When to Plant Jostaberry in Broomfield County, CO
What to do in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Broomfield County, Colorado this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: jostaberry
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.
Broomfield County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 7,037 feet, Broomfield County receives approximately 13.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Jostaberry during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Jostaberry successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Broomfield County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-8.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Broomfield County
How your county's soil matches Jostaberry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–8.2) is more alkaline than Jostaberry prefers (6.0–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Broomfield County is excellent for Jostaberry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Jostaberry.
How to Plant Jostaberry
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Jostaberry
Jostaberry needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Jostaberry Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Broomfield County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Jostaberry 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.
Jostaberry Planting Timeline — Broomfield County, CO
Jostaberry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Broomfield County
Growing Tips for Jostaberry in Broomfield County
Direct sow Jostaberry outdoors after May 14 in Broomfield County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 135.0-day growing season in Broomfield County is tight for Jostaberry (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Broomfield County receives only 14" of rain annually. Jostaberry needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Jostaberry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jostaberry in Broomfield County, CO?
Broomfield County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Jostaberry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Broomfield County, CO?
Broomfield County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Broomfield County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Broomfield County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.