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When to Plant Blueberries in Rusk County, WI

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.

Rusk County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 1,112 feet, Rusk County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Blueberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Rusk County, WI (Zone 4a) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 16
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Rusk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 26

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 ~9,125 GDD — county provides 1,350 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Rusk County, WI

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 13 Jun 13 โ€“ Jun 27

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
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 4a

Growing Season

135 days

Growing Tips for Rusk 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 Rusk County, WI?

Rusk County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rusk County, WI?

Rusk County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 28.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Rusk County gardeners in Zone 4a 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 Rusk County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.