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
- Soak Seeds 24 hrs. Follow with 90 days cold, moist stratification. For more information on stratification, check out our article "How To Start Your Tree Seeds".
*If you are doing the cold period in your fridge, please check on your seeds. 90 days is an estimate & they may sprout sooner.*
- Sow blueberry seeds in peatmoss and only lightly cover, as sunlight improves germination. When seedlings are big enough to transplant, a 3 part blend of peatmoss, sand and rotted sawdust/woodchips works as a good growing substrate, until you're ready to plant them out.
- Plant stratified seeds in pots or a nursery bed. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
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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.
