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When to plant Currants in Clinton County, IA

Clinton County sits in cold Zone 5a. Plant Currants May 8–May 22 for the single annual harvest; the October 16 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Currants in Clinton County, IA

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

Clinton County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 964 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.

Clinton County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Clinton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Currants Planting Timeline — Clinton County, IA

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22

· 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 5a

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Clinton County

Growing Tips for Clinton 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 Clinton County, IA?

Clinton County is in Zone 5a 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 Clinton County, IA?

Clinton County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Currants in Clinton County, IA?

In Clinton County, IA, plant Currants after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clinton County, IA for Currants?

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

Can Currants grow in Clinton County's climate?

Yes — Currants grows well in Clinton County's temperate climate. Clinton County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.

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Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton County (Zone 5a). 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 Clinton County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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