🫐 When to Plant Blueberries

🥬 Vegetable
Cool Season

Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5); plant two varieties for cross-pollination; perennial

📅 Planting Calendar by USDA Zone

Select your zone to highlight your exact planting dates. Dates are calculated from each zone's average frost dates.

Find my zone
Zone Last Frost Start Indoors Transplant Direct Sow
Zone 2A May 30 May 2
Zone 3B May 15 Apr 17
Zone 4A May 8 Apr 10
Zone 4B May 1 Apr 3
Zone 5A Apr 25 Mar 28
Zone 5B Apr 18 Mar 21
Zone 6A Apr 21 Mar 24
Zone 6B Apr 10 Mar 13
Zone 7A Apr 5 Mar 8
Zone 7B Mar 28 Feb 28
Zone 8A Mar 20 Feb 20
Zone 8B Mar 12 Feb 12
Zone 9A Feb 28 Jan 31
Zone 9B Feb 15 Jan 18
Zone 10A Feb 1 Jan 4
Zone 10B Jan 15 Dec 18
Zone 11A Jan 1 Dec 4

Blueberries are one of the best long-term investments in any home garden. Once established, a single bush can produce for 20-30 years.

Top Growing Tips

  • Requires acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) — test and amend before planting
  • Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination and better yields
  • Do not fertilize newly planted bushes — roots are sensitive to burn
  • Net bushes when berries appear to protect from birds
  • Full production takes 3-5 years, but they last decades

Companion Planting

Good companions: azaleas, rhododendrons (same soil needs), thyme

Avoid planting near: plants needing alkaline soil (lilac, clematis)

Harvest Timeline

Berries 2-3 years after planting; full production in years 4-5