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When to Plant Blackberries in Ottawa County, OK

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.

Ottawa County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 716 feet, Ottawa County receives approximately 29.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Blackberries during the growing season.

Ottawa County, OK (Zone 7a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Ottawa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

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 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Blackberries Planting Timeline — Ottawa County, OK

Blackberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14

· 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 7a

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Ottawa County

Growing Tips for Ottawa 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 Ottawa County, OK?

Ottawa County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Blackberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ottawa County, OK?

Ottawa County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.

🌱

Your Ottawa County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ottawa County (Zone 7a). 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 Ottawa County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.