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When to Plant Elderberries in Grant County, WI

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.

Grant County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 884 feet, Grant County receives approximately 37.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Elderberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Grant County, WI (Zone 4b) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Grant County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 12

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
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 469 gal / 100 sq ft
Elderberries needs ~9,809 GDD — county provides 1,752 GDD May not mature

Elderberries Planting Timeline โ€” Grant County, WI

Elderberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 โ€“ Jun 9

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" 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

5.5 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 4b

Growing Season

163 days

Growing Tips for Grant 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 Grant County, WI?

Grant County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Elderberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Grant County, WI?

Grant County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Grant County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Grant County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.