Content
Blueberry Bonus appeared relatively recently and has become popular among gardeners. Large berries are the advantage of this variety.
The Bonus variety was developed in 1978 by breeders at the University of Michigan from a bush growing in the wild, Vaccinium tall.
Description of the blueberry variety Bonus
Bonus is a variety that appeared after the selection of certain types of blueberries growing in the USA. In appearance, the berries are similar to the fruits of other tall representatives. The height of the bush reaches 1.5 m, width - 1.2-1.3 m. Mature blueberries of the Bonus variety have powerful brown shoots, the length of which in girth is 3 cm. Over time, old branches fall off, and new, longer ones appear in their place. strong.
The shape of the leaves resembles an ellipse, they are smooth to the touch, and the petioles are short. It is interesting to watch the plant when it begins to bloom. Gardeners say that during this period, Bonus blueberries transform the site.
The buds of the sprouts are slightly elongated along the length of the branch, in the leaf axils, and the buds of the flowers themselves are located at the ends of the branches, larger in size, each producing up to 7 white flowers (this is their similarity with bells).
The diameter of large Bonus berries reaches 30 mm, like Chandler blueberries. One tight cluster contains up to 10 fruits of a light blue or blue hue with a whitish coating. There is a scar on the dense skin; the greenish flesh is pleasant to the taste.
Features of fruiting
Highbush blueberry Bonus feels best in cold regions with moderate temperatures. It is grown in Ukraine and Russia.
Blueberry fruits ripen at the end of July. In the Moscow region, this period begins even later - at the end of summer. A fully ripe berry comes off with a characteristic click.
The berries are consumed immediately, without processing. Either frozen or processed in advance. The plant practically does not react at all to transportation and is resistant to many diseases.
The description of the Bonus blueberry variety says that it is a self-pollinating plant, but in reality this is far from the truth. In order for the variety to bear fruit well, Bonus blueberry pollinators are planted nearby. The flowering time of pollinators and Bonus blueberries must coincide. Productivity – up to 8 kg of berries per bush. The plant begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year after planting.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of Bonus blueberries include:
- large size blue fruits;
- storage and no problems after long transportation;
- high content of vitamins and other useful elements;
- decreased blood sugar levels;
- decorativeness;
- endurance and resistance to many dangerous diseases;
- taste and aroma of berries;
- no need to frequently prune branches;
- frost resistance down to -35⁰С;
- high yield.
Disadvantages of the variety:
- uneven ripening of berries;
- It takes 2 weeks from the moment of coloring to ripening and sweetening of the berry;
- average degree of growth, due to which it is impossible to obtain a large volume of harvest.
Features of reproduction
To preserve all the features of this variety, experienced gardeners recommend propagating it vegetatively. Blueberries are propagated by layering or stem cuttings. But, according to reviews of the Bonus blueberry variety, the cuttings do not take root well.
Shoots are prepared in advance, in winter or autumn. Store in a cool place, wrapped. In mid-spring, they are taken out and cut into cuttings of 20 cm each. Place in peat along with sand in a 1:1 ratio and water periodically. Planted in the ground in autumn.
Planting and caring for blueberries Bonus
The Bonus variety is grown in the same way as other blueberry varieties. The main thing is to ensure high-quality watering and regular fertilizing.
Recommended timing
The best time to plant this variety is mid-spring. You shouldn’t do this during frosts; it’s better to wait until they pass. Two-year-old seedlings are suitable for planting.
Site selection and soil preparation
Usually, Bonus blueberries are grown in cold areas, but it is best to plant a young plant in a place where a large amount of light and heat penetrates, and avoid drafts, otherwise this will negatively affect the condition of the berries.
The soil is loose - nitrogen-rich peat and sand. It is not recommended to plant blueberries where other crops have already grown.
Landing algorithm
Follow this order for planting blueberries Bonus:
- Check the pH level in the area. If the acidity is high, you need to lower it and constantly regulate it.
- Before directly planting the seedlings, small pits are prepared - 1 x 1 m; the gaps between them are 1.6 m. The direction of planting is from north to south.
