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When to Plant Haskaps in Dunklin County, MO

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

Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 1,344 feet, Dunklin County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94Β°F, providing good warmth for Haskaps during the growing season.

Dunklin County, MO (Zone 7a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Dunklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 7

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 Dunklin County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) is within Haskaps's preferred range (5.5–7.5).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Dunklin County is excellent for Haskaps β€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Haskaps.

How to Plant Haskaps

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 706 gal / 100 sq ft

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 β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dunklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” 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" β€” every day above 50Β°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 ~18,706 GDD — county provides 4,510 GDD May not mature

Haskaps Planting Timeline β€” Dunklin County, MO

Haskaps Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1

Β· 48" apart Β· Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March β€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June β€”
July β€”
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

1"/week Β· 1-2 times/week

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 Β· Your soil: ideal

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

πŸ“† Growing Season

220 days in Dunklin County

Growing Tips for Haskaps in Dunklin County

Direct sow Haskaps outdoors after March 27 in Dunklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 220.0-day growing season in Dunklin County is tight for Haskaps (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

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 Dunklin County, MO?

Dunklin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dunklin County, MO?

Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Dunklin County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Dunklin County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.