When to Plant and Harvest Blueberry
Short, spreading blueberry type with small intensely flavored berries for cold climates and acidic soils
Winter survival: Lowbush blueberries are among the hardiest blueberries and need long cold winters. Snow cover protects the low stems. Set your zone in the live app for a zone-specific line.
Soil pH: Aim for soil pH 4.5 to 5.5 (target 4.8). Blueberries need acid soil, so do not add lime. Soil Test Desk
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. ASPCA has no entry for this crop. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Flavor notes: Sweet-tart berry flavor; chill and heat tolerance vary by type.
Variety notes: Low spreading plants with small, concentrated berries.
Best Time and Place to Plant Blueberry
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Lowbush Blueberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 48 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Zone 2 | Cold-hardy varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 3 | April 20 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 10 to May 10 | September 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 5 | March 25 to April 25 | October 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 6 | March 15 to April 15 | October 10 to November 10 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to April 1 | October 20 to November 30 |
| Zone 8 | Cool-climate sites only | Varies |
| Zone 9 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Zone 10 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Zone 11 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Zone 12 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Zone 13 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: Plant plugs or nursery plants at pot depth in acidic soil; allow plants to spread into a low patch.
- Spacing: 24 inches apart, 48 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 70F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist while establishing; mulch to protect shallow roots
- Days to harvest: 75
Fertilization
- Acid-loving plant fertilizer synthetic: Use sparingly in early spring
- Pine needle mulch organic: Maintain a light acidic mulch layer
- Compost organic: Use low-pH compost only if soil organic matter is low
Companion Plants
- Cranberry
- Lingonberry
- Pine needle mulch
- Heather
Avoid Planting Near
- High-pH soil plants
- Brassicas
- Black Walnut
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Berries are deep blue and detach easily
- Flavor is sweet and concentrated
- Most berries in a patch color together
- Harvest gently because berries are small
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Blueberry?
Blueberry planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Blueberry?
The best time of year to plant Blueberry is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 40F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Blueberry?
Plant Lowbush Blueberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 48 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Blueberry?
Plant Blueberry about 24 inches apart, with rows around 48 inches apart.
What grows well with Blueberry?
Blueberry is commonly paired with Cranberry, Lingonberry, Pine needle mulch, Heather.
How long does Blueberry take to grow?
Blueberry is typically ready to harvest in about 75 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Blueberry?
Harvest Blueberry when berries are deep blue and detach easily. Flavor is sweet and concentrated Most berries in a patch color together