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When to plant Cranberries in Perry County, IN

Plant Cranberries in Perry County, between May 3 and May 17 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (191 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Cranberries in Perry County, IN

Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.

Perry County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 873 feet, Perry County receives approximately 31 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.

Perry County, IN (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Cranberries

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

Month Cranberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cranberries Planting Timeline — Perry County, IN

Cranberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 – May 17

· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Perry County

Growing Tips for Perry County

Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cranberries in Perry County, IN?

Perry County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, IN?

Perry County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Cranberries in Perry County, IN?

In Perry County, IN, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Perry County, IN for Cranberries?

Perry County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cranberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cranberries grow in Perry County's climate?

Yes — Cranberries grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.

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Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Perry County (Zone 6b). 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 Perry County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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