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When to Plant Aronia in Benewah County, ID

Aronia (chokeberry) is an extremely hardy native shrub producing astringent dark berries rich in antioxidants. The berries are typically processed into juice, jam, or wine.

Benewah County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 6,081 feet, Benewah County receives approximately 20.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Aronia during the growing season.

Benewah County, ID (Zone 6a) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Benewah County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 27

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 626 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Aronia needs ~15,969 GDD — county provides 2,555 GDD May not mature

Aronia Planting Timeline โ€” Benewah County, ID

Aronia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 29 May 29 โ€“ Jun 12

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

146 days

Growing Tips for Benewah County

Plant in full sun for best fruiting. Very adaptable to soil types. Minimal pest and disease problems. Harvest berries in fall when fully black. Suckers can be divided for propagation.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Aronia in Benewah County, ID?

Benewah County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Aronia planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benewah County, ID?

Benewah County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 1.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Benewah County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Benewah County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.