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When to Plant Raspberries in Sullivan County, MO

Raspberries are beloved bramble fruits producing sweet, delicate berries in red, golden, black, and purple varieties. They spread by underground runners and are very productive.

Sullivan County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 1,019 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Raspberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Sullivan County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Sullivan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 22

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 407 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Raspberries needs ~7,118 GDD — county provides 2,379 GDD May not mature

Raspberries Planting Timeline โ€” Sullivan County, MO

Raspberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 22

ยท 24" 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

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

365โ€“730 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

183 days

Growing Tips for Sullivan County

Provide a trellis for support. Prune summer-bearing types by removing spent canes after harvest. For ever-bearing types, mow all canes in late winter for a single fall crop.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes
  • Tomatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Raspberries in Sullivan County, MO?

Sullivan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Raspberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sullivan County, MO?

Sullivan County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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