When to Plant Mulberries in Lyon County, KS
Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.
Lyon County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 629 feet, Lyon County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Mulberries during the growing season.
Lyon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Lyon County
How your county's soil matches Mulberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) overlaps with Mulberries's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lyon County is excellent for Mulberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Mulberries will thrive.
How to Plant Mulberries
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Mulberries
Mulberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mulberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lyon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mulberries Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Mulberries Planting Timeline — Lyon County, KS
Mulberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Lyon County
Growing Tips for Mulberries in Lyon County
Direct sow Mulberries outdoors after April 12 in Lyon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 196.0-day growing season in Lyon County is tight for Mulberries (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Lyon County receives only 24" of rain annually. Mulberries needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mulberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mulberries in Lyon County, KS?
Lyon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lyon County, KS?
Lyon County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lyon County gardeners in Zone 6a 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.