When to Plant Lingonberries in Delaware County, IA
Lingonberries are low-growing evergreen shrubs producing small, tart red berries used in Scandinavian cuisine. They thrive in acidic soil and cold climates.
Delaware County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 974 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lingonberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Delaware County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Lingonberries Planting Timeline — Delaware County, IA
Lingonberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
Soil pH
4.5 – 5.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
158 days
Growing Tips for Delaware 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
Lingonberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lingonberries in Delaware County, IA?
Delaware County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Lingonberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Delaware County, IA?
Delaware County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Delaware County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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