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When to Plant Haskaps in Fauquier County, VA

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

Fauquier County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 464 feet, Fauquier County receives approximately 49.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Haskaps during the growing season.

Fauquier County, VA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Fauquier County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 4

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Haskaps needs ~16,653 GDD — county provides 3,285 GDD May not mature

Haskaps Planting Timeline โ€” Fauquier County, VA

Haskaps Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 โ€“ May 26

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 7a

Growing Season

180 days

Growing Tips for Fauquier 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 Fauquier County, VA?

Fauquier County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fauquier County, VA?

Fauquier County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Fauquier County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Fauquier County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.