Northland Blueberry: description of the variety and pollinators, planting and care, reviews of gardeners with photos

Northland blueberries are widely known among plant growers as one of the best frost-resistant varieties, which explains its widespread cultivation, even in regions with a harsh climate. The northern country, as the name of the plant is translated from English, when creating comfortable conditions for growth, it can long and plentifully delight with its tasty and he althy fruits. To achieve high results from this amazing bush, you need to know its strengths and weaknesses, the basic rules of planting and care.

Northland blueberry history

This relatively heat-loving plant is cultivated in the Western Hemisphere. Blueberry Northland was bred in 1952, although work began as early as 1948. Its authors were C. Johnston and J. Moulton from the University of Michigan in the USA. The Berkeley variety, which is distinguished by its tall stature, and the 19-H hybrid, obtained from compact blueberries and Pioneer seedlings, were used as a parent pair. In 1967, Northland blueberries were listed in the State Register of the Russian Federation.

Pros and cons of culture

The following positive characteristics have been observed in growing Northland blueberries:

• high level of frost resistance;
• early ripeness of fruits;
• compact bush size;
• excellent consumer and commercial qualities;
• high productivity;
• not whimsical to growing conditions and care
• increased immunity to major ailments and parasitic individuals;
• highly decorative.

But Northland blueberries also have their drawbacks, which you should be aware of in order to get a rich harvest:

• low drought tolerance;
• need for additional pollinators;
• painfully endures drafts and strong gusts of wind;
• grows well only on soils with high acidity;
• reproducing slowly.

Despite some disadvantages of the Northland blueberry, its advantages completely overlap, making it one of the most popular.

Description and characteristics of the variety

Northland blueberry belongs to the category of collective plants, planting it in single specimens is ineffective. Knowing all the main characteristics of a culture, it is possible to understand what conditions it needs for normal growth and development.

Shrub and root system

Northland blueberry is a low-growing plant, its height is no more than 1.2 meters. The bush is characterized by spreading and a powerful trunk, forms a dense growth. The type of root system is fibrous, located close to the soil surface. No root hairs observed.

The shoots are erect and even, their green color persists throughout the year. Thanks to strong branches, the bush is not afraid of the load of snow. Northland blueberry leaf plates have a glossy surface, the color is rich green in summer, changing to fiery red by autumn. Their length is no more than 3 centimeters.

Northland blueberry inflorescences grow small in size, outwardly they resemble bells. Their color is pale pink. Round berries have a fairly dense structure, on average their size is 1.6 centimeters. A light bluish coating is visible on the light blue skin. The consumer qualities of Northland blueberries are excellent: the taste is sweet, harmonious, the aroma is pronounced.

Northland blueberries have a tasting score of 4.0 out of 5 possible.

Flower and yield

The flowering phase of Northland blueberries begins in late spring, the fruiting period lasts about three weeks. Considering the medium ripeness of the crop, fruit ripening occurs in mid-July and lasts until August.

It is recommended to harvest 2-3 times a week, as Northland blueberries are prone to shedding quickly.

The culture begins to bear fruit in the second year after planting in a permanent place. It gives a harvest stably and plentifully, productivity indicators are 4-5 kilograms per planting, under favorable conditions - up to 8 kilograms. Bush life expectancy up to 30 years.

Scope of berries

Northland blueberries are versatile. They can also be used to prepare various desserts, compotes, jams. They are especially useful for the body when fresh.

Resistant to diseases and pests

Northland blueberries have a high degree of resistance to major diseases, especially fruit mummification virus, and harmful insects.

Susceptibility to diseases and parasites

In case of violations of agricultural technology and adverse weather conditions, diseases such as gray rot, physalasporosis, stem cancer, moniliosis can overtake the culture. If the bush has undergone a viral or fungal disease, then in most cases it should be disposed of completely.

Northland blueberry pests are often attacked by bud mites, small aphids and flower beetles. In addition, birds do not mind eating sweet and juicy berries. To protect the crop from them, it is recommended to use strips of polymer film that are fixed on the branches of the bush.

Disembarkation Technology

Growing Northland blueberries in regions with a variable climate is not easy, but it is quite possible, the main thing is to initially create favorable conditions for it to grow.

Timing

Planting work is recommended to be carried out either in early spring, when the heat is established and the threat of return frosts has passed, or in autumn. But it is preferable to plant Northland blueberry seedlings in the spring so that they have time to adapt to new conditions and prepare for wintering.

