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When to plant Haskaps in Boone County, IL

In Boone County, Haskaps is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 14–May 28 for an 730–1095-day harvest, finishing well before the October 16 first frost.

When to Plant Haskaps in Boone County, IL

Haskaps (honeyberries) are extremely cold-hardy shrubs producing elongated blue berries with a complex blueberry-raspberry flavor. They fruit very early in the season.

Boone County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. 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 512 feet, Boone County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Haskaps to ensure they mature before fall.

Boone County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Boone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Haskaps Planting Timeline — Boone County, IL

Haskaps 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

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Boone County

Growing Tips for Boone County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Haskaps in Boone County, IL?

Boone County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boone County, IL?

Boone County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Haskaps in Boone County, IL?

In Boone County, IL, plant Haskaps 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 Boone County, IL for Haskaps?

Boone County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Haskaps grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Haskaps grow in Boone County's climate?

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

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Your Boone County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Boone County (Zone 5b). 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 Boone County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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