‘Northland’ blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) – hardy soft fruit – 9 cm pot – Height: 35 cm

The Northern Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland' is partially self-fertile, meaning a single plant can produce fruit. However, cross-pollination with another blueberry cultivar significantly improves the quantity and quality of the berries produced. It is therefore highly recommended to plant at least two different varieties close to each other to maximize the harvest. In our lots of 3 or 6 plants, the plants cross-pollinate each other and promote a more abundant production from the very first seasons.

The harvest of Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland' blueberries generally takes place between July and August, depending on your region's weather conditions. The berries are ripe when they have a uniform blue-black color and detach easily from the cluster with a simple touch. It is advisable to wait a few extra days after they have completely changed color, as blueberries continue to develop their sweetness on the bush. It is best to pick them early in the morning, in cool weather, and store the berries in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them immediately to enjoy them all year round.

Yes, the Northland 'blueberry' s'adapts very well to container growing and is perfectly suited to a sunny balcony or terrace. Choose a container d'at least 30 to 40 cm in diameter, filled w'ith a special ericaceous plant potting mix or d'ith a mix of blonde peat and sand. Watering w'ith r'ainwater or demineralized water is essential in a container to prevent any lime buildup, which severely affects th'shrub. Repot every 2 to 3 years into a slightly larger container to maintain vigorous growth and good fruiting.

The Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland' is a calcifuge plant that strictly requires acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Neutral or alkaline soil is unsuitable and causes the leaves to yellow (chlorosis) and the shrub to decline rapidly. Prepare the planting area by generously incorporating heather soil, oak or pine leaf compost, and, if necessary, elemental sulfur to further acidify the soil.

The 'Northland' Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a compact, spreading cultivar that generally reaches a height of 80 cm to 1.20 m and a similar spread at maturity. Its growth is considered moderate, meaning it reaches its final size in 4 to 6 years depending on soil and growing conditions. This compactness makes it one of the cultivars best suited for container growing and small gardens. When planted in the ground in well-prepared acidic soil and full sun, growth accelerates significantly and fruiting becomes more generous each year as the shrub matures.

The 'Northland' Blueberry can be planted practically all 'year, with the 'exception of periods of frost and extreme heat. The best planting windows remain 'autumn (October to November) to allow for gentle root establishment before 'winter, and spring (March to April) when temperatures rise without risk of severe late frost. The plants delivered in 9 cm pots from Plant and Stories can be planted out upon receipt, provided they are 'watered regularly during the first few weeks.

The 'Northland' Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is generally robust and resistant to common diseases when grown in suitable acidic soil and with adequate exposure. The main threat remains iron chlorosis caused by an excessively high pH, which is not a disease in itself but a deficiency linked to unsuitable soil. Birds are the main nuisance when the berries ripen; placing a protective net over the bush during the harvest period is enough to protect your crop.