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When to Plant Jostaberry in Macomb County, MI

Jostaberry is a thornless hybrid of black currant and gooseberry, producing medium-sized, dark berries with a complex, tart-sweet flavor. It is vigorous and disease-resistant.

Macomb County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 628 feet, Macomb County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Jostaberry during the growing season.

Macomb County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Macomb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 19
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
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 298 gal / 100 sq ft
Jostaberry needs ~16,653 GDD — county provides 3,193 GDD May not mature

Jostaberry Planting Timeline โ€” Macomb County, MI

Jostaberry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2

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

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

175 days

Growing Tips for Macomb County

Plant in rich, well-drained soil. No special pruning required beyond removing old wood. Self-fertile but yields improve with a second bush. Berries ripen midsummer.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Jostaberry in Macomb County, MI?

Macomb County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Jostaberry planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macomb County, MI?

Macomb County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Macomb County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Macomb County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.