Bluecrop blueberries: description of the variety and cultivation characteristics

An exotic plant with a large number of sweet berries has become a frequent visitor to household plots over the past few decades. Bluecrop blueberries do not have very large fruits, but they are the most reliable of all representatives of the species. The plant takes root in any soil, is not afraid of frost, has strong immunity and is resistant to diseases, and always produces a bountiful harvest. Blueberries of this variety are used for growing on an industrial scale; they can also be found in household plots.

Historical summary

Bluecrop's homeland is the USA. Since 1908, wild blueberry bushes began to be observed for the purposes of study and cultivation. In 1910, Frederick Coville and Elizabeth White began the first plantings of the plant. The very next year, research was in full swing. Scientists have bred 15 hybrids with different characteristics. In 1916, the tall Bluecrop variety was born.

For the base, materials of two types were taken: GM-37 (Jersey x Pioneer) and CU-5 (Stanley x June). The seeds were studied and tested for a long time. In 1952, seedlings began to spread throughout the United States. Gardeners appreciated their qualities and began to cultivate plants on a production scale. Bluecrop appeared in the USSR in the 60s of the 20th century. It did not immediately become widespread; we can say that this fact went unnoticed. At the beginning of the 21st century, the plant was included in the State Register and began to be actively used for the production of various jams, preserves, and drinks.

In Russia, the variety is cultivated in all regions with a temperate climate, including:

• Moscow region.
• Leningrad region.
• Trans-Urals.
• Western Siberia.
• Far East.

Variety of varieties

Further, I will provide data not that stated by the manufacturers, but obtained from the results of tests in Russia, so they may differ from the catalog characteristics.

The most frost-resistant, up to -40 ° C, semi-high-growing varieties of blueberries: “North Blue” , “North Country” and ” , these are hybrids with the participation of blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium). “North Blue” and “North Land” are just over a meter tall, and “North Country” is generally a half-meter baby. But the baby’s berries are tastier and have an excellent aroma.

Low-growing bushes that are well covered with snow and that can be grown in container culture are found in the Canadian variety “Top Hat” .

Early-fruiting varieties include Bluecrop , Night , Hannah's Choice, and Reka ; they can begin to bear fruit in the 2nd year of planting.

Early varieties: Hannah 's Choice, Duke , Weymouth , Bluegold .

Mid-early (a week later): “North Blue ”, “ North Country”, “ North Land”, “Bluecrop ” , “Toro” , “ Eureka” " (Eureka), "Twilight" , Dark Night", " Huron " "Chippewa" , "Top Hat ", " Patriot" , Poppins , Bluegold , Bonus , Spartan , Reka .

Medium blueberry varieties (one more week): “Darrow” , “Kaz Pliszka” , “Pink Popcorn” , “Elizabeth ”.

Mid-late and late: Denise Blue , Chandler , Caroline Blue .

The largest berries, up to 3-3.5 cm, can be boasted by “Bonus” , “Huron” , “Dark Knight” , “Duke” , “Popins” , “Twilight” , “Toro” , “Hannah Choice” , “Eureka” "

The following varieties were noted for their outstanding taste: “Denis Blue” , “Chandler” , “Hannah Choice” , “Toro” , “Elizabeth”, “Weymouth” , “Carolyn Blue” . Pink Popcorn variety has pink berries with a caramel flavor.

The most productive, as a rule, are the late varieties: “Chandler” and “Carolyn Blue” . “Toro” , “Huron” , “Dark Knight” , “Patriot” are not far behind them .

My exhausted blueberry. © Tatyana Nikolina

Description

Tall blueberries are planted in garden plots not only for harvest, but also for design purposes. Bluecrop makes a wonderful hedge that will change foliage color with the seasons. An additional bonus will be a large harvest of berries.

Bluecrop blueberries are distinguished by large sweet and sour fruits

Before planting bushes in your garden, you need to know whether it will be comfortable in the proposed conditions. The plant can reach one and a half to two meters in height. The width of its crown is 1.7-2 meters. This powerful plant requires a large living space. The plant has small fibrous roots located at a depth of about 40 cm. The shoots stand straight and bend only under the load of berry clusters. The leaves have an elongated shape, a jagged edge and a bright green color.

