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When to Plant Elderberries in St. Francis 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.

St. Francis County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.

At an elevation of 1,429 feet, St. Francis County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Elderberries during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Elderberries root diseases.

St. Francis County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
234 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
234 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

St. Francis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 30

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 169 gal / 100 sq ft
Elderberries needs ~14,600 GDD — county provides 3,744 GDD May not mature

Elderberries Planting Timeline โ€” St. Francis County, AR

Elderberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 โ€“ Apr 24

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
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

5.5 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

234 days

Growing Tips for St. Francis 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Elderberries in St. Francis County, AR?

St. Francis County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Elderberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is St. Francis County, AR?

St. Francis County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help St. Francis County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 St. Francis County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.