February 14, 2008 at 9:20 a.m.
It's time to order blueberry plants
It's time to order blueberry plants
Last spring I received a call from someone who wanted to plant blueberry plants that he had just purchased. Since it was early April and the ground was still cold, I convinced him otherwise. I asked him the variety and he said he was going out to the garage to find out. I don't remember what variety they were, but they were not for our area. He had spring fever and when he visited a new store at the grand opening, he bought three blueberry plants because they were there. I asked if he had tested the soil because blueberries need an acid soil, he had not.
I could tell many similar stories; in fact I have done it myself, where I bought plants because they were there, without knowing anything about them.
Last fall I wrote an article about having your garden soil tested if you were planning to raise berries -- especially blueberries. This is because they need a soil that is acid with a pH of 4.0 to 5.0.
Blueberries are in the Heath family, which includes azaleas, rhododendrons and cranberries. They are tolerant of acid soil and have low fertility requirements. The planting directions may be different for you because your soil may be friendlier for raising blueberries. Sandy soils tend to have a lower pH than the heavy soil I have.
I had to dig holes about 18 inches deep and about six feet apart. This is because the plants will turn into bushes about three feet high. I mixed the soil with acid peat (moss) in about a 1 to 1 ratio. You can also mix about 1/2 cup elemental sulfur in the peat soil before planting. Using elemental sulfur helps lower the pH. Be sure not to use aluminum sulfate, as the aluminum can build up over time and be toxic to the root and eventually kill the plant.
The sure thing in ordering from us is that all of our plants are for our area. The varieties we sell are Chippewa, Northland, Northblue, and this year we have added Patriot.
Chippewa is a mid-season plant that is compact, upright, and grows about four feet high. The fruit is medium large, very light blue, firm and very sweet. Chippewa is recommended in all areas where a super cold hardy variety is desired.
Northblue is a mid-season variety. It's a semi-dwarf bush growing to a height of three to four feet. The fruit is large, dark blue, with a wild blueberry flavor. Northblue is quite productive for its size, producing between three and seven pounds per bush.
Northland is an early variety that is vigorous, spreading, with medium blueberries, medium size and very sweet.
Patriot has very large berries. It is about 4 feet tall and wide. Although some list it as a zone 3 variety, many classify it for zone 4.
It is a good idea to plant more than one variety of blueberries and to alternate them in the same row. This is because some varieties will have better production if they are able to cross-pollinate.
Another advantage in ordering through us is that we have classes on the plants we sell. Also, if you have any problems or questions on the plants we sell, you can call me or any other master gardener and we will answer your questions.
Our next class on blueberries and raspberries will be held at the North Branch Senior Center Saturday, March 29. Blueberry plants are our most popular bare roots plants and we always sell out.
It's a busy time of year for our classes. Tuesday, February 26, at 6:30 p.m., Jim Birkholz, from Pleasant Valley Orchard, gives a free class on pruning apple trees.
Also, the 10th annual Bonanza, 'Town and Country Expo' will be held Saturday, March 8, at the Abundant Life Church in North Branch.
Call the Extension office at 651-213-5430, to have a brochure mailed to you, or find the information on our website at www.exten sion.umn.edu/county/chisago/mg.
SUBMITTED BY, JERRY VITALIS
Chisago County Master Gardener
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