The plant blooms with white bells. They are collected in small clusters. The roots go deep 30-40 centimeters. They have a fibrous structure without processes. This must be taken into account when loosening and watering. In order not to lose the plant, you should not expose its root system. This type of blueberry thrives in acidic peat soils, which are found in colder regions.

Bluecrop was specially bred for northern regions, so planting it in the south is not recommended. It will not take root there and will not begin to bear fruit abundantly.

Bluecrop fruits have a diameter of 2 centimeters. They are distinguished by a rich blue color. The weight of each fruit is 2.5-3 grams. They taste sweet and sour with a slightly tart aftertaste. The berries begin to ripen 20-25 days after the fruits form on a dense bunch.

Why grow blueberries in the garden?

This question is “why?” — gardeners very often don’t need it at all. First it comes - “I want”, and then an excuse will be found, and so will the application. The plant is unusual for most city dwellers who do not usually regularly visit remote and swampy places, that is, this is already a reason to plant it.

Growing tall blueberries is easy to justify: they are productive and have tasty berries. Vitamins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, elagic and folic acids - everything is in the berries, so they are definitely useful.

The berries are juicy, sweet or sweet and sour, with a blueberry flavor and small seeds, they are pleasant to eat fresh and can be processed in any way you like: freeze, dry, make jam, compotes, make juices, wine, fruit drinks, liqueurs. In all variants it will be tasty and beautiful - the color of blueberry preparations is rich, rich, in noble burgundy tones.

If desired and necessary, you can be treated with an infusion of leaves - mainly intestinal diseases are treated.

And she's also beautiful. A green spreading bush with white bell-shaped flowers, characteristic of heathers, a delicate delicate aroma that attracts bees (melliferous plant). The clusters of flowers turn into clusters of berries, first white, then soft lilac and finally blue, of varying saturation. Sometimes with a bluish coating, sometimes without it. At the same time, in some varieties the berries change color gradually from the side of the calyx, and the plants look downright “impressionistic.” There are already varieties with pink berries. In autumn, blueberries glow with crimson foliage. Extraordinarily good!

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). © Sherwin & Ruth

Characteristics

The peculiarity of the Bluecrop hybrid is that it is not afraid of frost and adapts perfectly after planting. At home, it is often used on an industrial scale. You can also highlight a number of significant advantages of the variety:

• the plant easily tolerates frosts down to -32 degrees;
• it shows excellent resistance to drought;
• Bluecrop has strong immunity and is not afraid of most types of diseases;
• regardless of weather changes, it produces a bountiful harvest;
• the berries can be preserved for a long time;
• The variety is transportable and retains its presentation.

Tall blueberries are easy to care for. It does not need to be closed for the winter, as the bushes have high frost resistance. The main maintenance requirement is timely watering. To prevent moisture from evaporating quickly, weeding, loosening and mulching are required. If you trim the shoots in time, the bushes will delight you with their splendor and beauty.

If we compare Bluecrop with other varieties, it can be noted that it produces more yield, while remaining resistant to most diseases.

Reviews from gardeners about Bluecrop blueberries

Ksenia, 34 years old, Smolensk I have been growing blueberries of the Bluecrop variety for about 10 years. At first I was pleased with their decorative properties. Now it bears fruit. And it bears fruit well. The berries are both sweet and tart. I freeze them or add them to compotes. Frozen ones are great for decorating baked goods. Surprisingly, they don't turn to mush after defrosting.

Mikhail, 52 years old, Pskov Blueberry Bluecrop is an ideal variety for our lands and unstable climate. I grow it for sale. They are taken mainly by processing enterprises. They take it with pleasure. So they like blueberries.

Advantages and disadvantages

Why did Bluecrop blueberries receive such high ratings from gardeners? It has both advantages and disadvantages.

Blueberry benefits:

• consistently high productivity;
• high frost resistance;
• excellent berry taste;
• resistance to most diseases;
• unpretentiousness to growing conditions;
• presentation of berries;
• high transportability.

