Vaccinium corymbosum 'Patriot' - 'Patriot' Blueberry

Embrace the 'Patriot' Blueberry, a star variety renowned for its exceptional robustness and generosity! This very hardy blueberry bush produces an abundance of very large berries that are firm, juicy, and have a pronounced sweet-tart taste. Easy to grow and tolerant of a wider variety of soils, 'Patriot' is a must-have choice for early and reliable harvests, enhancing your garden with its delicious fruits and vibrant fall foliage.

Harvest: Production & Flavours

The 'Patriot' Blueberry is a highly productive cultivar, offering high yields of premium quality fruit from early to mid-season. Its berries are perfect for various uses and store well.

• Harvest Period: Early to mid-July
• Visual Description: Very large, round berries, an attractive dark blue with a slight waxy bloom. The flesh is firm and plump.
• Flavour Profile: Sweet, with a refreshing hint of tartness that perfectly balances the taste. Very juicy and aromatic.
• Culinary Uses: Excellent fresh, in pastries, jams, jellies, juices, coulis, or frozen for year-round use.

Planting Guide

To ensure the success of your 'Patriot' blueberry bush, follow these key steps:

1. Ideal Location: Plant your 'Patriot' in full sun to maximize fruit production. A well-ventilated site is also important for plant health.
2. Soil Preparation: This blueberry bush prefers acidic soil (ideal pH between 4.5 and 5.5), rich in organic matter, and well-drained. However, it tolerates a wider range of soils, including those that are slightly heavier or wetter than other blueberry varieties. Amend with sphagnum peat or acidic compost.
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: Self-fertile; 'Patriot' will produce fruit on its own. However, its production is significantly improved by the presence of another blueberry cultivar nearby.
   • Suggested Partners: To maximize your yield, plant varieties like 'Bluecrop', 'Northland', or 'Bluegold' 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 to maintain vigour and promote the growth of new fruiting shoots.
• Protection:
  • Against Birds: Blueberries are highly appealing to birds; bird netting is strongly recommended as berries begin to colour.
  • Winter Protection: Thanks to its excellent hardiness (Zone 3), 'Patriot' generally does not require additional winter protection. A good layer of mulch at the base of the plant will help insulate the soil.