Blue Honeysuckle (also called Honeyberry or Haskap) is a cold-hardy fruiting shrub prized for its early harvest and blueberry-like flavor. These Lonicera caerulea seeds are suitable for growers in cooler climates and for anyone who wants a resilient berry bush that tolerates a wide soil pH and needs less fuss than blueberries.
Why Choose Blue Honeysuckle?
- Cold-hardy, early fruiting shrub โ well-suited to colder regions and late-spring harvests
- Adaptable to soil pH โ performs in a wider pH range than blueberries
- Compact habit โ typically 3โ6 ft mature height, easy to fit into home gardens
- Flavorful berries โ often described as blueberry-meets-raspberry; excellent fresh or for jam
- Growing zones โ generally USDA Zones 2โ7 (variety-dependent; some sources note broader ranges)
Whatโs in the Pack?
Fresh, clean Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea) seeds in a sealed pack. Seeds may vary genetically; seedlings do not always grow identical to named cultivars.
Planting Instructions
- Best Time to Start: Late winter to early spring after stratification, or sow outdoors in fall.
- Stratification: Cold-moist stratify 60โ90 days at ~4ยฐC. Optional method for stubborn lots: 60 days warm-moist (โ21โ30ยฐC) followed by 60 days cold-moist.
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile; typical pH tolerance ~5.5โ7.5 (tolerates wider than blueberries).
- Light: Full sun in cool climates; in warmer zones, morning sun with light afternoon shade improves performance.
- Sowing Depth: Cover lightly, about 3โ6 mm (โ โยผ in). Keep evenly moistโnot waterlogged.
- Germination: After stratification, expect emergence in ~4โ8 weeks (can be variable).
- Spacing (after transplant): 3โ4 ft between plants; 6โ10 ft between rows (hedge spacing is also used).
- Pollination: For fruit set youโll need at least two different honeyberry varieties with overlapping bloom.
- Growing Zone Note: Commonly grown in USDA Zones 2โ7; check your local climate/chill hours.
FAQs
Is this seed or a live plant?
Seed. These are Blue Honeysuckle seeds (not live plants or plugs).
Do I need two plants to get fruit?
Yes. Most honeyberries require cross-pollination between two different varieties that bloom at the same time for reliable fruit set.
Will seedlings grow true to a named cultivar?
Not necessarily. Seed-grown honeyberries can vary from the parent cultivar. Many growers start several seedlings and later keep the best performers or add a named cultivar for pollination.
Do the seeds require cold stratification?
Recommended. Provide 60โ90 days of cold-moist stratification (refrigerator method). For harder seed lots, a warm-then-cold sequence can improve results.
What growing zones are suitable?
Generally USDA Zones 2โ7 (variety-dependent; some sources cite a broader 1โ8/2โ8 range). In warmer zones, provide morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon heat.
Where to buy Blue Honeysuckle seeds for sale?
At Seeds World, we list fresh Blue Honeysuckle (Honeyberry) seeds from multiple sellers with fast U.S. shipping. Choose the pack that fits your project, and follow the stratification steps above for best germination.