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When to plant Currants in Sangamon County, IL

Sangamon County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Currants May 6–May 20 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Currants in Sangamon 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.

Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 1,204 feet, Sangamon County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.

Sangamon County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Sangamon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

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 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Currants Planting Timeline — Sangamon County, IL

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20

· 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 6a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Sangamon County

Growing Tips for Sangamon 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 Sangamon County, IL?

Sangamon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sangamon County, IL?

Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Currants in Sangamon County, IL?

In Sangamon County, IL, plant Currants after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sangamon County, IL for Currants?

Sangamon 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 Sangamon County's climate?

Yes — Currants grows well in Sangamon County's temperate climate. Sangamon County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Sangamon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sangamon 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.

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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 Sangamon County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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