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When to plant Currants in Hamilton County, IA

Hamilton County's short 159-day growing season means one Currants planting between May 22 and June 5. No fall crop in Zone 5a.

When to Plant Currants in Hamilton 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.

Hamilton County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.

At an elevation of 1,210 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.

Hamilton County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
159 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Hamilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Currants Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, IA

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 – Jun 5

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
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

159 days in Hamilton County

Growing Tips for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, IA?

Hamilton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hamilton County, IA?

Hamilton County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Currants in Hamilton County, IA?

In Hamilton County, IA, plant Currants after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hamilton County, IA for Currants?

Hamilton 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 Hamilton County's climate?

Yes — Currants grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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