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When to Plant Blueberries in Arapahoe County, CO

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.

Arapahoe County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.

At an elevation of 7,205 feet, Arapahoe County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Arapahoe County, CO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
150 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
150 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Arapahoe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 12

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 642 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Blueberries needs ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,287 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Arapahoe County, CO

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
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 5b

Growing Season

150 days

Growing Tips for Arapahoe 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 Arapahoe County, CO?

Arapahoe County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Arapahoe County, CO?

Arapahoe County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Arapahoe County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.