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When to plant Currants in Richland County, IL

Plant Currants in Richland County during the brief May 4–May 18 window. With 197 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 27.

When to Plant Currants in Richland 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.

Richland County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 1,135 feet, Richland County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.

Richland County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Richland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7

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 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Currants Planting Timeline — Richland County, IL

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18

· 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 6b

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Richland County

Growing Tips for Richland 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 Richland County, IL?

Richland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Richland County, IL?

Richland County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Currants in Richland County, IL?

In Richland County, IL, plant Currants after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Richland County, IL for Currants?

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

Can Currants grow in Richland County's climate?

Yes — Currants grows well in Richland County's temperate climate. Richland County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 27.

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Your Richland County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Richland County (Zone 6b). 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 Richland County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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