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When to Plant Blueberries in Osborne 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.

Osborne County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 608 feet, Osborne County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Osborne County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Osborne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 28

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 432 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Blueberries needs ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,653 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Osborne County, KS

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 โ€“ May 28

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 5b

Growing Season

174 days

Growing Tips for Osborne 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 Osborne County, KS?

Osborne County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Osborne County, KS?

Osborne County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Osborne 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 Osborne County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.