Vaccinium corymbosum ( Blueberry Northern Highbush) is a deciduous, fruiting plant that is native to the colder areas of Canada & the United States. This species of Blueberry has become very significant as a world food crop and has become naturalised as far as New Zealand, Japan & Europe. This is very often the species you will find at the supermarket.
Blueberries are well known as a superfood. They are packed with nutritious goodness like Vitamins C & K and are a great source of antioxidants, dietary fibre, iron & manganese.
The Northern Highbush Blueberry is often found growing on the shores of rivers or lakes, in forests & woodlands, bogs and even swamplands which is where we can assume it got one of its other less common names the Swamp Blueberry. Other common names that have been given to the Blueberry include High Blueberry, Blue Huckleberry & Tall Huckleberry. The ‘Highbush’ part of the name comes from the quite tall height they can grow to in comparison to the ‘Lowbush‘ variety that often doesn’t get as tall as ½ metre (2 feet).
Suitable for Sub-Arctic, Cold and Temperate climates.
For other Vaccinium species, check out Blueberry Wild Lowbush & Cranberry.
Growth
Vaccinium corymbosum is a deciduous woody shrub that can grow up to 3.6 metres / 12 feet in height and width. This bush has several stems that grow from its base and dark green leaves that grow to around 5 cm/2 inches long. In autumn, these leaves turn into some stunning shades of red, orange, and burgundy.
The flowers of this species look like gorgeous little bells hanging from the branches, they are white, often with a slightly creamy-pinkish tinge. The fruit can range in size anywhere from 6.4-12.7mm (1⁄4-to-1⁄2-inch) in diameter.
Although this plant can self-pollinate, it is preferable to have at least 2 plants to achieve bountiful crops in the future. The roots are fairly shallow and prefer acidic soils, they will appreciate mulching around their base.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Ericaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Arctic, Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-40°C to -40°C / 35 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, sandy loam that is high in organic matter. Blueberries don’t do well in clay soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 3.6 metres (12 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3.6 metres (12 feet)
pH:
4.0-5.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Bisexual, Deciduous bush.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees & other insects. Although self-pollinating, more than 1 plant is preferred.
MATURITY:
2-4 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
60-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification – 3 months and then 6-12 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 300
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT VACCINIUM CORYMBOSUM ( Blueberry Northern Highbush )
Blueberries were first introduced to Australia in the 1950s.
Blueberries are well known to have many health benefits. What is a little less known is that the berries are not the only part of this plant that is used medicinally, the leaves are also used in teas. Just to name a few of the benefits of blueberry plants, they are said to be helpful with some brain disorders, at lowering cholesterol, and also boosting the immune system.
