When to plant Currants in Dillingham Census Area, AK
Dillingham Census Area sits in cold Zone 4b. Plant Currants May 29–June 12 for the single annual harvest; the September 6 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Currants in Dillingham Census Area, AK
What to do in June
June is a pivotal month for Dillingham Census Area, Alaska gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Currants root diseases.
Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Currants Planting Risk Windows
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 Dillingham Census Area
How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Currants prefers (6.0–6.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dillingham Census Area is excellent for Currants — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Currants.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Currants will thrive.
How to Plant Currants
Currants Water Budget
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dillingham Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — every day above 50°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 Planting Timeline — Dillingham Census Area, AK
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Dillingham Census Area
Growing Tips for Currants in Dillingham Census Area
Your 128.0-day growing season in Dillingham Census Area 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 →
Currants in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Currants in Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.
When should I plant Currants in Dillingham Census Area, AK?
In Dillingham Census Area, AK, plant Currants after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around September 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK for Currants?
Dillingham Census Area sits in USDA Zone 4b. Currants grows reliably in zones 3a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Currants grow in Dillingham Census Area's climate?
Yes — Currants grows well in Dillingham Census Area's temperate climate. Dillingham Census Area averages a 128-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around September 6.
Your Dillingham Census Area Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dillingham Census Area (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.