When to plant Currants in Mercer County, IL
Mercer County's 181-day season only supports one Currants planting per year. Sow between May 8 and May 22 for the best chance at full maturity before October 15.
When to Plant Currants in Mercer 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.
Mercer County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 777 feet, Mercer County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.
Mercer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Currants Planting Timeline — Mercer County, IL
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
· 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
181 days in Mercer County
Growing Tips for Mercer 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 Mercer County, IL?
Mercer County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mercer County, IL?
Mercer County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Currants in Mercer County, IL?
In Mercer County, IL, plant Currants after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mercer County, IL for Currants?
Mercer 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 Mercer County's climate?
Yes — Currants grows well in Mercer County's temperate climate. Mercer County averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 15.
Your Mercer County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mercer 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.