🌿 What Are Honeyberries?

Honeyberries are small blue fruits that look like blueberries but taste like a mix of blueberry and raspberry. They grow on shrubs and belong to the honeysuckle family. The plant’s scientific name is Lonicera caerulea.

They are also called:

• Blue honeysuckle
• Sweetberry honeysuckle
• Haskap berries (name used in Japan)

These berries are super nutritious and high in antioxidants and vitamins. People have been growing them for centuries in countries like Russia, Japan, and China.

Why Honeyberries Are Perfect for Cold Climates

Honeyberry plants can survive very cold temperatures—as low as -55°F. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 7. The flowers also tolerate frost, which makes them great for early-season fruit.

Garden expert Katie Brines from Stark Bro’s says:

“Honeyberries are a favorite among northern gardeners. They’re sweet, tart, and packed with nutrients.”

Best Location to Grow Honeyberries

Honeyberries are flexible and can grow:

• In the ground
• In raised beds
• In large containers or pots

☀️ Light:

• 6 to 8 hours of sun per day is best.
• In hot areas, choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade to avoid leaf burn.

🌱 Soil:

• Use well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
• Make sure the area doesn’t flood or hold water after rain.

How to Plant Honeyberries the Right Way

Here’s a quick planting guide:

Important: Honeyberries need cross-pollination, so grow at least two types that bloom at the same time.

💧 Caring for Honeyberry Plants

💦 Watering:

• Give 1–2 inches of water per week.
• Use your finger or a soil moisture meter to check soil dryness.
• Don’t overwater—wet roots can rot.

Feeding:

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer like 5-5-5 or 10-10-10.
• Don’t fertilize after June, or you may lose fruit quality.

How to Prune Honeyberry Bushes

Start pruning when the plant is 4 years old.

• When to prune: During dormancy (late winter) or after harvest.
• Use sharp, clean pruning shears.
• Remove:
  • Dead branches
  • Old shoots
  • Weak growth from the center

This will help air move better through the plant and promote healthy new stems.

Pro Tip: Don’t prune too much. Honeyberries fruit on older wood, and overpruning reduces your berry harvest.

When and How to Harvest Honeyberries

Honeyberries ripen in late May to early June. The berries will turn dark blue when they’re ready.

You can:

• Pick them one by one
• Use a berry picker to scoop ripe fruits

To protect your berries from birds, consider using garden netting.

Storing Honeyberries:

• Eat them within 1 week if storing in the fridge.
• Freeze them for up to 1 year for later use in smoothies, baking, or jams.

Can You Grow Honeyberries in Pots?

Yes, honeyberries grow well in containers.

Container Tips:

Potted honeyberries stay smaller but still produce good fruit.

Are Honeyberries Invasive?

No, honeyberries are not invasive. Although some honeysuckle species are invasive, Lonicera caerulea (honeyberry) is safe to grow in gardens without worrying about it taking over.

How to Grow More Honeyberry Plants

You can grow new plants in two ways:

1. From Seeds:

• Collect ripe seeds in early summer.
• Plant them in pots with seed compost.
• Keep moist and place in a cold frame or greenhouse over winter.
• Plant outdoors next spring.

2. From Cuttings:

• Take hardwood cuttings in late fall, or
• Take semi-ripe cuttings from young stems in summer.

Plant them in moist soil and give them a few months to root.

Conclusion

Honeyberries are a fantastic fruit for gardeners living in cold climates. They’re easy to grow, full of health benefits, and can survive very cold winters. Whether you’re growing in the ground or in pots, these shrubs can reward you with delicious berries in early summer.

If you’re tired of traditional blueberries or raspberries, try honeyberries—you might just fall in love with their sweet and tangy taste.

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