Cultivated blueberry

Profile

Family

Ericaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

2 m

Spread

1.5 m

Growth

slow

Lifespan

50 years

First yield

after 3 years

Hardiness

zone 3–8

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very moist

pH

3.5 – 5

Synonyms

Heidelbeere

Planned in gardens

6×

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit - raw or cooked. It is typically sweet and juicy, although the taste can vary. It can be used in pies, pastries, cereals, jellies, etc. The fruits can also be dried and used like raisins. The fruit is rich in Vitamin C. It has a diameter of about 15 mm. A tea is prepared from the leaves and dried fruits.

Medicinal: Astringent, pertaining to the chest area. Translate the remaining text into German and rephrase it to be more structured and easily readable. If the United Kingdom is mentioned, omit that remark.

Growing

Requires a moist, well-draining, lime-free soil, preferably rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf compost. Prefers a highly acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6 to avoid chlorosis. Thrives in full sun or light shade, with better fruiting in sunny locations. Requires protection from strong winds. Hardy to about -25°C. Often cultivated in America for its edible fruits, it is the most common and successful blueberry species grown. There are many named varieties. A highly variable plant that typically blooms profusely. Plants are at least partially self-sterile; multiple varieties are needed for good yields. Dislikes root disturbances, plants do best in pots until planted in their final location. Does not grow well with blackberries or raspberries. Closely related to V. atrococcum and V. virgatum. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to the honey fungus.

Propagation

Sow seeds in late winter in a lime-free substrate in a greenhouse, lightly covering them. Stored seeds may require up to 3 months of cold stratification. It is recommended to sow the seeds in a greenhouse as soon as possible after maturation. When seedlings reach about 5 cm, prick them into individual pots and let them grow in a slightly shady spot in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant them in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, in their final location. Take cuttings from semi-hardwood shoots in May/June in a shady spot in a substrate with some peat. Take cuttings from mature wood, harvested in November and stored in the refrigerator, then plant in a cold frame in March. Layering in late summer or early autumn. It takes 18 months. Divide runners in spring or early autumn.

Notable

Special characteristics: prefers acidic soil, requires wind protection; does not grow well alongside blackberries/raspberries; numerous varieties: 'Duke', 'Bluecrop', etc. Older/3-year-old shoots are removed for rejuvenation; Plant hole 30cm deep with peat moss/pine debris (bark, needles,..); popular with birds; up to 10kg yield per bush measured; see also common blueberry V. myrtillus (<60cm tall)

Origin & habitat

North-Eastern America - Nova Scotia to Quebec and southwards to Florida.

Mixed forests up to an altitude of 2000 meters. It is found in forests and hedges.

Related plants