Preparation of soil and planting pit

For better growth and development, you need to choose a site for planting Northland blueberries in a clearing well lit and protected from cold winds. Landing in the shade does not bring the desired results. It is not advisable to place bushes near tall garden plantings, otherwise the berries will be sour.

The soil at the planting site should not be depleted, seedlings are in great need of nutrients. The best option is light, well-drained soil, saturated with useful components - humus. The acidity index should be in the range of 3.5-5.0.For growing crops, it is effective to use high-moor peat or a composition based on it.

Preparing a seedling

In order to avoid problems with the plant in the future, it is recommended to purchase planting material in special nurseries or at exhibitions. Seedlings should be with a closed root system, biennial and shoot length of 35-50 centimeters. Before planting, the container with the plant should be kept in a container with water for 30 minutes.

Algorithm and landing scheme

In order for a young plant to take root and grow faster, you must adhere to the following technology:

• Dig a hole 50 centimeters deep and 50-60 centimeters wide.
• Lay a drainage cushion made of expanded clay, pebbles, crushed stone (layer thickness 7-10 centimeters) on the bottom.
• Fill the hole with a nutrient composition of peat, soil, coniferous bedding and humus by 10-15 centimeters.
• Place a prepared seedling in the center of the hole and straighten its roots.
• Sprinkle with soil mixture and compact it gently so that there are no voids.
• Mulch with sawdust, peat or pine nut shells (layer thickness 5-10 centimeters).
• Moisten the soil with acidified water, where 40 grams of citric acid is used per 10 liters of liquid.

The optimal distance between plantings is 1.5 meters, and between rows 2-2.5 meters.

Rules of agricultural technology and care

Basically, caring for Northland blueberries comes down to irrigation, loosening the soil, and applying nutrient mixtures.

Water and fertilize

Moisturize blueberry bushes regularly, with a frequency of 1 time in 7 days. And in the fruiting phase - 1 time in 4-5 days.The volume of water per adult plant is 10 liters. Divide it into 2 doses, irrigating the bushes in the morning and evening hours. It is more efficient to use a drip irrigation system for watering blueberries.

For feeding procedures, it is recommended to use preparations with a high concentration of nitrogen, as well as complex mixtures. The first time fertilizer is applied at the initial stage of sap flow, the second - in the flowering phase and the third - during the formation of ovaries.

It is undesirable to add organic compounds to the soil, they have a detrimental effect on blueberry bushes.

Mulching and loosening beds

In order for cultivated plants not to experience a deficiency of nutrients and moisture, it is necessary to periodically remove weeds near them. And loosening the soil will avoid oxygen starvation of the roots, but it should be carried out carefully, to a depth of 10 centimeters.

To maintain moisture in the soil, you need to use mulch, for example, peat, sawdust, chopped tree bark, grass. The thickness of the layer should be at least 5 centimeters.

Shape pruning

Given the slow growth rate of shoots, you should not get carried away with pruning them. To create a more compact form, the branches of the bush should be tied up. In the spring, plantings are inspected and rid of incapacitated branches, including those infected with pathogenic microorganisms.

Cropping allows you to prevent damage under the weight of snow. To increase the productivity of Northland blueberries, shoots older than 7 years old are removed, and five-year-old branches are pruned to increase the size of the berries.

Methods of control and prevention of diseases and insects

Against stem cancer and gray rot, it is recommended to prevent waterlogging of the soil and excessive amounts of nitrogen-containing fertilizers.In case of infection with these ailments, Fundazol and Topsin work effectively. Similar drugs are used for physalosporosis, and Bordeaux mixture has proven itself well against moniliosis.

Insecticides such as Aktellika, Karate, Calypso will help protect plantings from aphids. It is possible to fight the kidney mite with the help of iron sulfate, Nitrofen, KZM. You can defeat the flower beetle by using Fufanon, Intavir.

Preparing for winter

When growing Northland blueberries in areas with severe winters, additional shelters should be used: spunbond, burlap. The use of polyethylene can lead to rotting of the bushes. In addition, top dressing with a high concentration of magnesium should be added to the soil (at the end of August).

Reviews about the variety

Northland blueberries have proven themselves mainly on the positive side. She is chosen for her relative unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention and high productivity.

Aleksey, 56 years old, Saratov

The variety was planted quite recently, but has already managed to evaluate its frost resistance. Of course, I still covered the young plants, and when they grew up, they cope quite well with low temperatures.

Anna, 46, Novgorod

Northland Blueberry I liked its high yield and low maintenance requirements. There is no special need for forming pruning, it is enough to water the plant in a timely manner and apply nutritional compounds.

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