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When to plant Mulberries in Mason County, IL

Mason County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Mulberries May 6–May 20 for the single annual harvest; the October 14 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Mulberries in Mason County, IL

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

Mason County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 768 feet, Mason County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Mulberries during the growing season.

Mason County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Mason County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Mulberries Planting Timeline — Mason County, IL

Mulberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20

· 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

730–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Mason County

Growing Tips for Mason 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mulberries in Mason County, IL?

Mason County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mason County, IL?

Mason County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Mulberries in Mason County, IL?

In Mason County, IL, plant Mulberries after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mason County, IL for Mulberries?

Mason County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Mulberries grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mulberries grow in Mason County's climate?

Yes — Mulberries grows well in Mason County's temperate climate. Mason County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 14.

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Your Mason County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mason County (Zone 6a). 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 Mason County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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