Honeyberry/Haskap Planting & Care

Haskap, or Honeyberry, is a very cold-hardy, early-ripening, and low-maintenance berry bush.  It leafs out in the spring before most other plants, including weeds, thus shading the soil around it and inhibiting competitor plants.  Early-blooming flowers, which seem little bothered by late frosts, produce blue, oblong berries with a tart, blueberry-raspberry flavor that are the first to ripen in early summer.  The berries are excellent for fresh eating or jam.

Size, Spacing, and Bearing Age:  Most haskaps grow 3’-4’ tall, with some varieties growing up to 6’ tall.  Space 3’-5’ apart.  Plants should begin bearing in 3-4 years.

Pollination:  Another variety is required for pollination.

Soil & Site Selection:  Because they bloom so early, it is best to plant in areas with good air drainage and avoid frost pockets.  They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0, but are adaptable to most conditions and may even tolerate wet soils.

Planting:  See Planting Guide and Bare Root Planting for instructions.

Pruning:  These dense-growing shrubs require little pruning except to thin out older, crowded, or low-hanging branches for maximum fruit production and ease of harvesting.

Pests & Diseases:  There are few pests and diseases that bother these plants or their fruit, but because they are one of the first fruits to ripen the competition between humans and birds is fierce, with birds usually winning.  You are unlikely to get very many ripe berries unless the plants are netted as soon as the berries start to color.  Luckily the compact size of the bush makes this relatively hassle-free.