When to plant Jostaberry in Viola, DE
Viola sits in cold Zone 7b. Plant Jostaberry April 23–May 7 for the single annual harvest; the November 4 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Jostaberry in Viola, DE
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.
Viola, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.
At an elevation of 128 feet, Kent County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Jostaberry during the growing season.
Viola Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Kent County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Jostaberry Planting Timeline — Viola, DE
Jostaberry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
216 days in Kent County
Growing Tips for Viola
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
When should I plant Jostaberry in Viola, DE?
In Viola, DE, plant Jostaberry after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Viola, DE for Jostaberry?
Viola sits in USDA Zone 7b. Jostaberry grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Jostaberry grow in Viola's climate?
Yes — Jostaberry grows well in Viola's temperate climate. Viola averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 4.
Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kent County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.