When to Plant Raspberry in Arkansas
Direct Sow Outdoors
Sunday, February 15, 2026
State
Arkansas
USDA Zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Avg Last Frost
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Cities Covered
602
Arkansas Planting Schedule by Zone
Arkansas spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 7a | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Friday, March 13, 2026 |
| 7b | Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Sunday, March 8, 2026 |
| 8a | Friday, March 20, 2026 | Friday, February 20, 2026 |
| 8b | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Raspberry
Growing Raspberry in Arkansas: Complete Guide
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Arkansas, the right time to direct sow is around Sunday, February 15, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Arkansas stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 365 days to maturity, Raspberry fits comfortably within Arkansas's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Raspberry requires full sun and regular moisture. Most of Arkansas receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Raspberry in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, direct sow Raspberry outdoors around Sunday, February 15, 2026. Arkansas spans zones 7a–8b, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Arkansas?
Arkansas spans 4 USDA zones (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), so last frost dates vary by region. Saint Francis, Warm Springs, Horseshoe Bend (7a) sees frost until around Friday, April 10, 2026, while Pine Bluff, White Hall, Arkansas City (8b) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Raspberry take to grow in Arkansas?
Raspberry takes about 365 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Arkansas's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Arkansas cover for Raspberry?
Arkansas includes zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Raspberry grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.