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When to Plant Lingonberries in Idaho County, ID

Lingonberries are low-growing evergreen shrubs producing small, tart red berries used in Scandinavian cuisine. They thrive in acidic soil and cold climates.

Idaho County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 114 days.

At an elevation of 6,736 feet, Idaho County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lingonberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Idaho County, ID (Zone 5a) Short season
114 days
Last Spring Frost May 29
114 growing days
First Fall Frost September 20

Idaho County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 15

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 119 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Lingonberries needs ~11,862 GDD — county provides 1,482 GDD May not mature

Lingonberries Planting Timeline โ€” Idaho County, ID

Lingonberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Jul 3

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 Transplant Outdoors
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

4.5 โ€“ 5.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

114 days

Growing Tips for Idaho County

Amend soil with peat and pine needle mulch for acidity. Plant 12 inches apart as a ground cover. Berries ripen in late summer. Requires minimal pruning.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lingonberries in Idaho County, ID?

Idaho County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Lingonberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Idaho County, ID?

Idaho County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is September 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Idaho County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Idaho County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.