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When to Plant Mulberries in Polk County, WI

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

Polk County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.

At an elevation of 582 feet, Polk County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Mulberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Polk County, WI (Zone 4a) Short season
140 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
140 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Polk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 17

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Mulberries needs ~14,691 GDD — county provides 1,610 GDD May not mature

Mulberries Planting Timeline โ€” Polk County, WI

Mulberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 9 Jun 9 โ€“ Jun 23

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 4a

Growing Season

140 days

Growing Tips for Polk 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 Polk County, WI?

Polk County is in Zone 4a 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 Polk County, WI?

Polk County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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