Blueberry North Blue (North Blue)
Ripening period: medium early
Fruits: 2.0-2.5 gr., bright blue
Growing conditions: outdoors
Yield: 1.5-2.5 kg/plant
Selection: USA
| Shipping and pickup: | 2022 |
| Ripening period | Mid-early variety |
| fruit size | Large-fruited varieties |
| Productivity: | high |
| Selection | USA |
North Blue – intermediate hybrid of tall and narrow-leaved Canadian blueberries. Bred by breeders in the USA in the 70s of the twentieth century as a result of crossing seedlings US-3, G-65, Asworth. Due to increased frost resistance and abundant fruit collection, the variety quickly spread in Russian regions with a short summer.
Variety advantages:
- frost resistance;
- large tasty berries;
- abundant fruiting;
- decorative plant.
Variety Features
The plantis compact, not tall, 0.6-0.9 m. The crown is spreading, about 60 cm in circumference. The root system is fibrous, located close to the soil surface. Leaves 4-6 cm long, oval-pointed, glossy. The flowers are creamy, bell-shaped, bloom on lateral branches, 6-10 pieces per inflorescence.
Fruits Nord Blue round shape with a rib. Large – 15-18 mm in diameter, up to 2.5 gr. weight. Peel of ripe berries – durable, ultramarine color, with a wax coating. Pulp – dense, fragrant, sweet.
Purpose of the variety: North Blue blueberries are rich in vitamins, so they are often consumed fresh, fresh juices, smoothies, added to desserts, frozen. Blueberries are also good in winter harvesting – jams, preserves, compotes.
Due to dry collection, good keeping quality (10 days) and resistance to transportation, the variety can be grown for sale.
Yield and maturity. North Blue bears fruit abundantly, starting from the 2-3rd year of planting. 1.5-2.5 kg of berries are harvested from one bush per season. Blueberry yield increases almost 3 times when cross-pollinated with other blueberry varieties that bloom simultaneously with Nord Blue.
In terms of ripening, the culture belongs to varieties of medium-early extended fruiting. The berries ripen over 2 months, from late June to September.
Immuneto anthracnose, moniliosis, white spot, gray mold. The plant can be attacked by aphids, caterpillars, mites, and beetle larvae. Preventive spring treatment of bushes will help protect the plant from diseases and pests.
Growing conditions.
The Nord Blue variety winters at temperatures up to –35°C, is resistant to frost and short drought, loves light acidic or slightly acidic peat soils (pH 3.5–5.0), sunlight.
The plant is unpretentious in care. It is important to water the bushes on time, while avoiding stagnation of moisture in the near-stem zones, to protect from the attack of insect pests. With the threat of a harsh and little snowy winter, insulate the shoots with agrofibre and raise a layer of mulch around the bush.
Selection of seedlings
Before you buy North Blue 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.
Beware of fakes and contaminated planting material, buy blueberry seedlings «North Blue» in professional nurseries and specialized stores.