 8.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Whatcom County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Whatcom County, WA

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“6.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

206 days in Whatcom County

Growing Tips for Whatcom 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Currants in Whatcom County, WA?

Whatcom County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Whatcom County, WA?

Whatcom County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Whatcom 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 Whatcom County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.