When to plant Mulberries in Johnson County, KS
Plant Mulberries in Johnson County, between April 29 and May 13 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (201 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Mulberries in Johnson County, KS
Top priorities for Johnson County, Kansas gardeners in June
A quick June briefing for Johnson County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.
Johnson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 768 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 27.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Mulberries during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Mulberries 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 Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Mulberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) overlaps with Mulberries's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Mulberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Mulberries will thrive.
How to Plant Mulberries
Mulberries 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Johnson 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 — Johnson County, KS
Mulberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Mulberries in Johnson County
Direct sow Mulberries outdoors after April 08 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 201.0-day growing season in Johnson County is tight for Mulberries (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Johnson County, KS?
Johnson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, KS?
Johnson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Mulberries in Johnson County, KS?
In Johnson County, KS, plant Mulberries after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Johnson County, KS for Mulberries?
Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Mulberries grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mulberries grow in Johnson County's climate?
Yes — Mulberries grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson 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.