Vaccinium corymbosum

Blauwe bes / Blueberry

Ericaceae (heidefamilie)

Northern America (whole), Northern America (east)

Back View cultivars and rootstocks

Edible plant part (1)

Fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

None

Blueberry belongs to the small shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid species. The growth rate is medium. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 1.5 to 2 meter and a width of 1.5 to 2 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open.
This species forms a fibrous shallow root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest. Blueberry is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Malcolm Manners, https://www.flickr.com/photos/10239508@N07/4564511644/

foto: Malcolm Manners, https://www.flickr.com/photos/10239508@N07/4564511644/

foto: manuel m.v., https://www.flickr.com/photos/martius/15559827521

foto: Vilseskogen, https://www.flickr.com/photos/vilseskogen/4883610783

foto: Plant Image Library, https://www.flickr.com/photos/138014579@N08/36611026286

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

slightly acid

neutral

alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early may
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: self-fertile (sf), sf, more harvest with cross-pollination, varies per cultivar

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

sensitive

Main serious pests and diseases

spotted wing drosophila, birds, powdery mildew, leaf spot disease, and anthracnose

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Harvest location edible part: Elbow height, knee height
Harvesting period - start: Varies per cultivar, early july, mid july, end of july, early august, mid august, end of august, early september, mid september, end of september
Harvesting period - length: Month, several months, several weeks, varies per cultivar
Harvesting period - recognition: Easy, colour
Harvesting period - uniformity: High, low, medium, varies per cultivar
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand, mechanical, simple tool
Ease of removal - edible parts: Easy
Thorns: None
Size edible parts: Small
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Week, year
Nutritional value - relatively high: Vitamins
Suitable markets: Bulk, niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 5
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 35
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 40

Culinary appreciation

The fruits are very rich in vitamins and minerals and are sold fresh (refrigerated) or processed into various products like dried snacks, powders, jams, drinks, pies, and ice cream.

References