Blueberry Seeds - Low-Bush Wild Blueberry
(Vaccinium angustifolium) Perennial. Zones 2-6.
Picture it: You're walking through the forest. You come to a bit of a clearing and take a moment to breathe in the beauty of your surroundings. Gratitude overwhelms you as you realize that you've decided to rest in a wild blueberry patch! The intense flavour of wild blueberries (or lowbush blueberries) is unmistakable and for most of us a rare and spontaneous treat. Larger, highbush blueberry varieties have virtually taken over the blueberry industry, but as we know, bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Wild blueberries are sweeter and have that powerful blueberry flavour that is just unmatched. The smaller fruit also make them superior when it comes to baking.
You can bring home that woodsy treat! Growing lowbush blueberries from seed is surprisingly easy (despite a low germination rate). They grow exceptionally well in highly acidic, well-draining forest soil and make for a low-maintenance, edible ground cover. Once established, your plants will spread via rhizomes and your wild blueberry patch will grow and grow!
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 2 - 6
Edible: Yes
Size: Ground Cover - Small shrub
Growth Rate: Slow - Medium
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 30 - 50%
Sun Requirements: Full Sun - Partial Shade
Soil Preference: Loamy, slightly acidic
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
If starting outdoors in the Fall, mulch beds with 1/2” sawdust, remove mulch in the Spring. If starting indoors...
SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
STRATIFICATION: 120 days cold/moist (5°C). Surface sow on a moistened grow medium in cells/trays, cover. Place in your fridge. Inspect periodically for even moisture and germination.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds on soils surface. Seeds require light to germinate—this is the MOST important factor. Alternate 14 hours of light (day) with 10 hours of darkness (night). Keep soil temperatures between 12-17°C during the day and around (12°C) at night. Water evenly and regularly.
GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 40-60 days.
How To Start Your Perennial Seeds
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
