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When to Plant Lingonberries in Hood River County, OR

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

Hood River County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.

At an elevation of 127 feet, Hood River County receives approximately 50.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lingonberries during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lingonberries root diseases.

Hood River County, OR (Zone 7a) Moderate season
188 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
188 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Hood River County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 27

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lingonberries needs ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,867 GDD May not mature

Lingonberries Planting Timeline โ€” Hood River County, OR

Lingonberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 19

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" 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

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 7a

Growing Season

188 days

Growing Tips for Hood River 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 Hood River County, OR?

Hood River County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Lingonberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hood River County, OR?

Hood River County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 19.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hood River County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Hood River County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.