Each variety has its own disadvantages. These include a long ripening period. The shoots are very branched and require constant care. There are so many berries growing that the plant becomes overloaded. Nevertheless, the variety is considered the standard and can often be found in garden plots.

Blueberry propagation

Many gardeners prefer to purchase seedlings from trusted places where they can get advice on care and cultivation. You can also start growing shrubs yourself, using your own material. There are three effective ways to propagate blueberries:

• Seeds.
• By layering.
• By cuttings.

Seeds

Amateur gardeners do not practice this method because it is quite complicated and time-consuming. First, the seeds are soaked and then placed in a substrate. After the leaves appear, they are transplanted into individual containers. A healthy, strong seedling will produce its first harvest in 4-5 years. The main disadvantage of this method is that the plant does not inherit varietal characteristics.

By layering

This method is considered the simplest and is optimal for amateurs, especially beginners. To implement it, you need to bend the branches of the bush to the ground and fill it with prepared soil mixture. Sprouted cuttings are separated from the mother plant the following year.

Cuttings

Cuttings are a common method that is used most often by gardeners. Cuttings are harvested in the fall. They are put in a cool place and stored wrapped until spring. In April, they are taken out, cut into lengths of about 25 cm, placed in a substrate and covered with film until August.

Planting blueberries

Planting and caring for Bluecrop blueberries is not difficult, since the plant is unpretentious. In order for it to develop well, it is necessary to provide proper care. Initially, you need to choose the right place, healthy seedlings, and high-quality substrate. It is recommended to plant bluecrop in the spring so that it has time to take root and get stronger. In the southern regions, this can be done in the fall, provided that early frosts are not expected.

Planting a blueberry seedling will not cause any difficulties even for a beginner.

If all planting conditions are met, the plant will grow strong and will delight you with stable yields.

• You need to choose a place that is warm, sunny and open. It is necessary to ensure that tall trees do not grow in the immediate vicinity. Groundwater should come no closer than a meter. Pollinators must be planted next to Bluecrop. The plant can cope on its own, as it is a good honey plant. But pollinators with the same flowering period will help increase the yield.
• We need to take care of the composition of the soil. It should include peat, black soil, sand, sawdust. Blueberries love soil with a high level of acidity, pH 4 to 5.
• When choosing seedlings, you need to consider material that is 2-3 years old. It has a mature root system and enough strength for further development. The seedlings should not have any damage, dry spots, or signs of rotting.

High-quality planting material is sold in special nurseries. When purchasing, you need to carefully examine the root system and shoots.

In order for a plant to feel comfortable in its garden plot, it needs to create all the conditions and take care to comply with planting standards.

Landing algorithm:

1. Before planting, you need to remove the seedlings from the containers and straighten the roots.
2. The hole should be 55-60 centimeters deep and wide.
3. It is necessary to lay drainage at the bottom. Broken brick, gravel or expanded clay are suitable as a drain for excess moisture.
4. The raised layer of soil must be mixed with peat, black soil and sand. It is necessary to achieve high soil acidity.
5. A third of the mixture is poured onto the bottom, after which the seedling can be installed.
6. After the root is comfortably located, it must be covered with the remaining soil and pressed lightly.
7. When planting, abundant watering is required.
8. The final procedure will be mulching. For these purposes, you can use pine needles or sawdust.

During the first watering, 100 milliliters of table vinegar must be added to 10 liters of water.

Advice. It is important to consider what plants were on the site before. If lime fertilizer was used for them, then it is better to choose another place for the blueberries.

Characteristics

From the description of Bluray blueberries (see photo) it follows that this variety is self-pollinating. Therefore, there is no need to plant any other varieties nearby as pollinators.

The yield of Blueberry blueberries depends not only on compliance with the rules of planting and care, but also on the age of the bush. Young bushes, aged 3-5 years, produce a rather meager harvest, up to 1.2-3.0 kg per bush. Subsequently, as they grow, these figures increase by 8-10 kg per bush.

The yield of a blueberry variety depends on the following factors:

• correct choice of location and pre-planting soil preparation;
• compliance with the rules for planting and subsequent care of Blueberry blueberries recommended by the originators;
• compliance with the watering and fertilizing schedule;
• proper pruning of blueberry bushes;
• timely preparation and shelter of shrubs for the winter.

