Lonicera caerulea 'Indigo Gem' - 'Indigo Gem' Haskap (Honeyberry)

Be among the first to harvest fruit with the 'Indigo Gem' Haskap, an exceptionally hardy and remarkably early variety! This compact and highly productive haskap bush offers an abundance of firm, blue-purple berries with a distinct and refreshing sweet-tart taste. 'Indigo Gem' is a must-have choice to enjoy delicious fruit very early in spring, transforming your garden into a gourmet oasis.

Harvest: Production & Flavours

The 'Indigo Gem' Haskap stands out for its ability to produce fruit very early in the season, even before strawberries. Its production is generous, ensuring a beautiful harvest of nutritious and flavourful berries.

• Harvest Period: Mid-June
• Visual Description: Medium-sized, elongated berries, deep blue-purple with a slight waxy bloom, firm and plump.
• Flavour Profile: A unique balance between sweetness and a refreshing hint of tartness, with notes reminiscent of blueberry or raspberry. Very aromatic and juicy.
• Culinary Uses: Ideal fresh, in smoothies, sorbets, jams, jellies, pies, or to garnish yogurts and cereals.

Planting Guide

To ensure the success of your 'Indigo Gem' haskap bush, follow these key steps:

1. Ideal Location: Plant your 'Indigo Gem' in full sun for maximum production. It also tolerates partial shade, but fruiting will be reduced. A well-ventilated site is always an asset.
2. Soil Preparation: This haskap bush prefers well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, and with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0). Generously amend with compost before planting.
3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill with your amended soil mix and gently tamp down. Space plants approximately 1.2 to 1.5 metres (4 to 5 feet) apart for good development.
4. Pollination:
   • Type: Requires cross-pollination. 'Indigo Gem' absolutely needs another haskap cultivar to produce fruit.
   • Suggested Partners: To maximize your harvest, plant another variety like 'Borealis', 'Tundra', 'Honeybee', or 'Aurora' nearby. 'Aurora' is an excellent pollinator for 'Indigo Gem'.

Care Guide

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year after planting and during fruit formation. Once established, it tolerates dry periods better.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer or one specific to small fruits in early spring. An annual application of compost around the base of the plants is also beneficial.
• Pruning: Haskaps do not require intensive pruning. In the first few years, light pruning is sufficient to establish structure. Afterward, thin out older, less productive branches and remove dead or damaged wood in late winter.
• Protection:
  • Against Birds: As haskaps are among the first fruits of spring, they are very attractive to birds. Installing bird netting is highly recommended as harvest approaches.
  • Winter Protection: Thanks to its extreme hardiness (Zone 2), 'Indigo Gem' requires no additional winter protection.