Blueberry Chandler (Chandler)

The Chandler blueberry was introduced by Canadian breeders in 1994, adapted to the cold climate of the northern part of the American mainland.

Variety advantages:

• high yield;
• large tasty berries;
• frost resistance up to -25°С;
• stable fruiting;
• decorative qualities.

Variety Features

Plant perennial, deciduous, 1.5-1.7 m high, – about 1.5 m in diameter. The bush is tall, spreading, branched. The root system is fibrous, underdeveloped, close to the surface. Perennial shoots are stiff, gray-brown in color, young – light green.

The foliage is dense, obovate with a sharp tip. The leaf plate is smooth, rigid, 3.5-4 cm long. It changes its color during the season from green to bright burgundy. The flowers are plentiful, white, beautiful pitcher-shaped. The fruits are formed in clusters of 8-12 pieces.

Chandler bushes are a decorative addition to any garden.

Fruitsround-flattened, large, weighing 2-2.5 grams, up to 3 mm in diameter. The skin of ripe blueberries is smooth, dark blue with a bluish bloom. Pulp – juicy, light purple with small brown seeds. Taste – sweet and sour with a delicate aroma.

Chandler's berries are very delicate, prone to mechanical damage, and do not tolerate transportation well. The separation of the fruit is wet, so the blueberries are harvested by hand. The variety is more suitable for private than for industrial cultivation.

Purpose of the variety: fresh consumption, preparation of desserts, freezing, processing into jams, preserves, wine.

Yields and maturation dates. Chandler's first four seasons are gaining productivity. The variety gives a full-fledged harvest only in the fifth year of growth. During this period and beyond, 5-7 kg of berries are harvested from one bush.

In terms of ripening, blueberries belong to late varieties. Bushes bloom in June, when in most regions the time for return frosts has already passed. This increases the yield of the variety, especially in northern latitudes. The fruits ripen unevenly, the collection begins in August and moves to September.

Immunity. The plant is often affected by Phomopsis fungus. The variety is attractive for Khrushchev and leafworm. Spring prophylactic treatment with biological products and proper care of the bush will help minimize the risks of blueberry infection.

Growing conditions. Due to its increased frost resistance (up to – 25 ° C), the Chandler variety is popular with gardeners in regions with unstable weather, sharply continental, continental and temperate climates (Siberia, the Urals, central Russia, the Moscow region). In the case of little snow and severe winters, the soil in the near-stem zone is mulched with a layer of straw to protect the roots from freezing. Seedlings of the first year of growth are covered with agrofiber.

For blueberries, you need a light acidic or slightly acidic soil (pH 3.5 & ndash; 5.0) with the addition of sand, peat, needles. Planting Chandler close to other blueberry varieties will increase its yield several times due to cross-pollination.

Selection of seedlings

Before you buy Chandler blueberry seedlings, pay attention to the quality of the planting material.

• The age of suitable seedlings is 2-3 years,
• The root system – developed, moist, without breaks. Preferably closed type (with a clod of earth).
• Shoots "live" without dryness, damage and signs of disease.