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When to Plant Blueberries in Russell 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.

Russell County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 984 feet, Russell County receives approximately 33.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Russell County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Russell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.4

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 24

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
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 364 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 2,684 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Russell 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 6a

Growing Season

176 days

Growing Tips for Russell 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 Russell County, KS?

Russell County is in Zone 6a 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 Russell County, KS?

Russell County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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