When to Plant Currants in Lamar County, TX
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Lamar County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.
At an elevation of 95 feet, Lamar County receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Currants will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Currants root diseases.
Lamar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Lamar County
How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Currants's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lamar County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Currants will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Currants.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lamar 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 — Lamar County, TX
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
245 days in Lamar County
Growing Tips for Currants in Lamar County
Direct sow Currants outdoors after March 15 in Lamar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lamar County dries quickly — mulch Currants with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your 245.0-day growing season in Lamar 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 Lamar County, TX?
Lamar County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lamar County, TX?
Lamar County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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