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When to Plant Blueberries in Bradley County, AR

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.

Bradley County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.

At an elevation of 614 feet, Bradley County receives approximately 51.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Blueberries root diseases.

Bradley County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
227 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
227 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Bradley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 30

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 91 gal / 100 sq ft
Blueberries needs ~16,653 GDD — county provides 4,142 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Bradley County, AR

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

227 days

Growing Tips for Bradley County

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 Bradley County, AR?

Bradley County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bradley County, AR?

Bradley County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 4.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bradley County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bradley County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.