Blueberry

Blueberries are a superfood, so growing your own makes you kind of a superhero, we think. If you’re new to growing your own fruit, blueberries are a rewarding, easy one to start with. This species stays nice and compact and does really well in pots. It should provide fruit from around July to September. Even when not in fruit, it will add interest to your outdoor space. The leaves turn a lovely deep red in autumn, before they drop in winter. 

This blueberry bush is a promise to your future self. It’s unlikely to bear fruit in the first year, but take care of it and you’ll be rewarded from next year on.

Blueberries originate from North America and this species is mainly found growing on forest floors or near swamps. That means it likes its soil moist (but not soggy, please). Water it regularly and never let it dry out. Water it more often when it’s fruiting, as those juicy berries need a lot of moisture. Once a month, add some liquid fertiliser to give it a good feed.

Little white flowers will appear before the berries start forming. Berries will gradually turn from green to that familiar dusty blue. When they look like this they’re ready to pick. They freeze really well, if you find you’re growing them faster than you can eat them. 

Did you know?

Long ago, whalers in New England would use blueberries to dye their clothes. We’re not suggesting you try this.