When to Plant Haskaps in La Plata 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.
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 5,246 feet, La Plata County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Haskaps to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Haskaps successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
La Plata County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Haskaps Planting Timeline — La Plata County, CO
Haskaps Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 5 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
113 days
Growing Tips for La Plata County
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
Haskaps in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Haskaps in La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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