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When to plant Jostaberry in Ada County, ID

Plant Jostaberry in Ada County, between May 14 and May 28 — the only viable window. Zone 7a's short season (176 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Jostaberry in Ada County, ID

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.

Ada County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 4,372 feet, Ada County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.

Ada County, ID (Zone 7a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Ada County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.7

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ada County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Jostaberry Planting Timeline — Ada County, ID

Jostaberry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Ada County

Growing Tips for Ada 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Jostaberry in Ada County, ID?

Ada County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Jostaberry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ada County, ID?

Ada County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Jostaberry in Ada County, ID?

In Ada County, ID, plant Jostaberry after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ada County, ID for Jostaberry?

Ada County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Jostaberry grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Jostaberry grow in Ada County's climate?

Yes — Jostaberry grows well in Ada County's temperate climate. Ada County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Ada County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ada County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Ada County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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