Varieties of garden blueberries for growing in the Moscow region and the middle zone

Varieties of garden blueberries for growing in the country

Coming from the forest with a bucket of blueberries, you want such berries to grow in your garden plot. And this is possible thanks to the work of breeders. All that remains is to read the description of the best varieties of garden blueberries with photos and names and choose the appropriate specimen.

What is the difference between garden blueberries and wild blueberries?

Forest blueberry is a shrub 10–50 cm high, and in the north, in the tundra zone, only a few centimeters. The plant is deciduous, has a creeping rhizome, producing a large number of shoots. The light green leaves are elongated oval in shape, 3 cm long.

Flowering occurs in May-June. The flowers are solitary, regular in shape, pale green in color. The corolla has five cloves. The berries, which appear in July-August, are black with a bluish tinge. The inside of the berry is purple, there are from 20 to 40 seeds inside. Reproduction occurs by vegetative and seed methods.

In Russia, selection of garden blueberry varieties is not carried out, so nurseries offer varieties from breeders in Canada and the USA. Tall varieties of blueberries are presented under the name of garden blueberries. In English, both berries are spelled the same: blueberry. But some varieties are hybrids involving wild blueberries.

Bushes of many varieties of garden blueberries (blueberries) grow up to 2–2.5 m in height. The crop can be considered a long-liver - the life span of the plant is about 50 years. The berries are large-fruited and productive; 7-9 kg can be harvested from one plant per season.The root system of garden blueberries is much more powerful than that of forest blueberries, and the above-ground part is more spreading and strong. The plant more successfully resists frost, attack by garden pests and disease.

Varieties of garden blueberries

Top Hat

The variety does not require pollination. The bright bronze foliage brightens the garden for weeks during the fall months. An attractive quality is its high resistance to diseases and persistent resistance to insects and pests.

• Plant height is 40-45 cm. The shape of the bush is spherical.
• This variety begins to bear fruit the next year after planting, if a 2-3 year old seedling is purchased.
• Productivity: 1.5-2 kg per plant. Ripening date: June
• The weight of berries, on average, reaches 4 g. Top Hut blooms in May-June with white-cream flowers. The berries have a pleasant taste and aroma.
• The soil is preferably acidic, with a pH of 4.5–5.5. Blueberry Top Hut develops well both in partial shade and in a illuminated place.
• Frost resistance corresponds to climate zone 6 (-23 ... -18 ° C).

North Blue

The variety is suitable for growing in containers. The berries have good shelf life and are not damaged during transportation. Stores in the refrigerator for about 3-4 weeks.

• The bush is short, 0.6-0.9 m high. The crown is dense, the stems are powerful.
• It begins to bear fruit in the 4th year.
• Productivity per plant: 1.5-2.5 kg.
• The average weight of the berries is 2.2-2.6 g, diameter - 13-17 mm.The berries are dark blue, dense, with an excellent blueberry flavor, collected in small clusters.
• For growth, Northblue prefers light acidic soil without stagnant water.
• Frost resistance: -38°C (climatic zone 3). North Blue can be grown in the Central Russian region, in the northern regions.

Chandler

Chandler's harvest stores well. Recommended for fresh consumption and processing. Thanks to the thick skin, ripe fruits do not crack.

• The height of the plant is 1.5-1.8 m. The shoots are powerful and straight.
• The plant begins to bear fruit in the 4th year.
• The yield from one bush is 6 kg.
• The diameter of the berries is 18-24 mm. The fruits are blue and covered with a waxy coating. The pulp is aromatic, sweet and sour taste.
• The culture loves light, nutritious soils.
• Frost resistance: -36°C (climatic zone 3). Suitable for growing in the middle zone, Moscow region and more northern regions.

Elizabeth

The variety is considered late ripening. Fruiting is extended over time, lasts several weeks, and begins in mid-August. Transportability is good, but the berries are not stored for a long time. Recommended for fresh consumption.

• The height of the bush is 1.6-1.8 m. The crown is slightly spreading.
• The plant begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year of life.
• The yield per plant is 4-7 kg.
• The fruits reach a diameter of 20-22 mm. The berries are light blue. The pulp is sweet and aromatic.
• The variety does not tolerate sandy soils and prefers peat soil.
• Frost resistance: -32°C (climatic zone 4).

Duke

The berries ripen in the first half of July, which indicates the early ripeness of the plant. The variety is characterized by a large number of shoots, so regular pruning is necessary. The harvest is stored for a long time and tolerates transportation well.

• The height of the bush is 1.3-1.8 m. The bush is erect and vigorous.
• It begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year after planting.
• Productivity of an adult plant: 6-8 kg.
• The average weight of the berries is 2.5 g, diameter - 17 -20 mm. The berries are light blue, with a waxy coating, and have a dense consistency. The taste is pleasant, richly sweet, with a slight sourness.
• Garden blueberries Duke prefers to grow in light areas with moderate humidity. Elevated areas are good.
• Frost resistance: -33°C (climatic zone 4). In winters with little snow, there is a high probability of shoots being damaged by frost. Duke is suitable for growing in the Central Russian region and the Moscow region.

Patriot

Fruiting is extended, lasting until September. Patriot blueberries tend to thicken the crown and require regular pruning. The berries are suitable for manual and mechanized picking.

