When to Plant Currants in Lafayette County, MO
May to-do list for Lafayette County, Missouri
Welcome to May in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Move currants from tray to bed
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Lafayette County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 732 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.
Lafayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lafayette County
How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.7) overlaps with Currants's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lafayette County is excellent for Currants — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Currants.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Currants.
How to Plant Currants
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Currants
Currants needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Currants Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lafayette County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Currants Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Currants Planting Timeline — Lafayette County, MO
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Lafayette County
Growing Tips for Currants in Lafayette County
Direct sow Currants outdoors after April 13 in Lafayette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 194.0-day growing season in Lafayette County is tight for Currants (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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 →
Currants in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Currants in Lafayette County, MO?
Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, MO?
Lafayette County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Lafayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lafayette 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.