People often say that you cannot grow huckleberries domestically or that “no one has figured out a way to propagate them outside of their native habitat.” This is one of those myths that people hear, but it has no bearing on reality. We’ve been growing huckleberries for several years now, and while there are a few things to keep in mind, they can thrive outside of their native habitat.

Key Growing Tips for Huckleberries

Firstly, like their blueberry cousins, huckleberries do not like alkaline soil. Secondly, they have mycelium (soil fungi) dependencies, and when these needs are not met, they suffer. They also do not like direct sunlight, so it's important to amend the soil with some forest duff where huckleberries thrive (see the photo where there is moss, etc., in the pot we grow them in). Periodically adding elemental sulfur and ensuring they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight will also help them flourish.

Cold Hardiness

Hardy to Zone 2 (-40°F or more), huckleberries can handle some of the coldest climates.

Plant Size & Age

These huckleberries are large and bushy (1–2 feet tall) and are going into their third year.