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When to plant Elderberries in Lawrence County, IL

Plant Elderberries in Lawrence County during the brief May 4–May 18 window. With 197 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 27.

When to Plant Elderberries in Lawrence County, IL

Elderberries are fast-growing shrubs or small trees producing clusters of small, dark berries used for syrups, wines, and immune-boosting preparations. The flowers are also edible.

Lawrence County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 969 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Elderberries during the growing season.

Lawrence County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Lawrence County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Elderberries Planting Timeline — Lawrence County, IL

Elderberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Lawrence County

Growing Tips for Lawrence County

Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination. Prune annually to remove old canes and maintain shape. Berries must be cooked before eating as raw berries are mildly toxic.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Elderberries in Lawrence County, IL?

Lawrence County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Elderberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lawrence County, IL?

Lawrence County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Elderberries in Lawrence County, IL?

In Lawrence County, IL, plant Elderberries after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lawrence County, IL for Elderberries?

Lawrence County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Elderberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Elderberries grow in Lawrence County's climate?

Yes — Elderberries grows well in Lawrence County's temperate climate. Lawrence County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 27.

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Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lawrence County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Lawrence County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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