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When to plant Cranberries in Pullman, MI

In Pullman, Cranberries is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 23–June 6 for an 730–1095-day harvest, finishing well before the October 14 first frost.

When to Plant Cranberries in Pullman, 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.

Pullman, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 1,257 feet, Allegan County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.

Pullman, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Pullman Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.7

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cranberries Planting Timeline — Pullman, MI

Cranberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 – Jun 6

· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

165 days in Allegan County

Growing Tips for Pullman

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 →

When should I plant Cranberries in Pullman, MI?

In Pullman, MI, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pullman, MI for Cranberries?

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

Can Cranberries grow in Pullman's climate?

Yes — Cranberries grows well in Pullman's temperate climate. Pullman averages a 165-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 14.

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Your Allegan County Garden Planner — Free

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