- If groundwater is close, drainage is done: the bottom of the hole is filled 5 cm with broken bricks and expanded clay.
- Before planting in a hole, place the pot in a box of water or other container and wait until the earthen lump gets wet.
- Pour water into the hole and wait until it is completely absorbed.
- When everything is prepared, the young seedlings are planted, straightening their roots horizontally. Sprinkle acidic soil on top.
- Mulch the tree trunk circle with sawdust - always rotted, fresh ones provoke nitrogen starvation, or with pine needles and peat to a depth of 9 cm.
Growing and care
Agricultural technology and care for blueberries of the Bonus variety comply with the rules for growing tall shrubs.
Required:
- water correctly;
- feed correctly;
- pull out weeds, loosen the soil;
- periodically prune the plant;
- carry out preventive procedures to protect against dangerous diseases and pests.
Watering schedule
Bonus blueberries need to be watered correctly, regularly and efficiently. The soil where it grows is usually light. Careless care leads to soil dehydration. If you water incorrectly and rarely, it stops growing quickly, the harvest decreases, and so do the berries themselves. Take one bucket of water per bush. When it’s hot, the bushes are sprayed to cool, but this is done only after 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
Feeding schedule
Feed blueberries 3 times a year:
- at the beginning of plant growth and development;
- during bud break;
- after fruiting.
In spring, fertilizers with nitrogen are more suitable.
When the buds begin to bloom, a mixture is added to the soil, which consists of the following ingredients:
- ammonium nitrate – 27 g;
- superphosphate – 55 g;
- nitrogen in ammonium form - 1/4 share with the addition of complex preparations.
After fruiting, take for feeding:
- potassium sulfate – 30-40 g;
- phosphorus – 30-40 g.
Soil acidity
Bonus blueberries are grown in soil with an acidity of pH 3.5-4.8. To determine this indicator, pH testers or strips of litmus paper are used.
If there are no special instruments, soil acidity is checked by observing what plants are on the site:
- acidic soil – plantain, buttercup, horse sorrel, mint grow;
- slightly acidic – rosehip, clover, chamomile, wheatgrass;
- alkaline – poppy, field bindweed;
- neutral – quinoa, nettle.
When the soil acidity is below pH 3.5, the bushes begin to hurt. But too acidic soil is dangerous for Bonus blueberries. In such soil, microorganisms die, thanks to which the plant develops and bears fruit. The roots do not absorb moisture, growth stops, and chlorosis appears on the leaves.
Increase acidity with solutions of malic, oxalic or citric acid - 2 tbsp. l. for 10 liters of water. Reduce with lime - 50-70 kg per hundred square meters or wood ash - 7 kg per 10 m2.
Trimming
There is no need to prune this variety in the first year. It is better to do this only after 2-3 years.
When pruning, excess branches that interfere with the normal growth of the bush are removed. The growth is cut to 40 cm, powerful shoots are not touched.
Preparing for winter
To protect the plant from the cold in winter, it is covered. Covering material:
- sackcloth;
- spruce branches;
- spunbond
You cannot use polyethylene, because the seedlings simply will not survive. The branches are carefully lowered down and covered.
Pests and diseases
Despite the resistance of the Bonus variety to many dangerous diseases, the plant is susceptible to diseases:
- fungal – gray rot, mummification of berries, fruit rot, drying of branches;
- viral - mosaic, filamentous branches, red spotting of leaves.
For prevention, the plant is treated with fungicides. Do this 3-4 times a year:
- 3 sprays, each every other week, before the flowering period and the same after fruiting;
- at the beginning of spring and at the end of autumn, blueberries are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture or 0.1-0.2% Rovral.
Pests:
- aphid;
- caterpillars;
- leaf roller;
- flower beetle;
- kidney mite.
To prevent blueberries from being attacked by pests, insecticides are used.
To protect against birds, the bushes are covered with netting during fruiting.
Conclusion
Blueberries Bonus are a North American berry that has a great taste. This is a plant that is a pleasure to grow. Large blue berries are good for health, and the bushes serve as garden decoration. Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology will allow you to annually receive a good harvest of blueberries in the summer and admire the beauty of the garden in the fall.
