When to plant Jostaberry in Edgar County, IL
In Edgar County, Jostaberry is a spring-only crop. Plant May 9–May 23 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Jostaberry in Edgar County, IL
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.
Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 1,272 feet, Edgar County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Jostaberry to ensure they mature before fall.
Edgar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Edgar County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Jostaberry Planting Timeline — Edgar County, IL
Jostaberry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Edgar County
Growing Tips for Edgar 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 →
Jostaberry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jostaberry in Edgar County, IL?
Edgar County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Jostaberry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Edgar County, IL?
Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Jostaberry in Edgar County, IL?
In Edgar County, IL, plant Jostaberry after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Edgar County, IL for Jostaberry?
Edgar County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Jostaberry grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Jostaberry grow in Edgar County's climate?
Yes — Jostaberry grows well in Edgar County's temperate climate. Edgar County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 17.
Your Edgar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Edgar 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.