Garden owners appreciate blueberry in spring, during flowering, in summer - when navy blue fruits ripen, and in autumn, when the leaves change color from green to fiery shades of red and purple. When we add longevity and resistance to frost as well as he alth-promoting properties of the fruit to the benefits of blueberries, we have the perfect plant to grow in a home garden.
Highbush blueberry is a species of the heather family brought to Europe from North America. 'Bluecrop' is one of the most popular and best varieties, obtained in the USA in the early 1940s, commonly found and cultivated all over the world in the temperate climate zone.This variety creates shrubs with a loose habit, growing up to 1.5-2 m. Erect shoots branch and slightly bend to the sides, especially in summer, under the weight of the fruit.
The leaves of the highbush blueberry are green, shiny on the top. In autumn, they change color in shades of red, from orange to the color of noble wine. During this period, the blueberry plantations look exceptionally spectacular, although individual shrubs are also impressive.In spring, barrel-shaped cream flowers develop from generative buds, eagerly visited by pollinating insects.
'Bluecrop' is classified as medium-sized in terms of the date of fruiting. Berries, gathered in small and relatively loose clusters, begin to ripen at the beginning of August. The fruit is large, spherical, slightly flattened and firm with a blue skin covered with a gray waxy coating.
The flesh of the fruit is whitish, however. The fruit is very tasty.We collect them systematically, but only after a few days after they are completely colored, because only then they acquire their proper full flavor and aroma. The yield from one bush after 6-7 years of cultivation may reach 5-6 kg
What to do with dry, browned leaves?
When dry, brown leaves appear, it does not always mean a fungal disease. If the winter was very mild or it was almost nonexistent, then the remaining leaves from the previous year. If the plant appears green, vividly colored, we do not have to worry. It is enough to cut off the dry ones so that the new and firm ones can provide food. Throw it gently with the secateurs and make sure to do it with each bush.
If you are looking for ecological remedies for pests, diseases and plant slurries, we recommend:
Companionship for blueberries
Highbush blueberry 'Bluecrop' can be planted not only in specially prepared places. Shrubs will grow well in flowerbeds with other acidophilic plants, and especially on moors with large-flowered azaleas that have similar growing requirements. If we do not have a garden but a large sunny balcony, blueberry can be planted in a container.However, remember to protect the pot against frost for the winter.
Requirements and care
'Bluecrop' is a very fertile variety, resistant to frost, diseases and water shortage in soil, and easy to cultivate.Shrubs require an acidic reaction to the substrate (pH below 5.5) for proper growth and yielding.If the soil pH at the planting site is higher, it is best to dig the top layer of soil with a mixture of acid peat and composted pine bark.
The use of pine bark as a mulch and acid fertilizers (e.g. ammonium sulphate) helps to maintain a low pH of the substrate.Bushes should be planted in sunny places.They do not require pruning for the first 4 years. Later, the oldest shoots should be removed, leaving 6-8 of the strongest main shoots.
