Blog

When to plant Currants in Macon County, MO

Plant Currants in Macon County, between May 8 and May 22 — the only viable window. Zone 6a's short season (183 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Currants in Macon County, MO

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

Macon County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 974 feet, Macon County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.

Macon County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.9

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Currants Planting Timeline — Macon County, MO

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 6a

📆 Growing Season

183 days in Macon County

Growing Tips for Macon 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 Macon County, MO?

Macon County is in Zone 6a 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 Macon County, MO?

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

When should I plant Currants in Macon County, MO?

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

What growing zone is Macon County, MO for Currants?

Macon 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 Macon County's climate?

Yes — Currants grows well in Macon County's temperate climate. Macon County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Macon 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.

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 Macon County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.