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When to plant Haskaps in Jefferson County, KS

Jefferson County's 193-day season only supports one Haskaps planting per year. Sow between May 5 and May 19 for the best chance at full maturity before October 24.

When to Plant Haskaps in Jefferson County, KS

Jefferson County, Kansas Zone 6b July

This month in Jefferson County, Kansas

Welcome to July in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost April 14
Avg. first frost October 24
Soil temp (4") 83°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.5 hrs

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

Jefferson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 559 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 23.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Haskaps during the growing season.

Jefferson County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Haskaps Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 18

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Jefferson County

How your county's soil matches Haskaps's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7–7.6) overlaps with Haskaps's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Haskaps — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Haskaps.

How to Plant Haskaps

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Haskaps Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 994 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Haskaps

Haskaps needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Haskaps Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Haskaps Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Haskaps needs ~15,969 GDD — county provides 3,377 GDD May not mature

Haskaps Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, KS

Haskaps Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 – May 19

· 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

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Jefferson County

Growing Tips for Haskaps in Jefferson County

Direct sow Haskaps outdoors after April 14 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 193.0-day growing season in Jefferson County is tight for Haskaps (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Jefferson County receives only 24" of rain annually. Haskaps needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

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 Jefferson County, KS?

Jefferson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, KS?

Jefferson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Haskaps in Jefferson County, KS?

In Jefferson County, KS, plant Haskaps after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jefferson County, KS for Haskaps?

Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Haskaps grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Haskaps grow in Jefferson County's climate?

Yes — Haskaps grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 6b). 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 Jefferson County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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