Highbush Blueberry is a wonderful hardy perennial for edible landscaping. With high yields of plump, delicious berries and flaming Autumn colour, this native shrub brings many beneficial attributes to the garden.
Simple oval green leaves in Spring arrive with masses of white or pinkish flowers; In Summer, blue-black fruit ripen against dark green-blue leaves; in Fall, its vibrant red foliage is bright and brilliant. As the woody perennial matures, its bark peels and flakes with beautiful texture
Native to Eastern North America, Highbush Blueberry thrives in moist, acidic soil. Its natural habitat is marshlands, bogs, streams, lakes, rivers, and forests or woodlands. The deciduous shrub can grow 6 - 12 feet in height. Grown from seed, Highbush Blueberry will begin to produce fruit in just three years.
Highbush Blueberry has long been a rich and delicious source of nutrients for humans. It is also an attractive food source for native and migrating birds, and creatures large and small, from bears to beneficial insects.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 - 7
Edible: Yes
Size: Shrub
Growth Rate: Medium
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 70-80%
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, fertile, acidic (ph 4-4.5)
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
If starting outdoors in the Fall, mulch beds with 1/2” sawdust, remove mulch in the Spring.
SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
STRATIFICATION: 90 days cold/moist (5°C). Surface sow on a moistened grow medium in cells/trays, cover. Place in your fridge. Inspect periodically for even moisture and germination.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds on soils surface.
Seeds require light to germinate—this is the MOST important factor. Alternate 14 hours of light (day) with 10 hours of darkness (night). Keep soil temperatures between 12-17°C during the day and around (12°C) at night. Water evenly.
GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 40-60 days.
