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When to Plant Haskaps in Jackson County, CO

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

Jackson County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.

At an elevation of 5,388 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 20.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Haskaps to ensure they mature before fall.

Jackson County, CO (Zone 3b) Very short season
83 days
Last Spring Frost June 13
83 growing days
First Fall Frost September 4

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 23

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.

Soil Compatibility in Jackson County

How your county's soil matches Haskaps's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.6โ€“8.1) overlaps with Haskaps's range (5.5โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Jackson County is excellent for Haskaps โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Haskaps.

How to Plant Haskaps

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Haskaps

Haskaps needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Haskaps Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Junโ€“Sep in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Haskaps Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Haskaps needs ~9,125 GDD — county provides 830 GDD May not mature

Haskaps Planting Timeline โ€” Jackson County, CO

Haskaps Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Jul 25

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

83 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Haskaps in Jackson County

Direct sow Haskaps outdoors after June 13 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 83.0-day growing season in Jackson County is tight for Haskaps (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Jackson County receives only 21" of rain annually. Haskaps needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Haskaps in Jackson County, CO?

Jackson County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, CO?

Jackson County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Jackson County gardeners in Zone 3b 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 Jackson County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.