Blog

When to plant Currants in El Paso County, CO

In El Paso County, Currants is a spring-only crop. Plant June 1–June 15 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Currants in El Paso County, CO

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

El Paso County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.

At an elevation of 8,317 feet, El Paso County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.

El Paso County, CO (Zone 6a) Short season
148 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
148 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

El Paso County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.9

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in El Paso County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Currants Planting Timeline — El Paso County, CO

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 1 Jun 1 – Jun 15

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June Transplant Outdoors
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

148 days in El Paso County

Growing Tips for El Paso 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 El Paso County, CO?

El Paso County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is El Paso County, CO?

El Paso County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Currants in El Paso County, CO?

In El Paso County, CO, plant Currants after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is El Paso County, CO for Currants?

El Paso County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Currants grows reliably in zones 3a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Currants grow in El Paso County's climate?

Yes — Currants grows well in El Paso County's temperate climate. El Paso County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your El Paso County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for El Paso County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for El Paso County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.