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When to Plant Mulberries in Madison County, ID

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

Madison County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.

At an elevation of 6,385 feet, Madison County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Mulberries during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mulberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Madison County, ID (Zone 5a) Short season
103 days
Last Spring Frost May 31
103 growing days
First Fall Frost September 11

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 248 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Mulberries needs ~17,566 GDD — county provides 1,416 GDD May not mature

Mulberries Planting Timeline โ€” Madison County, ID

Mulberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 21 Jun 21 โ€“ Jul 5

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 Transplant Outdoors
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

103 days

Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, ID?

Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, ID?

Madison County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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