haskap INDIGO TREAT

Lonicera. The unique, tart flavour of Haskaps compares to a cross between blueberries and raspberries. These native shrubs were developed in Saskatchewan and are hardier than highbush blueberries and more tolerant of a wide range of soil types.

Haskaps can be used for fresh eating, baked into desserts or even dried like raisins. They really excel when turned into sauces and makes the very deepest purple jam. Very cold hardy. Will begin bearing fruit in 2-3 years. Birds also love the fruit, so Black Netting is recommended. Height 5-6'. 2" plug.

Planting

For individual bushes, plant 4-6’ apart and for a hedge row 3’ apart. Plants will arrive in a root ball and can be planted 1-2” deeper than the original depth (look for soil mark on stem) to compensate for heaving and to help develop a deeper root system. Water right after planting. Haskap, also known as Honeyberry, are hardy to zone 2 and can be planted in spring or fall.

Growing:

Shrubs grow 4-6’ tall and wide and require two varieties in order to produce fruit. Pollinator variety can pollinate up to 7 or 8 females. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but will grow in wet soil and have a wide pH range of 5-8. Ensure the soil is adequately moist for the first few growing seasons. Grow them in a sunny spot where they will get at least 6 hours of full sun.

To keep shape prune in late winter or early spring and thin out older branches when shrub gets too dense. Bushes can often bear a few fruit 1 year after planting but yield abundantly once 2 to 3 years old. Berries ripen in June and the flavour improves if the fruit is left longer on the bush. Fruit take a long time to ripen so bite a few berries and if the centers are green they aren’t ready. Mature shrubs can yield up to 5-7 kilos per plant. Fruit can be used the same way as blueberries.

Pests:

Haskaps have few pests and diseases other than being eaten by birds, deer and mice. Bird netting is recommended. Powdery mildew may be a problem on some cultivars.