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Honeyberry (Haskap)

Lonicera caerulea

An exciting superfruit that's gaining popularity among adventurous gardeners, producing unique elongated blue berries with a complex flavor reminiscent of blueberry-raspberry-cherry. These extremely cold-hardy bushes are among the first fruits to ripen in early summer, often ready weeks before strawberries. Honeyberries thrive in northern climates where other berries struggle and offer exceptional antioxidant content.

Harvest

730-1095d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

4–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

5-15 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Harvest

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Honeyberry (Haskap) in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 berry →

Zone Map

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Honeyberry (Haskap) · Zones 4–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing4-6 feet

SoilWell-drained, organic-rich soil, very adaptable

pH5.0-7.0

Water1 inch per week, tolerates some drought once established

SeasonPerennial, very early summer fruiting

FlavorComplex sweet-tart with hints of blueberry, raspberry, and cherry

ColorDark blue to purple with blue-white bloom

Size3/4 to 1 inch long, elongated

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 4	—	June – July	—	December – September
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	December – October
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	December – October
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	December – October
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	December – November
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	December – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day), Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Most species are inedible. One species is cultivated for its edible berries.

Color: Black, Blue, Pink, Red/Burgundy. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Edibility: One species produced edible berries.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh honeyberries keep 3-5 days at room temperature or up to 10 days refrigerated at 32-35°F with high humidity. Store unwashed in shallow containers to prevent crushing, and rinse just before eating as moisture accelerates spoilage.

Freezing is ideal for honeyberries – they freeze beautifully without blanching and maintain their texture better than most berries. Spread clean berries on baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen berries keep 12-18 months and work perfectly in smoothies and baking.

For jams and jellies, honeyberries' natural pectin content creates excellent set with minimal added pectin. Their complex flavor also makes exceptional fruit leather and wine. Dehydrating works well at 135°F for 12-18 hours, creating intensely flavored dried berries perfect for trail mix and baking applications.

History & Origin

Origin: North & Central America, North Africa, Europe, Asia

Advantages

+Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Moths, Pollinators
+Wildlife value: The flowers are attractive to pollinators; berries are consumed by birds and other animals.
+Edible: One species produced edible berries.
+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Blueberry

Similar soil pH requirements (acidic) and compatible root systems

Raspberry

Attracts beneficial pollinators and shares similar growing conditions

Strawberry

Acts as living mulch, suppresses weeds, and shares acidic soil preference

Rhododendron

Thrives in same acidic soil conditions and provides wind protection

Pine trees

Creates natural windbreak and acidifies soil through needle drop

Chives

Repels aphids and other pests while attracting beneficial insects

Comfrey

Deep roots bring nutrients to surface and leaves make excellent mulch

Marigold

Deters nematodes and other soil pests while attracting pollinators

Keep Apart

Black walnut

Produces juglone which is toxic to honeyberries and inhibits growth

Brassicas (cabbage family)

Heavy nitrogen feeders that compete for nutrients and prefer alkaline soil

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of nearby plants including berry bushes

Nutrition Facts

Calories

32kcal(2%)

Protein

0.67g(1%)

Fiber

2g(7%)

Carbs

7.68g(3%)

Fat

0.3g(0%)

Vitamin C

58.8mg(65%)

Vitamin A

1mcg(0%)

Vitamin K

2.2mcg(2%)

Iron

0.41mg(2%)

Calcium

16mg(1%)

Potassium

153mg(3%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #167762)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent natural disease resistance, very few pest problems

Common Pests

Birds (main concern), aphids occasionally

Diseases

Very disease resistant, occasional powdery mildew in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for honeyberry plants to produce fruit?▼

Honeyberries typically begin producing small crops in their second year, with full production starting in year three or four. Young bushes may yield 1-2 pounds of fruit, while mature 5-7 year old plants can produce 5-10 pounds annually. Patience is essential as these slow-growing bushes invest energy in root development before heavy fruiting.

Can you grow honeyberries in containers?▼

Yes, honeyberries grow well in large containers (minimum 20-25 gallons) due to their compact root system. Choose dwarf varieties like 'Berry Blue' for containers, ensure excellent drainage, and remember you'll need two different varieties for pollination. Container plants require more frequent watering and annual fertilizing but offer mobility for optimal sun exposure.

What do honeyberries taste like?▼

Honeyberries offer a complex sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of blueberry-raspberry-cherry with subtle wine-like notes. Early varieties tend toward tartness, while later selections are sweeter. The flavor intensifies as berries fully ripen – underripe fruit can be astringent. Many describe the taste as more sophisticated than common berries, making them excellent for gourmet applications.

Do honeyberries need full sun or can they take shade?▼

Honeyberries are remarkably adaptable to light conditions. They produce best fruit yields in full sun (6+ hours) but tolerate partial shade better than most berries. In hot climates (zones 6-7), afternoon shade actually improves performance by preventing heat stress. Morning sun is more critical than afternoon sun for flower and fruit development.

What's the difference between honeyberry and haskap?▼

Honeyberry and haskap are the same species (Lonicera caerulea) but refer to different breeding programs. 'Honeyberry' typically describes Russian varieties bred for larger, sweeter fruit, while 'haskap' refers to Japanese selections often prized for flavor complexity. Russian types generally have elongated fruit, while Japanese varieties are more rounded. Both require cross-pollination between varieties.

When should I plant honeyberry bushes?▼

Plant honeyberry bushes in early spring after soil thaws but before bud break, or in fall 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. Spring planting allows a full growing season for establishment, while fall planting lets roots develop during cool weather. Avoid planting during active growth periods (late spring/early summer) or during extreme weather conditions.