Many thanks to Portstone Garden Centre for this update.
CHS Members enjoy a 15% discount at Portstone Garden Centre
www.portstone.co.nz
Although it’s the end of the season for Blueberries, some varieties such as Pink Icing and Tifblue put on a lovely display of autumnal colours, providing interesting landscapes in the form of hedges or in containers.
Blueberries prefer to be grown in acid soils, rich in organic matter and free draining. They thrive best if grown in full sunlight. A consistent supply of water is better, but not water logged. If growing them in pots, check them often to make sure the soil hasn’t dried out. To retain moisture, apply some mulch around the plant. Prune back dead, damaged, and diseased wood, removing weak and twiggy growth to open up the plant. Cutting back 4 -5 year old branches to the ground will also encourage vigorous growth. Prune in late summer and remember blueberries fruit on last season’s wood.
Here in Canterbury, it is better to buy Northern Highbush or Rabbiteye varieties as they have a high winter chilling requirement. These are mid to late season varieties that will flower later and will therefore hopefully miss any chance of our late frosts in Spring, resulting in poor fruit production. Some blueberries are self-fertile, others will need a companion to help with cross pollination, producing a heavier crop of fruit.
Blueberries are a summertime favourite, and we know that they are considered to be extremely healthy, containing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. So why not buy a bush or two to enjoy this family favourite.
Many thanks to Portstone Garden Centre for this update.
CHS Members enjoy a 15% discount at Portstone Garden Centre