Features of fruiting

Blueberries of this variety have a deep blue color, weight - 2.0-2.5 g. The first fruits ripen by mid-summer. The variety is characterized by massive harvest ripening. The fruiting period is quite short and lasts 15-20 days.

The main use of blueberries is fresh consumption and the preparation of jams, compotes, jellies, and confitures. In addition, the berries of this variety are excellent dried and frozen. Cooks often use fresh blueberry fruits to decorate cakes and pastries.

"Pros and cons"

Each crop and each variety has both pros and cons. And before planting Blue Ray blueberries on your plot, it is advisable to familiarize yourself not only with the description of the variety, but also evaluate its advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages of Bluray blueberries are the following:

• ability to withstand winter frosts down to –33˚С;
• unpretentiousness in cultivation;
• abundant fruiting - you can get up to 8 kg of berries from a bush;
• limited fruiting period - the berries ripen within 1.5-2 weeks;
• taste and beneficial qualities of fruits;
• from early spring to autumn, blueberry bushes will decorate the site.

However, the variety has a number of rather significant disadvantages:

• spreading bushes that take up a lot of space;
• the need to maintain soil acidity at the proper level;
• the need to form a bush.

Attention!

Due to the abundant fruiting of Bluray blueberries, for the needs of an average family, it is enough to have 1-2 plants of this variety on the plot.

Features of care

The Bluecrop variety, like Patriot, is unpretentious in care. It is for this quality that novice gardeners love him. If you carry out the necessary procedures in a timely manner, the plant will respond handsomely. The list of skincare procedures is not very long, so it is easy to follow:

1. It is recommended to water the bushes 3-4 times a week. However, they do not tolerate stagnant moisture. If there is mulch or during the rainy season, the amount of watering must be adjusted.
2. Preparations with a high content of boron, phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium are well suited for feeding. They do not violate the requirement for high soil acidity. The bushes should be fed in the spring in April and in June at the stage of fruit formation.
3. It is recommended to loosen and weed the soil as needed after watering. The roots of the plant must breathe, so only observation will help determine the timing of these procedures.
4. The shoots should be pruned in the fall after harvesting. Branches lying on the ground are removed. You need to leave straight, even shoots. Proper pruning will help you get an even bigger harvest next season.
5. In regions with frosts above 30 degrees, it is recommended that after pruning, collect the branches into a bundle, tie them, bend them to the surface of the ground and insulate them using dead wood, cellophane, roofing felt or other material available.

If all care rules are followed, the bushes have good immunity and produce a large harvest. To prevent diseases, it is necessary to spray with appropriate preparations.

Harvest sales

Blueberries have excellent transportation and a long shelf life. At a temperature of +5 degrees, the crop will not deteriorate within 15 days. Berries can be frozen and kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Most often, jams and preserves are made from blueberries. They have a pleasant taste with a slight sourness.

It is not recommended to store frozen berries for longer than a year. They lose vitamins and become useless to the body.

Blueberries are widely used in cooking. Like most garden berries, it is great for making jam.

Diseases and pests

Bluecrop blueberries are varieties that are resistant to diseases, but they are still susceptible to some of them, as well as attacks from pests.

The most common are the following:

• Gray rot. A fungal disease that attacks ripe berries. It looks like fluff. Bushes that are fed generously with nitrogen fertilizers or neglected to weed are especially susceptible to rot.
• Mummification of fruits. The disease is caused by a fungus. Not only the berries, but the entire bush can be affected by the disease. Fungicides are used for treatment.
• Stem cancer, or shoot burn. One of the most dangerous fungal diseases leading to plant death. Signs of stem cancer are small red-brown spots on the shoots, which gradually increase in size and merge into one large one. It is very important to start treatment in a timely manner.
• Powdery mildew. A fungal disease in which a white coating appears on the leaves. Subsequently, it becomes gray and dry, black dots appear inside it - these are fungal bodies. Due to the disease, the stems dry out, the bush has an irregular shape and becomes weak.
• Red and black aphids. The insect infects all parts of the plant, laying many small eggs. As a result, the leaves and shoots wither and turn yellow.
• Kidney mite. A very small pest that is difficult to detect immediately. It sucks the juices out of blueberries and can carry diseases.

