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When to plant Blackberries in Johnson County, KS

Johnson County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Blackberries April 29–May 13 for the single annual harvest; the October 26 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Blackberries in Johnson County, KS

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.

Johnson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 768 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 27.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Blackberries during the growing season.

Johnson County, KS (Zone 6b) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.2

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 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Blackberries Planting Timeline — Johnson County, KS

Blackberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13

· 24" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

201 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, KS?

Johnson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Blackberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, KS?

Johnson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Blackberries in Johnson County, KS?

In Johnson County, KS, plant Blackberries after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Johnson County, KS for Blackberries?

Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Blackberries grows reliably in zones 5a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Blackberries grow in Johnson County's climate?

Yes — Blackberries grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson 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 Johnson County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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