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When to plant Jostaberry in Pulaski County, IL

In Pulaski County, Jostaberry is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 30–May 14 for an 730–1095-day harvest, finishing well before the October 22 first frost.

When to Plant Jostaberry in Pulaski 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.

Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 1,244 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Jostaberry during the growing season.

Pulaski County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Pulaski County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

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 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Jostaberry Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, IL

Jostaberry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

196 days in Pulaski County

Growing Tips for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, IL?

Pulaski County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Jostaberry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pulaski County, IL?

Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Jostaberry in Pulaski County, IL?

In Pulaski County, IL, plant Jostaberry after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pulaski County, IL for Jostaberry?

Pulaski 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 Pulaski County's climate?

Yes — Jostaberry grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 22.

🌱

Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pulaski County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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