Top 12 blueberry varieties for the Moscow region 2022: which are the most delicious and fruitful

The cultivation of this berry began not so long ago - previously there were enough natural reserves of the berry in the forests. The desire to transfer a tasty, healthy crop to the garden prompted breeders to create new species.

The best blueberry varieties for the Moscow region are characterized by frost resistance, high yields, dessert qualities, the ability to self-pollinate, immunity, good transportability and keeping quality.

Patriot

The variety was born thanks to American breeders. The plant is a tall, spreading bush that produces large, rounded, flattened berries with light blue skin.

The variety is characterized by genetic resistance to late blight, stem cancer, and root rot. “Patriot”, although demanding in terms of care, is unpretentious to climatic conditions.

Characteristics:

• the erect bush reaches 180 cm in height;
• withstands frosts of the Moscow region (about -35-38 ͦC);
• actively begins to bear fruit from the 5th year of life;
• mid-season, blooms in May-June, berries ripen (unevenly) by mid-late July and stay on the bush until September;
• fruits reach 20 mm in diameter;
• the soft green pulp is tasty and aromatic;
• The bushes are productive - from each bush you can take from 7 to 9 kg per season.

Review from Ekaterina (Istra, Moscow region):

We have been growing “Patriot” for more than 5 years. I like the berries, they are very tasty. And what is characteristic is that the first single fruits appeared on the bush already in the 2nd year after planting. The variety is self-fertile, but when we planted another type of blueberry on the site, the yields increased significantly. True, there are problems with “Patriot” - it is prone to a lot of thickening. Therefore, we have to prune several times a season.”

Bluecrop

The early tall crop tolerates not only frosts, but also drought. This garden blueberry variety for the Moscow region has a small peculiarity - due to its ability to adapt, it is considered the standard for this region.

"Bluecrop" is capricious - it does not like moist areas (young shoots get sick there). But adult bushes are resistant to various diseases.

Peculiarities:

• erect bushes reach a height of 1.5-2 m;
• can withstand temperatures down to -35 ͦC;
• the first berries may appear in 2-3 years, stable harvests - from the 6th year;
• fruit ripening dates from July to early August;
• with good care, light blue berries reach a diameter of 20 mm;
• due to the high sugar content (up to 13%), the berries have an excellent, tart-sweet taste;
• From an adult bush you can get up to 8 kg of fruit.

Review from Mikhail (Serpukhov, Moscow region):

“I liked the variety precisely because of its dessert taste and high yield. The plant is characterized by overloading of branches with fruits. But, unfortunately, fresh berries do not last long. That’s why we freeze them, grind them into jam, and make delicious wine.”

Read: 12 TOP northern berries

Duke

This variety is loved by summer residents not only for the taste of the berries, but also for the decorative properties of the plant. In spring, the bush pleases the eye with pink bells of inflorescences, in summer - with bluish-blue fruits, in autumn - with scarlet-red foliage.

The variety does not like shaded, damp areas. Therefore, it is better to plant bushes on hillocks. One of the main conditions for care is intensive pruning, as the plant is actively sprouting shoots.

Characteristics:

• bushes grow up to 1.5-1.8 m;
• resistant to low temperatures (down to -34 ͦC);
• They begin to bear fruit from the 3rd year;
• early, harvest occurs in mid-July;
• the fruits are large, about 20 mm in diameter;
• due to the high concentration of sugars (15.7%) and low acid content (1.5%), the taste of the berries is richly sweet, with a slight sourness;
• one bush produces on average 6-8 kg of fruit.

Review from Alena (Kolomna, Moscow region):

“This variety appealed to the taste of all household members. After harvesting, we sometimes keep the berries in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks - we don’t have time to process the fruits (there are so many of them on the bushes). I also like the fact that this is a self-pollinating crop that does not require replanting with “neighbors,” although it will be better with them.”

Bonus

Mid-season Bonus is not as frost-resistant as early varieties, so it is better to cover the bushes for the winter. The plant is not so demanding of other agricultural conditions. It is distinguished by its resistance to diseases characteristic of the culture.

