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When to Plant Cranberries in Laclede County, MO

Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.

Laclede County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 772 feet, Laclede County receives approximately 33.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.

Laclede County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Laclede County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 16

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
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,614 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cranberries needs ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,958 GDD May not mature

Cranberries Planting Timeline โ€” Laclede County, MO

Cranberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16

ยท 36" apart ยท Rows 48" 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

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

4 โ€“ 5.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

194 days

Growing Tips for Laclede County

Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cranberries in Laclede County, MO?

Laclede County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Laclede County, MO?

Laclede County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Laclede County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Laclede County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.