Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northblue' - 'Northblue' Dwarf Blueberry

Discover the 'Northblue' Blueberry, a champion of hardiness and flavour! This dwarf blueberry bush, perfectly suited for Canadian gardens, offers an abundant harvest of large, sweet-tart fruits. Ideal for small spaces, it will enhance your landscaping with its compact habit and vibrant fall foliage. Enjoy delicious berries and a spectacular display of colours every season!

Harvest: Production & Flavours

The 'Northblue' Blueberry is renowned for its generous production of large blueberries, ripening early to mid-season. Expect impressive yields for a plant of its size, perfect for direct consumption or your favourite recipes.

• Harvest Period: July
• Visual Description: Large, firm, and plump dark blue berries. Their remarkable size and inviting appearance make them a visual delight.
• Flavour Profile: A sweet and rich flavour, balanced by a refreshing hint of acidity. The flesh is juicy and dense, offering a burst of taste.
• Culinary Uses: Excellent fresh, in jams, pies, muffins, smoothies, or frozen to enjoy its flavour year-round.

Planting Guide

To guarantee a fruitful 'Northblue' harvest, follow these essential steps:

1. Ideal Location: Plant your 'Northblue' in full sun for optimal fruit production. A site protected from strong winds is also beneficial.
2. Soil Preparation: This blueberry bush requires very acidic soil (ideal pH between 4.5 and 5.5), rich in organic matter, and well-drained. Generously amend the soil with sphagnum peat, acidic 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 0.9 to 1.2 metres (3 to 4 feet) apart for optimal development.
4. Pollination:
   • Type: Self-fertile, but production is greatly improved with a pollinator.
   • Suggested Partners: To maximize your yield, plant another blueberry variety with a similar flowering period, such as 'Northland' or 'Chippewa'.

Care Guide

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during fruiting and dry spells. Deep and regular watering is crucial; never let the soil become waterlogged.
• Fertilization: In early spring, use a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, such as those for azaleas or rhododendrons. Follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood, and thin out older canes (over 5-6 years) to encourage new productive growth.
• Protection:
  • Against Birds: To protect your harvest, install bird netting as soon as the fruits begin to change colour.
  • Winter Protection: 'Northblue' is very hardy (Zone 3), so it generally doesn't require additional winter protection in Quebec. A good layer of mulch at the base of the plant can help stabilize soil temperature and retain moisture.