The variety is self-fertile, but to increase productivity it is recommended to keep a couple more allied varieties on the plot. For the same purpose, regular pruning should be carried out, removing young shoots.

Peculiarities:

• spreading bush reaches 1.5 m in width and 1.6 m in height;
• able to withstand frosts down to -30 ͦC;
• begins to bear fruit actively from the 8th year;
• the berries ripen in August, but not evenly - the process stretches for several weeks;
• the fruits are large - about 25-30 mm in diameter (sometimes more);
• the berries have a delicate aroma and pleasant sweetness;
• With good care, you can take up to 8 kg of fruit from the bush.

Review from Yulia (Chekhov, Moscow region):

“The name of the variety justifies itself - we harvest large harvests every season. All the berries are surprisingly large and collected in beautiful clusters. This is why the plant looks very decorative. I also like one original feature of the fruit - its juice is easily washed away, which is very important when there are little gourmands in the family.”

Read: the best varieties of edible honeysuckle

Blu-ray

The variety of American selection adapts well to the conditions of the Moscow region. The only thing is that it is picky about the planting site - it must be planted in a sunny, well-lit area.

The plant belongs to the mid-season varieties. It is characterized by a low time extension of fruit ripening (about 5-10 days). Large berries are collected in short, compressed clusters.

Characteristics:

• the height of an adult erect wide bush ranges from 1.5-2.25 m;
• easily tolerates frosts down to -25 ͦC (it is better to cover it for the winter);
• single fruits may appear at 2-3 years of age;
• fruiting period - early August;
• round berries grow up to 20 mm in diameter;
• the fruits are aromatic, sweet, with a pleasant aftertaste;
• the yield is 5-8 kg per bush.

Review from Nikolay (Dmitrov, Moscow region):

“We grow Blue Ray for sale - the berries of this variety are in great demand among our consumers. This variety has good transportability, and this allows blueberries to be transported without damage to remote retail outlets.”

Blugold

Although the variety is classified as mid-season, it is very resistant to cold. But it can hardly tolerate heat, so the blueberry plantation needs irrigation. The variety is self-pollinating and always produces high yields.

The disadvantages include the rapid growth of side shoots. Therefore, the bush requires regular pruning throughout the growing season.

Peculiarities:

• an adult plant reaches a height of 120-150 cm;
• frost resistance - tolerates cold temperatures down to -35 ͦC;
• begins to bear fruit at 3-4 years of age and produces crops for 50 years;
• The variety is distinguished by the simultaneous ripening of berries, which occurs at the beginning of August;
• spherical flattened fruits reach 15-18 mm in diameter;
• have a pleasant taste and delicate aroma;
• From one bush you get 5-7 kg of fruit (with good care, the yield reaches 9 kg).

Review from Oksana (Solnechnogorsk, Moscow region):

“We liked Blugold right away. The plant itself is very decorative in any season. The fruits are not only tasty, but also tolerate mechanical harvesting, are transportable and suitable for long-term storage. The only drawback is that you need to have time to harvest, because ripe berries crumble quickly.”

Read: which variety of columnar apple tree to choose

Elizabeth

Highbush blueberries have strong immunity to many fungal diseases of berry crops. Tolerates temperature changes well. Although young shoots are afraid of returning spring frosts.

The bush is self-pollinating, but growing other blueberry varieties nearby will increase the yield and give the berries a special taste. Considered late ripening.

Characteristics:

• a beautiful spreading bush reaches a height of 1.6-1.8 m;
• the variety is resistant to frost - the buds do not suffer when the temperature drops to -32 ͦC;
• begins to bear fruit at 3 years of age;
• the ripening of late fruits is extended over time - it begins in the 2nd ten days of August and lasts several weeks;
• large-fruited blueberry - the berries grow in diameter up to 2-2.2 cm;
• the pulp is quite sweet, the taste contains blueberry and grape notes;
• on average, 7 kg are obtained from one bush (in the lean season - at least 4 kg).

