Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluecrop' - 'Bluecrop' Blueberry

Embrace the 'Bluecrop' Blueberry, the most popular variety celebrated for its reliability and generous yields! This vigorous plant provides an abundant harvest of large, firm blueberries with an unmatched sweet and mild flavour. Resilient and adaptable to various climates, 'Bluecrop' promises exceptional production and a stunning fall display in your garden.

Harvest: Production & Flavours

The 'Bluecrop' Blueberry is a production champion, offering high yields of premium quality fruit that ripens mid-season. Its consistent performance and delightful flavour make it a steadfast favourite for all culinary uses.

• Harvest Period: Late July - Early August
• Visual Description: Medium to large, firm, light blue berries covered with a natural waxy bloom. They have a slightly flattened shape.
• Flavour Profile: Sweet and mild, with a delicate aroma and juicy flesh. Their firmness makes them ideal for handling and storage.
• Culinary Uses: Excellent fresh, in pastries, jams, jellies, juices, smoothies, or perfect for freezing.

Planting Guide

To ensure a successful 'Bluecrop' blueberry harvest, follow these essential steps:

1. Ideal Location: Plant your 'Bluecrop' in full sun for maximum fruit production. A well-ventilated site protected from strong winds is preferable.
2. Soil Preparation: This blueberry bush thrives in acidic soil (ideal pH between 4.5 and 5.5), rich in organic matter, and with excellent drainage. Generously amend the soil with sphagnum peat, leaf compost, or a specialized potting mix for acid-loving plants.
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 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 7 feet) apart to allow for good development.
4. Pollination:
   • Type: Self-fertile, but its production is significantly improved by the presence of another blueberry cultivar.
   • Suggested Partners: To maximize your yield, plant varieties like 'Patriot', or 'Duke' nearby.

Care Guide

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during fruit formation and dry periods. Deep and regular watering is crucial, avoiding standing water.
• Fertilization: In early spring, apply a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, carefully following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove dead, diseased, or weak wood, and thin out older branches (over 6 years) to stimulate the growth of new productive shoots.
• Protection:
  • Against Birds: To protect your valuable berries from hungry birds, install bird netting as soon as the fruit begins to colour.
  • Winter Protection: Thanks to its good hardiness (Zone 4), 'Bluecrop' generally does not require specific additional winter protection in Quebec, except in very wind-exposed areas. A good layer of mulch at the base of the plant will help insulate the soil.