Blueberry Bush Question

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by HollyHok, Aug 9, 2011.

  1. HollyHok

    HollyHok Active Member

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    Location:
    Ganges, SSI, Canada
    Does my blueberry bush need a mate in order to pollinate next year? Thank you.
     
  2. Lysichiton

    Lysichiton Active Member

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    Location:
    Fraser Valley, BC.
    Yes & No. As I understand it, blueberry varieties as grown around BC are self pollinating to some extent, so you will get some fruit from an isolated plant or plants of one variety or clone. They will bear more fruit if cross pollinated with other varieties. Blueberries are insect pollinated & commercial crops largely depend on honey bees, I am told.

    In a large-lot suburban area like mine, I wouldn't worry about it, or indeed anywhere where people have "veggie" gardens. I am sure there are several people within the range of a the flight of a bee who are also growing blueberries. To make sure however, I bought several plants of different varieties.

    I get hardly any berries from my plants due to marauding grandchildren. Grandchildren are one of the hardest pests to keep-off any small fruit crop I plant. Shouting, threats & even spraying with the hose don't seem to work very effectively. My wife won't let me put up an electric fence...the little blighters would probably figure it out in about 30 seconds anyway.
     
  3. Tree Nut

    Tree Nut Active Member

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    Location:
    PNW
    For the price of a second blueberry, get one. They fruit best with another different type of blueberry in the immediate vicinity. I have over 300 blue berries and I plant one different pollinator every 5 maincrop plants.

    This year is a fantastic blueberry year by the way. They really seemed to like the crappy weather we had earlier in the year.
     

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