'Peach Sorbet®' Blueberry – Vaccinium corymbosum

'Peach Sorbet®' is a true feast for the eyes, all year long! A member of the prestigious Bushel and Berry® collection, this dwarf, compact shrub changes colour with the seasons, shifting from peach and pink hues in the spring to an emerald green in summer, and finishing with a rich eggplant purple in winter. It's the perfect choice to add a touch of lasting colour to your patio, balcony, or small garden.

The Harvest: Production and Flavour

The mid-season harvest, right in the heart of summer, is generous for a plant of this size. After its delicate, bell-shaped white flowers in the spring, the shrub becomes covered with an abundance of fruit ready to be enjoyed.

• Harvest Period: July
• Visual Description: The blueberries are medium-sized, with a classic, plump, and appetizing blue colour.
• Flavour Profile: Its flavour is its second surprise! The berries are very sweet, with distinct and pleasant notes of tropical fruit that set it apart from traditional blueberries. The flesh is firm and juicy.
• Culinary Uses: Perfect for snacking on fresh right from the patio to fully enjoy its unique tropical flavour. It is also excellent in fruit salads, yogurts, or simply as a topping for desserts.

Planting Guide

To ensure a successful planting, follow these key steps:

1. The Ideal Location: Choose a site that receives full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours a day. This is essential for colourful foliage and good fruit production.
2. Soil Preparation: For container growing, directly use a high-quality potting mix for acid-loving plants. In the ground, create an "amendment pocket" by mixing your garden soil in equal parts (50/50) with this same type of potting mix.
3. Planting: In a pot or in the ground, ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil. Fill, tamp down lightly, and water generously.
4. Pollination:
   • Type: Self-fertile, but production is improved with another cultivar.
   • Suggested Partners: For an even more generous harvest, pair it with another compact blueberry variety from the Bushel and Berry® collection.

Care Guide

• Watering: Maintain consistently moist soil, especially for plants in pots which dry out faster. Regular watering is key.
• Fertilizing: In the early spring, apply a fertilizer for small fruits or for acid-loving plants according to the package directions.
• Protection:
  • From Birds: Netting may be necessary if you notice birds are eyeing your berries.
  • Winter: Although hardy in Zone 5, protection is crucial in Zone 4. If your plant is in a pot, move it to a cold but sheltered location (garage, shed). If it's in the ground, a thick layer of mulch at its base and a protective wrap will help its evergreen leaves from drying out during the winter.