Vaccinium myrtillus ( Bilberry ) is a deciduous, fruiting plant that is native to the colder climates of northern Europe and Asia. Closely related to the Blueberry, Bilberries are packed with vitamins and minerals and are widely renowned for their medicinal properties. A compact plant that produces sweet berries during the summer and red foliage during the winter the Bilberry would make an attractive plant in any cold climate garden.
Suitable for Sub-Arctic, Cold and Temperate climates.
Also commonly known as the Whortleberry and often mistaken for Blueberries due to their taste, size, and shape.
Fresh bilberries are not often found in supermarkets or local stores outside of northern Europe as they are too fragile to transport. However, they have become very popular in herbal supplements and the plant sold as dry herbs. In Australia, many suppliers of Bilberry-related products are often sold out quickly as the plant’s popularity grows in the alternative medicine space.
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Growth
Vaccinium myrtillus is a flowering deciduous shrub that grows to a compact height of up to 1 metre (3 feet) by 75 centimetres (30 inches). They can be difficult to grow from seed and require patience and some gardening expertise. Mature bilberries require cold periods during winter to produce fruit and is not recommended for gardeners in Sub-Tropical or Tropical regions.
Bilberries are fruits with a smooth, circular outline at the end opposite the stalk, growing in singles or pairs rather than in clusters. They are dark in colour and often appear black with a slight shade of purple. When eating, high concentration of anthocyanin may cause staining of the fingers, lips, and tongue.
Plants are found growing in the wild in acidic, nutrient-poor soils in temperate and subarctic regions of the world.
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:
-25°C to 30°C / -14 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, 50/50 sand and soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 75 centimetres (30 inches)
pH:
4.5-5.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
2-4 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
50-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification – 3 months and then 2-8 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 2000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS ( Bilberry )
Bilberries have been used as traditional medicine since the Middle Ages for ailments such as inflammation, ant-bacterial, skin conditions, improving brain and liver functions and predominantly with eyesight. One study found optimistic results for treatment of glaucoma by preventing or slowing the death of retinal cells.
The name Bilberry is said to have originated from the Scandinavian region as early as 1577 being similar to the Danish word bolle. In Scotland and Northern England, it is more common to call them Whortleberry.
In Ireland, the fruit is known as fraughan, from the Irish fraochan and is traditionally gathered on the last Sunday of July (summer) called Fraughan Sunday. Bilberries are also harvested during August for the first traditional harvest festival of the year.
