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When to Plant Blueberries in Calgary, AB

Blueberries

Blueberries are long-lived shrubs producing sweet, antioxidant-rich berries. They require acidic soil and are attractive ornamental plants with fall color and spring flowers.

Calgary, Alberta is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.

At an elevation of 3,428 feet, Calgary receives approximately 26.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly dark brown chernozem soil. Summer highs average 75°F, so choose short-season varieties of Blueberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Calgary, AB (Zone 5a) Moderate season
160 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
160 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Calgary Soil Profile

Soil Type

Dark Brown Chernozem

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Blueberries to Grow

5-10 lbs
Average yield per plant
2
Plants per person
4 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 8 blueberries plants in about 16 sq ft. In Calgary's 160-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Blueberries Planting Timeline — Calgary, AB

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 28 May 28 – Jun 11

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 4.5–5.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

160 days in Calgary

Growing Tips for Calgary

Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination. Acidify soil with sulfur or pine needle mulch to maintain pH 4.5-5.5. Protect ripening berries from birds with netting.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Blueberries in Calgary, AB?

Calgary is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calgary, AB?

Calgary, Alberta is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 14.

🌱

Your Calgary Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Calgary (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Calgary, AB. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.