Pasquesi: Garden Info - Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs (Blueberries)

GROWING BLUEBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES

They taste good and look good. So why not grow tasty fruit in the backyard with a decorative, edible blueberry and raspberry garden? Blueberry bushes are ideal as hedges, groundcovers or feature plants. Gourmet raspberries are a delicacy when eaten fresh off the bush and a tasty addition to pies, jams and tarts. Established berry plants are very hardy and will last for years with a little care and attention.

Site Conditions

Blueberries and raspberries are native to North America and are easy to grow in most gardens. Most plants will endure temperatures as low as –25^oF, and will tolerate partial shade or full sunlight.

Blueberries and raspberries grow best in soil conditions that are acidic and well-drained. Previously used garden soil is generally not suitable for berry plants, since it is not acidic enough. Blueberries and raspberries grow well near other acid-loving plants such as sweet ferns, white cedars and oaks or pines. As most Chicagoland gardens are alkaline, or non-acidic, it is necessary to prepare the site.

Dig a hole wide enough to prevent overcrowding and deep enough to set plants two inches lower than they had been in their container. Add a generous amount of decomposed leaves, or peat moss, to the hole to increase soil acidity.

Planting

It is best to plant blueberry and raspberry plants in the early spring. Ensure the plant roots do not dry out before they have been transplanted, otherwise their capacity to absorb water will be diminished. Set plants four feet apart in rows six feet to eight feet apart to avoid crowding the roots once the plants have matured. Firm the potting mixture around the plants and water if the soil is dry. Plant several blueberry varieties together, since cross-pollination encourages a good harvest.

Watering and Mulching

Deep-water the plants’ bases after planting and water during dry periods, taking care not to over water. Generally, blueberry and raspberry plants require very little water and will die off if watered too frequently or intensely.

To control weeds and maintain a clean site, gently hoe the soil around the plants. Work the soil to a depth of no more than two inches and within several inches of the plants. This will ensure the developing fibrous root system is not damaged.

Plants should be mulched a year after they have been planted. Peat moss, lawn clippings, pine needles or oak leaves are suitable mulch materials. Apply two or three inches of mulch between plant rows and around the plant bases to prevent weeds from growing and to retain moisture.

Fertilizing and Pruning

Fertilize plants at the beginning of the growing season in spring. An acid fertilizer, such as Miracid, that is time-released is best.

Blueberry and raspberry plants should be pruned early in the spring before the new growth begins. Remove smaller shoots and thin out bushy growth. Be sure to remove pruned material from plant beds.

Varieties

Blueberry and raspberry plants vary according to size, shape and performance. Below is a list of available plant varieties, which may be chosen according to garden needs and preferences.

Name	Description	Growing Conditions
Patriot Blueberry	Dense colorful foliage and tasty fruit.	Popular early variety. Endures temperatures of –40^oF.
Bluejay Blueberry	Large, light green foliage and sweet fruit.	Exceptionally vigorous mid-season variety.
Well’s Delight Blueberry	Glossy foliage with small white flowers. Fruit is not edible.	Distinctive, decorative groundcover that grows well in shady areas. Native to the southeastern U.S.
Tophat Blueberry	Unique compact highbush with small, tart berries good for baking.	Self-fertile variety grows well as a container or patio plant.
Boyne Raspberry	Upright canes of aromatic and sweet mid-size berries.	Hardy and productive summer bearer. Requires no cross-pollination.
Killarney Raspberry	Tall, ornamental plant with lush foliage. Clusters of sweet, honey red berries.	Cold tolerant, early bearing variety adds beauty to landscapes. Requires no cross-pollination.
Latham Raspberry	Classic red berries, with rich color and flavor.	The established late spring bearer for this climate. Extremely vigorous and productive plant.
Heritage Raspberry	Ever-bearing red variety with firm, flavorful fruit.	Ideal for smaller gardens, produces fruit from summer through fall. Requires no cross-pollination.
Goldie Raspberry	High-quality fruit turns from deep yellow to gold, when ripe.	Ever-bearing variety is extremely easy to grow.
Royalty Raspberry	Large, sweet purple fruit.	The most popular variety, known for its vigorous growth.
Formosa Carpet Raspberry	Spreading groundcover with sweet, amber colored fruit.	Excellent low-maintenance groundcover.

Pasquesi Home and Gardens is Chicagoland's premier resource for gardeners wanting to create a perfect atmosphere. We have a vast selection of plants, many of them rare and unusual. Our qualified, professional staff is ever-willing to share their knowledge with customers needing advice.

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