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When to plant Currants in Ellis County, KS

Ellis County's short 174-day growing season means one Currants planting between May 15 and May 29. No fall crop in Zone 6b.

When to Plant Currants in Ellis County, KS

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

Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 664 feet, Ellis County receives approximately 20.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.

Ellis County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Ellis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.2

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 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Currants Planting Timeline — Ellis County, KS

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29

· 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

174 days in Ellis County

Growing Tips for Ellis 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 Ellis County, KS?

Ellis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ellis County, KS?

Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.

When should I plant Currants in Ellis County, KS?

In Ellis County, KS, plant Currants after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ellis County, KS for Currants?

Ellis 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 Ellis County's climate?

Yes — Currants grows well in Ellis County's temperate climate. Ellis County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 15.

🌱

Your Ellis County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ellis 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 Ellis County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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