Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Jersey’, American blueberry, Height 50 cm, 2-litre pot

Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Jersey’ is a vigorous American blueberry with fresh, sweet, dark blue berries. This late-season variety is a lovely addition to earlier-ripening blueberries, allowing you to spread out the picking season in your garden. The white blossoms and orange-red autumn colour also give the shrub ornamental value.

Why choose ‘Jersey’?

• Tasty dark blue berries from summer through to late summer.
• A later-maturing variety to extend the harvest period.
• Upright growth and attractive autumn colours.
• A hardy fruit shrub for acidic soil or a large pot.

Contents of this product

• 1 x Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Jersey’
• Pot size: 2 litres
• Height on delivery: approximately 50 cm including the pot (approximate)

Plants are natural products. Height, branching and the number of leaves may vary from plant to plant and from season to season. We cannot guarantee that the plant will be in flower or bearing fruit upon delivery.

Flowering, harvesting and growth

The small white flowers appear relatively late in the spring. The small to medium-sized berries usually ripen in August, although the timing may vary depending on the weather. Only pick the berries when they are completely blue and come away easily. ‘Jersey’ is a vigorous grower and can eventually reach a height of around 150–250 cm. Therefore, give it plenty of space and do not treat the stated delivery height as its final size.

Acidic soil and site conditions

Blueberries require acidic, humus-rich soil. Choose a sunny spot or light partial shade and keep the soil evenly moist. If the garden soil is chalky or heavy, using a large pot filled with potting compost for acid-loving plants is often easier than simply adjusting the planting hole. Excess water must be able to drain away easily.

Water and nutrition

The roots are fairly shallow and must not be allowed to dry out for long periods. Water preferably with rainwater and check potted plants regularly during hot spells. Use a suitable fertiliser for acid-loving plants, following the instructions on the packet. A layer of organic mulch helps to keep the soil moist; avoid letting it build up against the base of the stem.

Pollination and pruning

A blueberry can set fruit on its own. Planting another variety with an overlapping flowering period can improve fruit set. Prune young bushes sparingly. In winter, remove dead, weak or crossing wood, and gradually remove a few old branches from older bushes. Retain strong young shoots to encourage rejuvenation.

Winter care

The shrub is hardy and deciduous. A warm autumn colour is followed by a period of winter dormancy. When growing in a pot, protect the root ball from prolonged severe frost. On frost-free days, water a little if necessary to prevent the root ball from drying out completely.

Planting and use

Moisten the root ball thoroughly and plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot. Water after planting and ensure the plant does not dry out during the initial growth period. The fruit is delicious for breakfast, in bakes or eaten straight from the bush. You can also freeze them, so that you can enjoy part of the harvest later on.