When to plant Haskaps in McDonough County, IL
In McDonough County, Haskaps is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 8–May 22 for an 730–1095-day harvest, finishing well before the October 17 first frost.
When to Plant Haskaps in McDonough County, IL
What to do in July
Each item below is timed to McDonough County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Haskaps (honeyberries) are extremely cold-hardy shrubs producing elongated blue berries with a complex blueberry-raspberry flavor. They fruit very early in the season.
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 738 feet, McDonough County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Haskaps to ensure they mature before fall.
McDonough County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Haskaps Planting Timeline — McDonough County, IL
Haskaps Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
· 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
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in McDonough County
Growing Tips for McDonough 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 →
Haskaps in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Haskaps in McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Haskaps in McDonough County, IL?
In McDonough County, IL, plant Haskaps after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McDonough County, IL for Haskaps?
McDonough County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Haskaps grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Haskaps grow in McDonough County's climate?
Yes — Haskaps grows well in McDonough County's temperate climate. McDonough County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.
Your McDonough County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McDonough 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.