When to Plant Raspberry in New Jersey
Direct Sow Outdoors
Sunday, March 8, 2026
State
New Jersey
USDA Zones
6b, 7a, 7b, 8a
Avg Last Frost
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Cities Covered
579
New Jersey Planting Schedule by Zone
New Jersey spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 6b | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 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 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Raspberry
Growing Raspberry in New Jersey: Complete Guide
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In New Jersey, the right time to direct sow is around Sunday, March 8, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because New Jersey stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (6b, 7a, 7b, 8a), 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 New Jersey'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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Raspberry in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, direct sow Raspberry outdoors around Sunday, March 8, 2026. New Jersey spans zones 6b–8a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in New Jersey?
New Jersey spans 4 USDA zones (6b, 7a, 7b, 8a), so last frost dates vary by region. Boonton, Mountain Lakes, Butler (6b) sees frost until around Wednesday, April 15, 2026, while Bridgeport, Brigantine, Cape May (8a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Raspberry take to grow in New Jersey?
Raspberry takes about 365 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In New Jersey's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does New Jersey cover for Raspberry?
New Jersey includes zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. 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.