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When to plant Lingonberries in Olean, MO

In Olean, Lingonberries is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 27–May 11 for an 730–1095-day harvest, finishing well before the October 27 first frost.

When to Plant Lingonberries in Olean, MO

Miller County, Missouri Zone 6b August

This month in Miller County, Missouri

August is a pivotal month for Miller County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost April 6
Avg. first frost October 27
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.5 hrs

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Lingonberries are low-growing evergreen shrubs producing small, tart red berries used in Scandinavian cuisine. They thrive in acidic soil and cold climates.

Olean, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 1,086 feet, Miller County receives approximately 30.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Lingonberries during the growing season.

Olean, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
204 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Olean Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Lingonberries Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 12

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Olean

How your county's soil matches Lingonberries's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) is more alkaline than Lingonberries prefers (4.5–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Miller County is excellent for Lingonberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Lingonberries.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Lingonberries.

How to Plant Lingonberries

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Lingonberries Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 120 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Lingonberries

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

Month Lingonberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lingonberries Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Lingonberries needs ~15,284 GDD — county provides 3,417 GDD May not mature

Lingonberries Planting Timeline — Olean, MO

Lingonberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 – May 11

· 48" 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

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 4.5–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

204 days in Miller County

Growing Tips for Lingonberries in Olean

Direct sow Lingonberries outdoors after April 06 in Miller County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 204.0-day growing season in Miller County is tight for Lingonberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Amend soil with peat and pine needle mulch for acidity. Plant 12 inches apart as a ground cover. Berries ripen in late summer. Requires minimal pruning.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Lingonberries in Olean, MO?

In Olean, MO, plant Lingonberries after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Olean, MO for Lingonberries?

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

Can Lingonberries grow in Olean's climate?

Yes — Lingonberries grows well in Olean's temperate climate. Olean averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Miller County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Miller 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.

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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 Miller County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.