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When to Plant Elderberries in Drew County, AR

Elderberries are fast-growing shrubs or small trees producing clusters of small, dark berries used for syrups, wines, and immune-boosting preparations. The flowers are also edible.

Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 1,158 feet, Drew County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90Β°F, providing good warmth for Elderberries during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Elderberries root diseases.

Drew County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Drew County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Elderberries

Elderberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Elderberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec β€” 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Drew County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Elderberries Planting Timeline β€” Drew County, AR

Elderberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22

Β· 120" apart Β· Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

237 days in Drew County

Growing Tips for Drew County

Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination. Prune annually to remove old canes and maintain shape. Berries must be cooked before eating as raw berries are mildly toxic.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Elderberries in Drew County, AR?

Drew County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Elderberries planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Drew County, AR?

Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Drew County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Drew County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.