Review from Yuri (Naro-Fominsk, Moscow region):

“I really like the variety for its unusual taste of berries. He started a small plantation at his dacha. But at first I made a small mistake - I planted bushes on sandstone. The seedlings were not particularly sick, but they developed poorly. Then I found out that this variety loves peat soils. I had to specially bring other soil to the site and replant the blueberries in a new place. But this did not affect the yield - in the 4th year from the moment of purchasing the seedlings, we already took about 3 kg of berries from the bush.”

Aurora

Thanks to the efforts of breeders, Aurora turned out to be maximally resistant to garden pests and fungal diseases (moniliosis, anthracnose). The elastic skin has endowed the berries with high transportability.

Blueberries of this variety are self-fertile, but cross-pollination only improves the tasting properties of the fruit. So the more bushes and trees there are nearby with a similar flowering period, the better.

Peculiarities:

• the erect bush grows up to 1.5 m, the slightly spreading crown has a girth of 1.3 m;
• the variety is well adapted to the climate of the Moscow region - without shelter it tolerates frosts down to -30 ͦC;
• begins to bear fruit, like most tall varieties, from 3-4 years of age;
• late, “Aurora” has an extended growing season - having begun to bloom in May, the bush produces a harvest only in mid-August, for 2-4 weeks;
• the fruits are large, up to 1.4-1.8 cm in diameter;
• The berries have a sweet dessert taste and a pronounced aroma;
• The yield is stable, 4-7 kg per bush.

Review from Maria (Volokolamsk, Moscow region):

“Blueberries of this variety are so tasty and aromatic that it would be a sin not to use the berries in desserts. We not only close jams for the winter, but also make jelly from blueberries, add them to homemade yoghurts, and use them as a filling for pies.”

Read: everything about mushrooms in the Moscow region

Northland

This variety is a hybrid of highbush and lowbush blueberries. This made it possible not only to increase the frost resistance of plants, but also to make them less demanding on growing conditions, and also to improve their taste.

Due to the high content of anthocyanins, berries have the ability to resist ailments. The fruits are not subject to rotting and are stored for a long time (about 2-4 weeks at a temperature of 0 degrees).

Characteristics:

• the bush is powerful, spreading, grows up to 1-1.2 m;
• easily tolerates cold temperatures of -34 ͦC; quickly recovers from frosts of -40 ͦC;
• actively bears fruit from the 4th year;
• early, short growing season - berries ripen by early to mid-July;
• on average, the size of the fruits in diameter reaches 12-17 mm;
• the berries are very tasty, richly sweet;
• even in a lean year, you can take up to 4 kg of fruit from a bush, on average - 4-8 kg.

Review from Alexander (Pushkino, Moscow region):

“Northland took root with us immediately and became a real decoration of the garden. The bush is so decorative that we even planted 1 seedling in a special container and placed the plant in the house. The variety is self-fertile, but in order for it to please us with large harvests, in the spring we take it out to the open veranda, where bees from other trees and bushes flock to the fragrant flowers.”

Spartan

The early ripening variety is demanding when choosing a planting site. It does not like waterlogged soils and gets sick on them, but it also cannot tolerate drought. The best option for growing is light soil, moderately saturated with humus.

Blueberries "Spartak" are highly transportable and store well. Therefore, it can be grown not only for personal use, but also for sale.

Peculiarities:

• The upright bush, reaching a height of 1.5-2 m, has a beautiful spreading crown;
• frost resistance is good - can withstand temperatures down to -30 ͦC;
• the first harvest can be harvested in the 3rd year of life;
• early ripening variety - fruits ripen by the end of July;
• large-fruited blueberry - the diameter of the berries is about 20 mm;
• the aromatic pulp has a pleasant sweet and sour taste;
• on average, 1 bush produces up to 6 kg of fruit.

Review from Oleg (Ruza, Moscow region):

“I don’t go to the dacha often, so when I planted blueberries, I was afraid that they would grow too much. But “Spartan” surprised me - it turns out that it doesn’t give many escapes. So I have time to fight them. But part of the harvest has to be lost - loose bunches of ripe berries can crumble under their own weight.”

