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When to Plant Blueberries in Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK

Blueberries are long-lived shrubs producing sweet, antioxidant-rich berries. They require acidic soil and are attractive ornamental plants with fall color and spring flowers.

Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.

At an elevation of 1,824 feet, Kenai Peninsula Borough receives approximately 55.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Blueberries to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Blueberries root diseases.

Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK (Zone 5a) Short season
131 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
131 growing days
First Fall Frost September 25

Kenai Peninsula Borough Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 22

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Blueberries needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 7 Jun 7 โ€“ Jun 21

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

4.5 โ€“ 5.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

131 days

Growing Tips for Kenai Peninsula Borough

Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination. Acidify soil with sulfur or pine needle mulch to maintain pH 4.5-5.5. Protect ripening berries from birds with netting.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Blueberries in Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK?

Kenai Peninsula Borough is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK?

Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Kenai Peninsula Borough gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.