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When to Plant Blueberries in Franklin County, TX

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.

Franklin County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.

At an elevation of 324 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 60 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Blueberries may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Blueberries will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Blueberries root diseases.

Franklin County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
238 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
238 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 29

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 511 gal / 100 sq ft
Blueberries needs ~20,759 GDD — county provides 5,414 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Franklin County, TX

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

238 days

Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, TX?

Franklin County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, TX?

Franklin County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 11.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Franklin County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Franklin County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.