'Bluecrop' Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) – Hardy soft fruit – 15 cm pot – 50 cm tall – Pack of 2

The Bluecrop Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is self-fertile, but its fruit set is significantly improved by cross-pollination with a second plant. The presence of two plants of the same species, or even different cultivars, allows bees and bumblebees to carry pollen from one flower to another. This is precisely why this offer includes a set of two plants: you thus double your chances of an abundant harvest and larger fruit from the very first fruiting season. Plant the two plants at least 1 meter apart to facilitate the movement of pollinators.

The Bluecrop blueberry is a calcifuge plant that strictly requires acidic soil, with a pH between 4 and 5.5. In neutral or alkaline soil, the plant suffers from iron chlorosis: the leaves turn yellow and growth stagnates. When planted in the ground, generously incorporate heather soil and pine bark compost to naturally lower the pH. In a pot, opt for a special blueberry or ericaceous substrate, free from lime. Avoid using very hard tap water for watering: prefer rainwater, which is much better suited to the needs of Vaccinium corymbosum.

Pruning of the Bluecrop blueberry s'should ideally be done in late w'inter, between January and March, while the plant is still dormant and before the a'ppearance of flower buds. During the first two years, minimal pruning is sufficient: remove only broken or diseased branches to allow the plant to develop its structure. From the third year onwards, gradually remove old branches over 4 years old, which are too woody and less productive, while encouraging the growth of young shoots from the base.

Yes, the Bluecrop blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is very well suited to container growing on a sunny balcony or terrace. Choose a container of at least 40 to 50 litres for an adult plant, with good drainage at the bottom. Use exclusively an acidic substrate specially designed for ericaceous plants or blueberries, and water regularly with rainwater or low-calcium water. In a pot, monitoring moisture is more critical than in the ground: the substrate must remain moist but never waterlogged. Place the pot in full sun or light partial shade for optimal fruiting.

The Bluecrop blueberry is a so-called mid-season cultivar: its fruit begins to ripen in July and the harvest s'usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks, until'mid-August depending on weather conditions. Flowering takes place in spring, in April-May, with delicate white slightly pink bell-shaped flowers. The blueberries are picked when'they take on a uniform blue-purple color and detach easily from the cluster. To keep them, place them in the refrigerator without washing them and consume them within a week of picking.

Yes, the Bluecrop blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a perfectly hardy shrub, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -20°C, making it suitable for almost all regions of France, including mountainous areas. It retains this hardiness whether planted in the ground or in a pot, provided the base is lightly mulched during extreme cold to protect the shallow roots.

Bluecrop blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are known for their exceptional antioxidant content, particularly anthocyanins, which give the fruit its characteristic blue-purple color. These natural pigments help neutralize free radicals and are associated with numerous cardiovascular and cognitive health benefits. Bluecrop blueberries are also a source of vitamins C and K, manganese, and dietary fiber. Their natural sugar content gives them a low glycemic index, making them a popular choice in balanced diets.