When to Plant Currants in Jefferson County, OR
May to-do list for Jefferson County, Oregon
Welcome to May in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Transplants going out: currants
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Jefferson County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 102 days.
At an elevation of 21 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 36.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Currants's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Currants — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Currants will thrive.
How to Plant Currants
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.6" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0.5" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0.6" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.6" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Jefferson 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 — Jefferson County, OR
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
102 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Currants in Jefferson County
Direct sow Currants outdoors after June 09 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 102.0-day growing season in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, OR?
Jefferson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, OR?
Jefferson County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 19.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.