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When to Plant Haskaps in Peterborough, ON

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

Peterborough, Ontario is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 656 feet, Peterborough receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Haskaps to ensure they mature before fall. Clay soil retains moisture well for Haskaps, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Peterborough, ON (Zone 6b) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Peterborough Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

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

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 147 gal / 100 sq ft
Haskaps needs ~9,809 GDD — county provides 2,010 GDD May not mature

Haskaps Planting Timeline โ€” Peterborough, ON

Haskaps Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18

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 6b

Growing Season

187 days

Growing Tips for Peterborough

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 Peterborough, ON?

Peterborough is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Peterborough, ON?

Peterborough, Ontario is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 17.

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 Peterborough, ON. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.