Blog

When to Plant Blueberries in Mesa 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.

Mesa County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 6,091 feet, Mesa County receives approximately 23.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Mesa County, CO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Mesa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 4

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 674 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Blueberries needs ~16,653 GDD — county provides 2,938 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Mesa County, CO

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 5

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 6b

Growing Season

161 days

Growing Tips for Mesa 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 Mesa County, CO?

Mesa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mesa County, CO?

Mesa County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Mesa County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Mesa County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.