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When to Plant Blueberries in Josephine County, OR

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.

Josephine County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 340 feet, Josephine County receives approximately 52.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Blueberries root diseases.

Josephine County, OR (Zone 8a) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Josephine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 2

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Blueberries needs ~15,969 GDD — county provides 3,167 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Josephine County, OR

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 โ€“ May 27

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 8a

Growing Season

181 days

Growing Tips for Josephine 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 Josephine County, OR?

Josephine County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Josephine County, OR?

Josephine County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Josephine County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Josephine County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.