• The height of the bush is 1.2 m - 1.8 m. The crown is spreading.
• It begins to bear fruit in the 4th-5th year.
• Productivity of an adult plant: 4-8 kg. Fruiting is regular.
• The average weight of berries is up to 2 g, diameter is 15-20 mm. The berries are light blue, with a waxy coating, slightly flattened, collected in elastic clusters.The pulp is juicy and aromatic. The taste is dessert.
• Patriot prefers sunny places, without drafts. Unpretentious to soils.
• Frost resistance: -38°C (climatic zone 3). It can be grown not only in the European part of Russia, but also in Siberia.

Bluray

In autumn, the bush is decorated with red leaves. The berries are stored for a long time and tolerate transportation well. They feel great in the Moscow region.

• The height of an adult bush is 1.5-2.1 m. The shoots are straight, the crown is wide.
• It begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting.
• Productivity of an adult plant: 5-8 kg.
• The shape of the berries is round, the diameter can reach up to 20 mm. The berries are collected in dense clusters. The fruits are light blue in color, the flesh is dense and aromatic. The taste is sweet with a memorable aftertaste.
• Blueray garden blueberries should be planted in a well-lit area.
• Frost resistance corresponds to climate zone 5 (-25°C).

River

To obtain increased yields, regular pruning is used. After picking, the berries are stored for 7-10 days and have good transportability. Blueberry Reka is resistant to return frosts and diseases.

• The height of the bush is 1.7-2 m.
• It begins to bear fruit at 3-4 years.
• Productivity of an adult plant: 4-5 kg.
• The average weight of berries is 1.5-1.8 g, diameter - 15-20 mm. The berries are blue, with a waxy coating, as in the photo, and a pleasant aroma. Taste with blueberry aftertaste.There are 8-10 berries in dense clusters. Ripe berries do not fall off.
• The variety is unpretentious to soils and growing conditions.
• Frost resistance: -34°C (climatic zone 4). Reka's winter hardiness is sufficient for growing in the central zone and the Moscow region.

Spartan

In the first two years it does not increase its growth much. Subsequently it gives a small number of shoots. The berries are prone to shedding when ripe, but are stored well and tolerate transportation well. Garden blueberries Spartan are early varieties - the fruits are ready for harvest at the end of July.

• The height of an adult bush is 1.5-2 m. The spreading crown looks impressive.
• The variety begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year after planting.
• Productivity: 6 kg.
• The diameter of the berries is about 20 mm. The fruits are light blue. The pulp is aromatic, sweet and sour taste.
• Spartan loves light, nutritious soils and does not grow well in waterlogged areas.
• Frost resistance: -30°C (climatic zone 4).

North Country

The compact bush is distinguished by its winter hardiness and decorative qualities. The harvested crop can be stored for more than a week in the refrigerator.

• The height of the bush is 0.7 m - 0.9 m. The shoots are strong, the crown is moderately spreading.
• The variety begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year after planting.
• Productivity of an adult plant: 1.6-2 kg.
• The average weight of the berries is 1.2 g, diameter - 11-15 mm. The berries are light blue in color, medium density, tasty and aromatic.
• The variety grows well in sunny areas with acidic soil.
• Frost resistance: -40°C (climatic zone 3). North Counry is grown in the Central Russian region, in the northern regions.

Bluecrop

It is characterized by high winter hardiness, short-term drought resistance, and rarely gets sick. Prone to overload with harvest. Refers to mid-season varieties. The berries begin to ripen in late July-early August. The fruits are stored for a long time and do not tolerate transportation well over long distances.

• Bush height: 1.6-2 m. Shoots are straight.
• Fruiting begins 3 years after planting.
• Productivity: 6-9 kg.
• The average weight of the berries is 1.8 g, diameter - 17-22 mm. The berries are blue in color and ripen gradually. The taste is tart-sweet.
• Bluecrop blueberries prefer podzolic areas with high soil acidity. Does not grow well in waterlogged soils.
• Frost resistance: -33°C (climatic zone 4). Middle zone, Moscow region.

Chanticleer

Flowering begins immediately after spring frosts. Chanticleer blooms with white bells. The clusters of berries are long and dense. The ripening period is early - early July. The berries ripen at the same time. Thanks to their dense consistency, the fruits tolerate transportation well and are stored for a long time.

• Plant height is up to 1.5 m. The crown is compact.
• It begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year after planting. The harvest is regular.
• Productivity of an adult plant: 5-6 kg.
• The average weight of berries is 3-5 g, diameter is 20 mm.The shape of the fruit is round, the flesh is dense, the color is light blue, with a bluish coating.
• The variety prefers a sunny area with acidic soil for favorable development.
• Frost resistance: -30°C (climatic zone 4).

Northland

Transportability is high. The fruits are stored for a long time (about 2-4 weeks in the refrigerator). An early ripening variety, the berries begin to ripen in mid-July. Flowers are not afraid of short-term frosts. It quickly grows shoots and requires frequent pruning. High resistance to diseases.

• The height of the bush is 1-1.2 m. The crown is spreading with powerful shoots.
• The bush begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting.
• Productivity: 4.5-8 kg.
• The weight of the berries is 2 g, diameter - 12-17 mm. The berries are blue, the flesh is dense, sweet.
• The variety develops well in sunny areas with soil acidity pH 4.5–5.
• Frost resistance: -40°C (climatic zone 3). Can be grown in the northern regions, in Siberia.

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