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When to Plant Serviceberries in Manitowoc County, WI

Serviceberries (saskatoons) are attractive native shrubs or small trees producing sweet, blueberry-like fruits. They have beautiful spring flowers and vibrant fall color.

Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 661 feet, Manitowoc County receives approximately 39.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Serviceberries during the growing season.

Manitowoc County, WI (Zone 5a) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Manitowoc County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 8

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
1.0″/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

Serviceberries needs ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,516 GDD May not mature

Serviceberries Planting Timeline โ€” Manitowoc County, WI

Serviceberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 4

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€“1095 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

165 days

Growing Tips for Manitowoc County

Plant in well-drained soil. Minimal pruning needed beyond removing dead wood. Protect fruit from birds with netting. Berries ripen in early summer and are excellent fresh or in pies.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Serviceberries in Manitowoc County, WI?

Manitowoc County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Serviceberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Manitowoc County, WI?

Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.