Indigo Treat Honeyberry

Lonicera kamtschatica (Honeyberry / Haskap)

These compact, hardy European bushes are among the first fruits to ripen at the nursery. Very cold-tolerant, they thrive even in Siberia. While their flowers are not as showy or fragrant as traditional honeysuckle vines, the fruits are prized for their flavor. Blue, tart, and flavorful, they ripen even before strawberries. However, they can be shy producers in areas prone to late frosts.

Known as Honeyberry or Haskap, Indigo Treat edible honeysuckle is a low-maintenance addition to any landscape. These plants perform best in colder zones 3, 4, and 5. Indigo Treat, introduced by the University of Saskatchewan, produces fruits that are sweeter and higher in flavor than many other varieties. The light blue fruits are longer and flatter than other cultivars, making them visually appealing.

The plants have medium to high vigor, growing up to 5.5 feet tall, with average to high yields. Hardy in zones 3-7, they should be spaced 4 feet apart in a circular formation.

Plant Characteristics:

• Pest Resistance: Excellent
• Disease Resistance: Excellent
• Drought Tolerance: Good
• Heat Tolerance: Good
• Humidity Tolerance: Very Good
• Sun Tolerance: Very Good
• Wet Soil Tolerance: Poor
• Shade Tolerance: Good
• No Spray: Very Good
• Salt Tolerance: Poor
• Fresh for Kids: Fair
• Thorns: No
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Soil Type: Adaptable
• Edible Type: Fruit
• Self-Fertile: No

This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Comments and opinions are always welcome!

Note: Due to import restrictions, Indigo Treat Honeysuckle cannot be shipped to California.

Edible Honeysuckle Care Guide

Edible Honeysuckle are among the first fruits of the season
A unique member of the Honeysuckle family native to Eastern Siberia. This very hardy deciduous species has been a valued fruiting plant for ages and yet is virtually unknown in Europe and America. An attractive small bush, it produces tasty small fruits about the size and flavor of blueberries. Small white, slightly fragrant flowers appear in March. Fruit ripens two weeks before strawberries. Very easy to grow with no pest or disease problems.

Site & Soil
Edible Honeysuckle is a shade-loving plant in all areas except the far north, where it is happy in full sun. It prefers moderately well-drained, yet moist, soil. Mulching with compost, peat moss or decomposed manure helps maintain adequate soil moisture.

Pollination
Honeysuckle is not self-fertile. Plant at least two varieties if fruit is desired. When we ship we sent two different types.

Bearing age
1-2 years after planting.

Hardiness

Honeysuckle bush in snow

One of the hardiest fruiting plants, to minus 40*F minus 40*C (zone3).