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When to Plant Haskaps in Bethel Census Area, AK

Haskaps (honeyberries) are extremely cold-hardy shrubs producing elongated blue berries with a complex blueberry-raspberry flavor. They fruit very early in the season.

Bethel Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.

At an elevation of 1,369 feet, Bethel Census Area receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 70ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Haskaps to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Haskaps root diseases.

Bethel Census Area, AK (Zone 2a) Short season
122 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
122 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Bethel Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 1

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Haskaps needs ~2,281 GDD — county provides 305 GDD May not mature

Haskaps Planting Timeline โ€” Bethel Census Area, AK

Haskaps Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Jul 3

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
July Transplant Outdoors
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 2a

Growing Season

122 days

Growing Tips for Bethel Census Area

Plant at least two different varieties for cross-pollination. Fruits ripen 2-3 weeks before strawberries. Protect from birds. Very low maintenance once established. Tolerates extreme cold.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Haskaps in Bethel Census Area, AK?

Bethel Census Area is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bethel Census Area, AK?

Bethel Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 21.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bethel Census Area gardeners in Zone 2a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Bethel Census Area, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.