Read: When to prune raspberries

Chandler

The variety, bred by Canadian breeders, is distinguished by long, powerful shoots and decorativeness. The soft blue fruits are covered with a light waxy coating, thanks to which the berries are stored for a long time.

Despite the thick skin and resistance of the fruit to cracking, harvesting is best done by hand. The crop is partially self-pollinating, but to increase productivity and improve taste, other varieties nearby would not hurt.

Characteristics:

• adult bushes grow up to 1.75 m;
• resistance to cold is high - can withstand frosts down to -35 ͦC;
• active fruiting occurs in the 4th year of life;
• late, ripening is extended significantly - from the beginning of August until September;
• large fruits and berries - 18-24 mm in diameter;
• the pulp is aromatic, sweet and sour;
• 1 bush gives about 6 kg.

Review from Anna (Moscow):

“The soil on our site is acidic, and we were worried that the blueberries would not take root well. But on the contrary, this variety has adapted perfectly. Probably because they chose an open, sunny place without drafts, they thought. We only found out later that this is exactly what it needs, acidic soil, this berry is delicious. This is what happens... when you don’t know what and how.”

Northblue

This variety is from the “baby” category, although its stems are powerful and dense. Given its short stature, the plant produces a small harvest. The variety is self-pollinating, but a favorable neighborhood will not hurt.

Dark blue berries with thick skin tolerate transportation well and are stored at a temperature of 0 degrees - about 3-4 weeks. In the freezer - throughout the winter season.

Peculiarities:

• the average height of the bush is 0.6-0.8 m (sometimes up to 1.2 m);
• withstands cold temperatures down to -35 ͦC;
• bears fruit by the 4th year of life;
• mid-season, berries begin to ripen in early August;
• diameter of rounded-flattened fruits - 14-18 mm;
• the berries are sweet with a slight sourness;
• the yield of a low-growing bush is 1.5-2.5 kg.

Review from Katerina (Mozhaisk, Moscow region):

“We fell in love with blueberries for their sweetness. And what fragrant jams you make from it! We also prepare fresh berries - they store well in the freezer. But the main thing is not only a delicacy. Blueberry fruits are an excellent remedy in the fight against vitamin deficiencies.”

Read: 50 best flowers for the garden

Disease Prevention

Despite the fact that Bluecrop blueberries are very resistant to diseases, you need to be very careful and take emergency measures if signs of infection appear. This variety is susceptible to some ailments.

• Proper watering, fertilizing and preventive spraying with fungicide will help prevent stem cancer.
• Controlling the application of nitrogen, timely watering and high-quality pruning of affected shoots will make it possible to cure bushes from gray rot.
• If powdery mildew is present, it is necessary to treat with preparations such as Topaz or Bayleton.
• Gardeners use copper sulfate to get rid of bud mites.
• The preparations “Iskra” and “Aktara” are used to eliminate different types of aphids.

It should be noted that Bluecrop rarely gets sick if all care rules are followed. Its advantages are frost resistance, unpretentiousness and productivity. It’s not for nothing that the variety is included in the standard category. It can give odds to many new hybrids bred later.

Useful properties and contraindications

• The rich vitamin and mineral composition of blueberries explains its healing effect on the human body, which is expressed in:
• improving appetite;
• strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
• anti-inflammatory, choleretic, diuretic and anti-sclerotic effects;
• normalization of cardiac activity, intestinal and stomach functioning;
• solving the problem of diarrhea, kidney and liver diseases;
• decreased blood sugar;
• the breakdown of fats, which will certainly be of interest to people with excess weight problems;
• reducing the amount of bad cholesterol in the body;
• normalization of the nervous system (in particular, improving memory);
• improving the appearance of skin and hair;
• tissue regeneration.

Important! Do not drink blueberries with tea or coffee. By mixing these products, you will get a toxic mixture, the negative effects of which are manifested in nausea, vomiting, headaches and other signs of severe poisoning.

As for contraindications to the consumption of blueberry fruits, these include individual intolerance to individual components of the berries, the period of breastfeeding, and stomach ulcers.

In addition, you should not abuse the fruits, because even the most useful product can cause harm if overdosed . In this case, the side effects of eating blueberries include prolonged diarrhea, bloating and increased gas production.