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When to Plant Blueberries in Bourbon County, KS

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.

Bourbon County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 438 feet, Bourbon County receives approximately 26 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Bourbon County, KS (Zone 6a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Bourbon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 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 808 gal / 100 sq ft
Blueberries needs ~12,547 GDD — county provides 2,750 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Bourbon County, KS

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 13

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
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 6a

Growing Season

200 days

Growing Tips for Bourbon 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 Bourbon County, KS?

Bourbon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bourbon County, KS?

Bourbon County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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