Fruit

When to Plant Blueberries

A long-term investment that pays delicious dividends for decades. Blueberry bushes also provide stunning fall color.

Sun

Full sun (6-8 hours)

Water

1-2 inches per week

Days to Harvest

730+

Difficulty

intermediate

Spacing

60"

Frost Tolerance

high

The Short Answer

Blueberries are typically planted from bare-root stock or nursery plants in early spring, 2 weeks before your last frost date. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Blueberries

Blueberries require acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) — this is non-negotiable and the single most common reason blueberry plants fail. Most garden soil is pH 6-7, meaning amendment with sulfur and acidic organic matter is essential. Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination and extended harvest. Highbush varieties work in zones 4-7; rabbiteye in zones 7-9; Southern highbush in zones 7-10. Net bushes when berries begin to color — birds will strip a bush overnight if given the chance. Blueberries are a long-term investment: modest harvests for 2-3 years, then increasing production for decades.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 2 weeks before your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 45°F.

Growing Tips

Blueberries REQUIRE acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5). Test soil before planting. Use sulfur or peat moss to lower pH. Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination.

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Azaleas Rhododendrons

Blueberries Planting Dates by State

Click your state for blueberries planting dates specific to your location:

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026