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When to plant Jostaberry in Devils Elbow, MO

Devils Elbow's short 199-day growing season means one Jostaberry planting between April 30 and May 14. No fall crop in Zone 6b.

When to Plant Jostaberry in Devils Elbow, MO

Pulaski County, Missouri Zone 6b August

Your August game plan for Pulaski County, Missouri

August is a pivotal month for Pulaski County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost April 9
Avg. first frost October 25
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.5 hrs

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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.

Devils Elbow, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 877 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Jostaberry during the growing season.

Devils Elbow, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Devils Elbow Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Jostaberry Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 12

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 Devils Elbow

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Jostaberry's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Jostaberry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Jostaberry.

How to Plant Jostaberry

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Jostaberry Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 455 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 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 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.

Jostaberry needs ~13,231 GDD — county provides 2,885 GDD May not mature

Jostaberry Planting Timeline — Devils Elbow, MO

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

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Pulaski County

Growing Tips for Jostaberry in Devils Elbow

Direct sow Jostaberry outdoors after April 09 in Pulaski County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 199.0-day growing season in Pulaski County is tight for Jostaberry (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

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 →

When should I plant Jostaberry in Devils Elbow, MO?

In Devils Elbow, MO, plant Jostaberry after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Devils Elbow, MO for Jostaberry?

Devils Elbow sits in USDA Zone 6b. Jostaberry grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Jostaberry grow in Devils Elbow's climate?

Yes — Jostaberry grows well in Devils Elbow's temperate climate. Devils Elbow averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.