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When to Plant Elderberries in Cabell County, WV

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.

Cabell County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 3,444 feet, Cabell County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Elderberries during the growing season.

Cabell County, WV (Zone 6b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Cabell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 31

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Elderberries needs ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,821 GDD May not mature

Elderberries Planting Timeline โ€” Cabell County, WV

Elderberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
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

5.5 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

185 days

Growing Tips for Cabell 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 Cabell County, WV?

Cabell County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Elderberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cabell County, WV?

Cabell County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cabell County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Cabell County, WV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.