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When to Plant Elderberries in Bee County, TX

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.

Bee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 301 days.

At an elevation of 2,076 feet, Bee County receives approximately 68.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103Β°F, so Elderberries may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Elderberries root diseases.

Bee County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
301 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
301 growing days
First Fall Frost December 11

Bee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Elderberries

Elderberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Elderberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Mar 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 6.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Bee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Elderberries Planting Timeline β€” Bee County, TX

Elderberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13

Β· 120" apart Β· Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

πŸ“† Growing Season

301 days in Bee County

Growing Tips for Bee 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 Bee County, TX?

Bee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Elderberries planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bee County, TX?

Bee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 11.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Bee County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Bee County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.