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When to Plant Currants in Scotts Bluff County, NE

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

Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 1,080 feet, Scotts Bluff County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.

Scotts Bluff County, NE (Zone 5a) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 25

Scotts Bluff County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.5

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 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Currants Planting Timeline — Scotts Bluff County, NE

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 3 Jun 3 – Jun 17

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
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

135 days in Scotts Bluff County

Growing Tips for Scotts Bluff 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 Scotts Bluff County, NE?

Scotts Bluff County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scotts Bluff County, NE?

Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 25.

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Your Scotts Bluff County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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