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When to Plant Blueberries in Jefferson 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.

Jefferson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 559 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 23.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Jefferson County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 18

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 994 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Blueberries needs ~15,969 GDD — county provides 3,377 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Jefferson County, KS

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 19

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
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

193 days

Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, KS?

Jefferson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, KS?

Jefferson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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