Blog

When to plant Blackberries in Lee County, FL

Lee County sits in cold Zone 10b. Plant Blackberries February 11–February 25 for the single annual harvest; the December 19 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Blackberries in Lee County, FL

Blackberries

Blackberries are vigorous bramble fruits that produce sweet-tart berries on thorny or thornless canes. They are prolific producers and relatively low-maintenance once established.

Lee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.

At an elevation of 408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Blackberries during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Blackberries will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Blackberries root diseases.

Lee County, FL (Zone 10b) Year-round
325 days
Last Spring Frost January 28
325 growing days
First Fall Frost December 19

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Blackberries

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

Month Blackberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 10" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 9.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Blackberries Planting Timeline — Lee County, FL

Blackberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 11 Feb 11 – Feb 25

· 24" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

365–730 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10b

📆 Growing Season

325 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee County

Plant bare-root canes in spring. Provide a sturdy trellis system. Prune out spent fruiting canes after harvest. New canes fruit in their second year (floricanes).

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Blackberries in Lee County, FL?

Lee County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Blackberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, FL?

Lee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 19.

When should I plant Blackberries in Lee County, FL?

In Lee County, FL, plant Blackberries after the last frost (around January 28) and before the first frost (around December 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, FL for Blackberries?

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Blackberries grows reliably in zones 5a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Blackberries grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Blackberries grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 28 and first frost around December 19.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 10b). 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 Lee County, FL. 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.