When to Plant Haskaps in Pike 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.
Pike County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,157 feet, Pike County receives approximately 36.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Haskaps during the growing season.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Pike County
How your county's soil matches Haskaps's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) is within Haskaps's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pike County is excellent for Haskaps — 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
Plant Water Budget
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 Planting Timeline — Pike County, MO
Haskaps Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
· 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Pike County
Growing Tips for Haskaps in Pike County
Direct sow Haskaps outdoors after April 13 in Pike County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 190.0-day growing season in Pike 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 →
Haskaps in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Haskaps in Pike County, MO?
Pike County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Haskaps planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, MO?
Pike County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pike County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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