If you haven’t heard of honeyberries (also called haskaps), you’re not alone — but these little blue berries are quickly becoming one of the most exciting fruit crops for prairie gardeners. We’re thrilled to be carrying five varieties this season, and here’s why we think you should try them.
What Are Honeyberries?
Honeyberries (Lonicera caerulea) are a cold-hardy, edible honeysuckle that produces oblong blue berries. Think of them as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry in flavour — sweet-tart and perfect for fresh eating, jams, pies, and smoothies.
Why They’re Perfect for Manitoba
- Extremely cold-hardy — Honeyberries can handle temperatures down to –45°C. They don’t just survive our winters, they thrive.
- Early harvest — They’re one of the first fruits to ripen, often producing berries in mid-June — weeks before strawberries.
- Low maintenance — Once established, they need minimal pruning and are rarely bothered by pests or disease.
- Long-lived — A well-cared-for honeyberry bush can produce for 30+ years.
Our 2026 Varieties
We’re carrying five proven varieties from the University of Saskatchewan breeding program, all in 1-gallon pots:
- Berry Blue — Early-ripening with tangy-sweet berries. Great pollinator for other varieties.
- Tundra — Firm, sweet-tart berries. One of the most popular U of S selections.
- Boreal Blizzard — Very large berries with excellent flavour. High-yielding.
- Boreal Beast — Outstanding pollinator with its own large, sweet berries.
- Aurora — Productive and vigorous with large, sweet fruit.
Planting Tip
Honeyberries need a pollination partner — plant at least two different varieties within 15 feet of each other for the best berry production. We recommend pairing Boreal Blizzard with Boreal Beast, or Tundra with Berry Blue.
Stop by our table at the Lac Du Bonnet Farmer’s Market or call 1-204-426-2185 to reserve yours before they sell out!