All varieties selected are partially self fertile and will crop well in Irish conditions. Pollination and yield will be considerably improved by planting more than one variety. Yields will also be improved by shelter as the blossom can easily be blown off by strong winds. A well drained but acid soil is essential. Blueberries can be grown in large pots - turf mould mixed with sand and some additional leaf mould makes a good potting compost. Commercial composts should be avoided, unless specifically for acid soil loving plants (Ericas, Rhododendron etc). The month refers to harvesting/eating period. The cultivars Reka and Sunshine Blue are tolerant of high pH (6 or above) and will grow in most soils.
Blueberries
Strong bushes (Darrow, Northland, Bluecrop and Patriot only) They will bear fruit the first year and will make a fine addition to a patio or container fruit garden. €15.00 ea. In stock
Small blueberry plants €4.70 ea
Cultivars
Bluecrop
The most common variety, still providing the bulk of the global crop after half a century of dominance. Tall and vigorous with large fruit. Extremely reliable. Cropping late July to late August. Introduced 1941.
Darrow
Vigorous upright bush. Regular pruning beneficial. Fruit large, aromatic and rich flavoured. Main cropping period late August through to late September, but with some production well into October. Very tough variety, highly tolerant of extreme weather conditions. Introduced 1965.
Goldtraube
Very fast growing and robust cultivar. Berries large and aromatic. Performs well in poor conditions. Fruiting late July to the end of August. Introduced 1971.
Legacy
Very vigorous cultivar growing to 2 metres.. Berries medium to large with excellent flavour - one of the tastiest cultivars. Fruiting mid July to mid August. Introduced 1993.
Northland
The most cold-hardy blueberry variety. Adaptable to a wide variety of soils and conditions. Spreading bush with medium-sized berries. Very reliable. Quite early - cropping mid July July to mid August. Introduced 1967.
Ozark Blue
Dense bushy cultivar growing to 1.6 metres.. Berries large and sweet. Good disease resistance. Fruiting mid July to mid August. Introduced 1996.
Patriot
Vigorous but smaller cultivar tolerant of wet and heavy soils. Large fruit with excellent flavour. Ornamental flowers and autumn foliage. Early variety - mid July to early August. Introduced 1976.
Reka
Vigorous cultivar from New Zealand. Highly recommended owing to its tolerance of higher pH (lesser acidity) in soil. Fruit have excellent storage life once picked. Early variety - mid July to early August. Introduced 1988.
Sunshine Blue
New evergreen cultivar. Compact shape with pink/red flowers. Very ornamental. Tolerant of high pH. Large, very late fruit - late August to early October. Vulnerable to frost - sheltered site recommended (tolerant to about -7 degrees Celsius). Discontinued
Availability: In stock
Delivery of small blueberries: Up to 10 plants: €20. Over 10 plants €25.
Delivery of large blueberries Owing to carriage costs, delivery is undertaken at our discretion only. Please enquire.
Additional ordering information
Please use the printable order form provided or simply list the items on a sheet of paper. Add up the total, including carriage if applicable. Do not forget to include your own address and phone number. Payment should be by cheque postal order or bank draft, made payable to the Sustainability Institute.
The Sustainability Institute
Cooloughra
Ballinrobe Rd
Westport
Co. Mayo
Republic of Ireland