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When to Plant Mulberries in Kiowa 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.

Kiowa County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 7,992 feet, Kiowa County receives approximately 19.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Mulberries to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mulberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Kiowa County, CO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Kiowa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 3

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 884 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Mulberries needs ~15,649 GDD — county provides 1,996 GDD May not mature

Mulberries Planting Timeline โ€” Kiowa County, CO

Mulberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 3

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€“1825 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

163 days

Growing Tips for Kiowa 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 Kiowa County, CO?

Kiowa County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kiowa County, CO?

Kiowa County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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