When to Plant Haskaps in Dawson, YT
Haskaps (honeyberries) are extremely cold-hardy shrubs producing elongated blue berries with a complex blueberry-raspberry flavor. They fruit very early in the season.
Dawson, Yukon is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 26 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 1,213 feet, Dawson receives approximately 12.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly permafrost soil soil. Summer highs average 63°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.
Dawson Soil Profile
Soil Type
Permafrost Soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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.
How to Plant Haskaps
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Haskaps
Haskaps needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Haskaps Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Oct in Dawson). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Haskaps Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Haskaps Planting Timeline — Dawson, YT
Haskaps Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Transplant Outdoors |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 2a
📆 Growing Season
100 days in Dawson
Growing Tips for Haskaps in Dawson
Your 100.0-day growing season in Dawson is tight for Haskaps (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Dawson receives only 12" of rain annually. Haskaps needs consistent moisture — 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Haskaps in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Haskaps in Dawson, YT?
Dawson is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of June 26. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dawson, YT?
Dawson, Yukon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 26 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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