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When to plant Cranberries in Alcona County, MI

Plant Cranberries in Alcona County during the brief June 7–June 21 window. With 139 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 3.

When to Plant Cranberries in Alcona County, MI

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.

Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Alcona County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.

Alcona County, MI (Zone 5b) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
139 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Alcona County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cranberries Planting Timeline — Alcona County, MI

Cranberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 7 Jun 7 – Jun 21

· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June Transplant Outdoors
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

139 days in Alcona County

Growing Tips for Alcona 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 Alcona County, MI?

Alcona County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alcona County, MI?

Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Cranberries in Alcona County, MI?

In Alcona County, MI, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around May 17) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Alcona County, MI for Cranberries?

Alcona County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cranberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cranberries grow in Alcona County's climate?

Yes — Cranberries grows well in Alcona County's temperate climate. Alcona County averages a 139-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 17 and first frost around October 3.

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Your Alcona County Garden Planner — Free

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

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

Sources & credits

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