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When to plant Currants in Kendall County, IL

Plant Currants in Kendall County during the brief May 11–May 25 window. With 180 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 17.

When to Plant Currants in Kendall County, IL

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

Kendall County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 708 feet, Kendall County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.

Kendall County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Kendall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Currants Planting Timeline — Kendall County, IL

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 – May 25

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

180 days in Kendall County

Growing Tips for Kendall 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 Kendall County, IL?

Kendall County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kendall County, IL?

Kendall County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Currants in Kendall County, IL?

In Kendall County, IL, plant Currants after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kendall County, IL for Currants?

Kendall County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Currants grows reliably in zones 3a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Currants grow in Kendall County's climate?

Yes — Currants grows well in Kendall County's temperate climate. Kendall County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Kendall County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kendall County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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