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When to Plant Aronia in Dunklin County, MO

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.

Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 1,344 feet, Dunklin County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Aronia during the growing season.

Dunklin County, MO (Zone 7a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Dunklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 7

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
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 706 gal / 100 sq ft
Aronia needs ~18,706 GDD — county provides 4,510 GDD May not mature

Aronia Planting Timeline โ€” Dunklin County, MO

Aronia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 1

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
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 7a

Growing Season

220 days

Growing Tips for Dunklin 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 Dunklin County, MO?

Dunklin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Aronia planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dunklin County, MO?

Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dunklin County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dunklin County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.