When to Plant Currants in Ottawa, ON
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Ottawa, Ontario is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 229 feet, Ottawa receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall. Clay soil retains moisture well for Currants, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Ottawa Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Currants Planting Timeline — Ottawa, ON
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
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
187 days in Ottawa
Growing Tips for Ottawa
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 Ottawa, ON?
Ottawa 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 Ottawa, ON?
Ottawa, Ontario is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Ottawa Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ottawa (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.