Cultivate a Bounty of Blueberries Throughout the Season with These 4 Varieties

Do you want to make the most of blueberry season?

Welcome to Clearview Garden Shop’s guide to extending your blueberry harvest season.

Situated in Langley, BC, our team of experts is dedicated to providing valuable advice on growing four unique types of blueberries, ensuring a fruitful and continuous harvest all season long. By incorporating early, mid, and late-season varieties in your garden, you can savour these delicious and nutritious berries throughout the summer. In this post, we will discuss general facts and care tips for growing blueberries, examine their nutritional benefits, and offer a few appetizing recipe suggestions. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

General Facts and Care for Growing Blueberries:

Blueberries are a popular fruit to grow in the Pacific Northwest because they thrive in our acidic, well-drained soil. They require full sun, so be sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. It’s also crucial to maintain soil acidity, with a pH of 4.5-5.5 being optimal for blueberry growth. Regularly test and amend your soil as needed to maintain the proper pH.

When planting your blueberry bushes, space them about 1.2-1.5 meters apart to ensure proper air circulation and growth. Make sure to water consistently, especially during the first few years while the plants establish themselves. Prune annually to promote growth and a healthy harvest.

Nutritional Information:

Blueberries are more than just a sweet treat; they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and fibre. Plus, their high levels of antioxidants help fight inflammation and protect against various diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Four Types of Blueberries for an Extended Harvest:

• Duke (Early Season): Duke is an early-season variety, producing large, firm, and sweet berries. This variety is known for its excellent fruit quality, vigorous growth, and high yield. Duke also boasts beautiful white spring blossoms and vibrant red autumn foliage, adding visual appeal to your garden.
• Blue Crop (Mid-Season): Blue Crop is a popular mid-season variety, offering abundant, medium-sized berries with a sweet, tangy flavour. These bushes are hardy, adaptable, and resistant to drought, making them a fantastic choice for a low-maintenance blueberry patch.
• Chandler (Mid-Late Season): Chandler is renowned for producing the largest blueberries, reaching up to the size of a nickel. This variety ripens over an extended period, allowing you to enjoy its sweet, juicy berries for several weeks. Due to its large fruit size and high yield, Chandler is an excellent choice for both fresh eating and freezing.
• Elliot (Late Season): Elliot is a late-season blueberry variety known for its very high yield and exceptional flavour. The berries are firm, medium-sized, and packed with a slightly tart taste that balances out their sweetness. Elliot’s late-season ripening extends the blueberry harvest into late summer and early autumn.

Delicious Blueberry Recipe Suggestions:

With a full season of blueberries at your disposal, the culinary possibilities are endless! Here are a few of our favourite recipes to make with your homegrown blueberries:

• Classic Blueberry Pancakes
• Blueberry Lemon Scones
• Fresh Blueberry Pie
• Blueberry Smoothies
• Blueberry Jam

Growing a variety of blueberries in your garden not only provides delicious fruit all season long but also adds beauty to your outdoor space. With Duke, Blue Crop, Chandler, and Elliot blueberry bushes, you can enjoy the health benefits and delightful flavours of homegrown blueberries from early summer through fall.

Ready to start your blueberry garden? Visit us at Clearview Garden Shop in Langley, BC, for expert guidance and to browse our selection of blueberry plants. With these four distinct varieties, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest of blueberries all season long.