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When to plant Elderberries in Scott County, MN

Plant Elderberries in Scott County during the brief May 22–June 5 window. With 168 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 9.

When to Plant Elderberries in Scott County, MN

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.

Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.

At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Scott County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Elderberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Scott County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
168 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
168 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Elderberries Planting Timeline — Scott County, MN

Elderberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 – Jun 5

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

168 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, MN?

Scott County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Elderberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, MN?

Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Elderberries in Scott County, MN?

In Scott County, MN, plant Elderberries after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County, MN for Elderberries?

Scott County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Elderberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Elderberries grow in Scott County's climate?

Yes — Elderberries grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 9.

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Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 4b). 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 Scott County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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