Zone 3a

Sweet and succulent, an excellent source of healthful anti-oxidants. Their bright red fall colour is also outstanding. Choose at least two varieties to ensure good pollination.

Varieties:

1. Bluecrop (zone 4a) - highbush, large berry, flavourful, midseason

2. Friendship (zone 3a) - half high, medium size berry, wild flavour, early season

3. Northblue (zone 3a) - half high, dime size berry, sweet flavour, midseason

4. Northland (zone 3a) - highbush, medium size berry, wild flavour, midseason

5. Patriot (zone 3b) - highbush, large berry, flavourful, early season

6. St. Cloud (zone 4a) - half high, medium size berry, excellent flavour, early season

Blueberries require a well drained open soil that is acidic (pH 4.5-5.5). Do not grow where lime has been added to the soil. If your soil is above these levels you can add wettable sulfur to the soil. If the leaves turn yellow it is often due to lack of iron (chlorosis). The addition of iron sulfate will rectify the situation. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package. The inclusion of organics such as peat moss or well rotted bark is advantageous because it helps hold water. Avoid using compost as it is very high pH (usually around pH 8). Sources of nitrogen include cottonseed meal, alfalfa meal and blood meal, all of which can be found at farm feed stores or garden centres. Mulch with rotted bark or a similar organic product. Do not cultivate with hoes, etc. as the roots are very fine and shallow. Hand weeding is best.

Notes:

• Requires a pollinator