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When to Plant Haskaps in Decatur County, KS

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

Decatur County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.

At an elevation of 840 feet, Decatur County receives approximately 30.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Haskaps during the growing season.

Decatur County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
160 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
160 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Decatur County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21
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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 849 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Haskaps needs ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,440 GDD May not mature

Haskaps Planting Timeline โ€” Decatur County, KS

Haskaps Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 4

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
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 5b

Growing Season

160 days

Growing Tips for Decatur 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Haskaps in Decatur County, KS?

Decatur County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Decatur County, KS?

Decatur County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Decatur County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Decatur County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.