Growing blueberries: timing, spacing and costs by zone
When to plant blueberries in Zones 6–9, spacing, and what to know before you commit ground.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
When to plant
Blueberries: cool-season, hardy to frost. Plant when soil reaches 50–80°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.
- Zone 6b (Boone NC): set out October 2 – October 23; fall planting August 20 – September 10. First picking around October 8 – November 5.
- Zone 7b (Raleigh): set out September 16 – October 7; fall planting September 3 – September 24. First picking around September 22 – October 20.
- Zone 8b (Charleston SC): set out August 23 – September 13; fall planting September 27 – October 18. First picking around August 29 – September 26.
- Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): set out August 5 – August 26; fall planting October 13 – November 3. First picking around August 11 – September 8.
Setting it up
Grow as transplants. Space plants 60 inches apart in rows 120 inches apart, about 6 inch deep. Expect roughly 730 days to first harvest.
Field notes
Rabbiteye varieties fit Zones 7–9; southern highbush for Zones 8–10. Soil pH 4.5–5.2 is non-negotiable — amend with elemental sulfur.
How it fits each zone
- Zone 6b: challenging — Blueberries needs a long season and this zone averages just 167 frost-free days. Start early, use black plastic, and plan for row cover on shoulder-season frosts.
- Zone 7b: excellent — Blueberries is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 8b: excellent — Blueberries is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 9a: good — Cool-season crops bolt fast under Zone 9a heat. Prioritize the fall planting window and use shade cloth for any spring succession.
Before you plant
Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.