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When to Plant Haskaps in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, 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.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 1,212 feet, Ketchikan Gateway Borough receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 65ยฐF, 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.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK (Zone 7b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Ketchikan Gateway Borough Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 3

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
1.4″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Haskaps needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Haskaps Planting Timeline โ€” Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK

Haskaps Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 โ€“ May 30

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

177 days

Growing Tips for Ketchikan Gateway Borough

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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK?

Ketchikan Gateway Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK?

Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.