BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries have become renowned for making delicious pies and muffins, they are a good source
of vitamin A and C. Blueberries are high in iron and low in calories, and are a good energy
source. |
|
| There are three main types of blueberry - |
|
1. Grows wild in Canada and Europe and is a
low bush |
|
2. One is an ornamental shrub growing 2.5
metres high. |
|
3. Rabbiteye blueberry, which also grows 2.5
metres high. It has a small dark fruit, is resistant to heat and grown mainly in Queensland
and N.S.W. |
|
| This season Chris and Maries Plant Farms have
two types to offer: |
|
NORTHLAND
These are an American variety, with small to
medium size berries, which ripen in December. They produce a good crop, have excellent flavour
and are highly recommended for the home garden. |
|
BLUE ROSE
This type ripens in the third week of December. They are a vigorous
grower with a high yield. The berries are medium to large in size, but must be left on the
plant until they are mature to reach their full flavour. The berries store well and can be
picked on a 10-14 day rotation. |
|
|
PLANTING
The canes can be planted during the winter
months, whilst the plant is dormant. Plant at
1.5 metre intervals, if necessary on raised beds to allow drainage, as the canes require well
drained soils. |
|
| Blueberries require acidic soil and it is a good
idea when planting to incorporate two teaspoons of Devotion™ Time Release Fertiliser in
the hole, do not use a mineral fertiliser. The canes need to be watered most frequently in
late November to early February to allow the fruit to achieve a good size. But be careful not
to overwater. |
|
They grow well when planted in an easterly
or northeasterly position with plenty of sunshine and shelter from strong wind, and frost. |
|
PRUNING
The canes take seven years to mature properly
and during the first two years the flowers and
fruit should be removed to provide the plant
with more energy to grow. Nip off the ends of
branches to encourage bushiness, and after four years cut back the older branches to encourage
spreading. Pruning is done during the dormant period of June to July. It should be completed
before the new growth in the spring. |
|
HARVESTING
The flowers develop in October and fruit develops in November and ripens from
December-February. |
|
|
|
