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When to Plant Haskaps in Rich County, UT

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

Rich County, Utah is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.

At an elevation of 5,803 feet, Rich County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, 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.

Rich County, UT (Zone 4b) Short season
107 days
Last Spring Frost May 31
107 growing days
First Fall Frost September 15

Rich County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 20

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 Rich County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5โ€“8.2) overlaps with Haskaps's range (5.5โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 335 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Haskaps needs ~9,809 GDD — county provides 1,150 GDD May not mature

Haskaps Planting Timeline โ€” Rich County, UT

Haskaps Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Jul 12

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
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 1-2 times/week

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 4b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

107 days in Rich County

Growing Tips for Haskaps in Rich County

Direct sow Haskaps outdoors after May 31 in Rich County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 107.0-day growing season in Rich County is tight for Haskaps (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Rich County receives only 18" 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Haskaps in Rich County, UT?

Rich County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rich County, UT?

Rich County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Rich County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Rich County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.