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When to Plant Raspberries in Santa Clara County, CA

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.

Santa Clara County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 287 days.

At an elevation of 455 feet, Santa Clara County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92Β°F, providing good warmth for Raspberries during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Raspberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Santa Clara County, CA (Zone 9b) Year-round
287 days
Last Spring Frost February 19
287 growing days
First Fall Frost December 3

Santa Clara County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Raspberries

Raspberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Raspberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" πŸ’§ Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Santa Clara County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Raspberries Planting Timeline β€” Santa Clara County, CA

Raspberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19

Β· 24" apart Β· Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

365–730 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

πŸ“† Growing Season

287 days in Santa Clara County

Growing Tips for Santa Clara 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Raspberries in Santa Clara County, CA?

Santa Clara County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Raspberries planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Santa Clara County, CA?

Santa Clara County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 3.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Santa Clara County gardeners in Zone 9b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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