{"product_id":"lonicera-caerulea-borealis-camerisier","title":"'Borealis' Haskap - Lonicera caerulea 'Borealis'","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the 'Borealis' Haskap, an exceptional variety developed by the University of Saskatchewan, renowned for producing some of the largest and plumpest berries on the market! This ultra-hardy fruiting shrub will delight you with its high productivity and delicious berries that offer a unique flavour profile, combining the sweetness of a blueberry with the tang of a raspberry. Ideal for small gardens and northern climates, 'Borealis' brings a healthy, delicious, and unique touch to your edible landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Harvest: Yield and Flavour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 'Borealis' Haskap stands out for its very early harvest, often considered the first fruity gift of spring. Its large fruits tuck neatly beneath dense foliage, which effectively protects them from the elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eHarvest period:\u003c\/b\u003e Late June - Early July\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eVisual description:\u003c\/b\u003e Large, plump, boxy to box-cylindrical berries boasting a powdery-blue to deep violet hue covered in a natural waxy bloom. The skin is remarkably tender, and the juicy flesh retains a pleasant firmness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eFlavor profile:\u003c\/b\u003e Sweet, rich, and tangy. It unveils a perfect sugar-to-acid balance, reminiscent of a complex blend of wild blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eCulinary uses:\u003c\/b\u003e Excellent for fresh eating straight from the bush, it works wonders in smoothies, pies, and homemade jams, or frozen to brighten up your winter breakfasts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo successfully establish your 'Borealis' Haskap and stimulate vigorous growth right from the first year, follow these key steps:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe ideal location:\u003c\/b\u003e Plant your 'Borealis' in full sun to maximize fruit production and sugar content, though it tolerates very light afternoon shade. Unlike grapevines, this compact shrub requires no structural support, naturally adopting a rounded, upright habit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil preparation:\u003c\/b\u003e This haskap prefers a rich, loose, well-drained soil that stays consistently cool and moist. It adapts to a wide pH range (5.5 to 7.5), making it much easier to grow than traditional blueberries. Mix a generous amount of mature compost into your soil before planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlanting out:\u003c\/b\u003e Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits slightly below the surrounding ground level (about 2 to 3 cm) to encourage new stems to shoot up from the base. Fill the hole, tamp gently, and water thoroughly. Space your plants 1.2 to 1.5 metres apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003ePollination:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eType:\u003c\/b\u003e Self-sterile. The 'Borealis' Haskap requires the presence of a different, compatible haskap variety blooming at the exact same time to ensure cross-pollination and fruit set.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eSuggested partners:\u003c\/b\u003e 'Tundra', 'Berry Blue', or 'Aurora'.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare and Maintenance Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eWatering:\u003c\/b\u003e Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged during the first two years of establishment. Regular watering during flowering and fruit development significantly improves berry size and juiciness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eFertilization:\u003c\/b\u003e Top-dress with a layer of mature compost around the base of the shrub every spring. A light application of balanced or natural fruit tree fertilizer at the very start of spring effectively boosts healthy growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003ePruning:\u003c\/b\u003e This shrub requires very little maintenance. For the first 3 to 4 years, no pruning is necessary. Afterward, perform a rejuvenation pruning in late winter by removing the oldest, damaged, or inward-crossing branches to let light penetrate the center.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eProtection:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eAgainst birds:\u003c\/b\u003e Birds absolutely love haskap berries; installing bird netting is essential as soon as the fruit starts turning blue to save your harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinter care:\u003c\/b\u003e Gifted with phenomenal cold hardiness (Zone 2), the 'Borealis' Haskap withstands the harshest Canadian winters. Its blossoms can even tolerate spring frosts down to -7°C without damage. No winter protection is required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Jardineries Botanix","offers":[{"title":"2 gal","offer_id":58046191698223,"sku":null,"price":19.5,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0781\/4050\/6415\/files\/LoniceraCaeruleaBerryBlueshutterstock_1053740765.jpg?v=1780519363","url":"https:\/\/botanix.com\/en\/products\/lonicera-caerulea-borealis-haskap","provider":"Jardineries Botanix","version":"1.0","type":"link"}