Blog

When to Plant Mulberries in Elbert County, CO

Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.

Elbert County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.

At an elevation of 5,587 feet, Elbert County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Mulberries during the growing season.

Elbert County, CO (Zone 5a) Short season
144 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
144 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Elbert County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 18

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
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,008 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Mulberries needs ~19,482 GDD — county provides 2,196 GDD May not mature

Mulberries Planting Timeline โ€” Elbert County, CO

Mulberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 2 Jun 2 โ€“ Jun 16

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
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€“1825 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

144 days

Growing Tips for Elbert County

Plant away from driveways and patios as fallen berries stain. Minimal pruning is needed. Harvest by shaking branches over a tarp. Birds love mulberries so plant extra.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mulberries in Elbert County, CO?

Elbert County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Elbert County, CO?

Elbert County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Elbert County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Elbert County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.