A unique crop

Botanical characteristics

The haskap berry comes from a haskap bush which is in the honeysuckle family and can reach heights of 1.5 to 2 metres. The haskap bush has no thorns, tolerates annual pruning and starts producing berries the year following planting.

The haskap plant’s hardiness allows it to thrive in extreme winter conditions, tolerating -47 °C, without damage. The flowers can survive in freezing temperatures down to -7 °C without jeopardizing the fruit production. Very well adapted to cold climates, the haskap bush tolerates harsh winters and late spring frosts.

When well maintained and properly pruned a haskap orchard can easily maintain its productivity for 30 years. There are plantations in Japan which have been in production for over 30 years.

Harvest

The haskap bush starts producing berries in the first year after planting. However, the first commercial harvest cannot be expected before the third or fourth year.

The berries are ready to be harvested when the skin is completely blue and the flesh is crimson. The berries should not be harvested prematurely. If the flesh is still green, it should be allowed to continue ripening.

Generally, the harvest takes place six to eight weeks after flowering. The fruit can remain on the plants for several weeks even after having turned blue. The berries of each bush ripen uniformly which makes mechanical harvesting an option.

The haskap berries ripen early in the growing season which helps avoid many plant diseases and major insect infestations.

The haskap Learn more
Its benefits and properties
Storage and use