Farm Scene for the Salisbury Post

Darrell Blackwelder

February 20, 2006

     Those that want small fruit as part of an edible landscape may want to strongly consider blueberry plants. Blueberries are often considered a duel purpose shrub, possessing both aesthetics as a border planting well as a plant that produces ample supplies of delicious fruit. Blueberries also produce anti-oxidants beneficial in reducing many types of cancers.

     There are three main types of cultivated blueberries that can be grown in our area although; rabbiteye type is most often grown in the Piedmont. Tifblue, Powderblue, Woodard and Climax are a few named varieties that adapt to our growing conditions.

     An acid loving plant, blueberries need growing conditions similar to azaleas, camellias and rhododendron.  Well drained, low pH organic soils are preferred for maximum growth and development. These plants also need full sun with an ample supply of water during droughts.  

     There is a blueberry demonstration trial for public view at the West End Horticultural Trial Gardens on Brenner Avenue in Salisbury. The plants are approximately 4 years old and are doing well at this site.

     Because blueberries are relatively insect and disease free, little or no pesticides are needed for the crop. The only real competitor is birds which enjoy them as soon as they begin to ripen.

      Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Department is selling blueberry plants and other small fruits as a fund raiser for educational youth programs. Below are varieties and descriptions of the blueberry plants: 

**Brightwell-Ripens mid-season and over a long period; large fruit, excellent quality; very productive;

**Climax-Ripens early over a short period; medium size berries with a sweet flavor. Growth is upright and spreading.

**Premier-Early to mid-season, large fruit. These have excellent flavor, light blue in color and good quality.

     Plants are in 1 gallon containers. It is recommended to plant two different varieties to ensure cross pollination. Costs of the plants are $8.00 each; $7.00 if five or more are ordered. Look on the Rowan County Extension Web Site www.rowan.ces.ncsu.edu for more information and prices or contact the Extension Office at 704-216-8982.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu