Content
Northland blueberries are cultivars that are grown in large quantities in Canada and the United States. However, if good conditions are provided and simple but proper care is provided, it will grow excellently here too, on a plantation or garden plot, delighting for a long time with a generous harvest of delicious vitamin-rich berries.
History of selection
The name of the blueberry variety Northland (“Northland”) translated from English means “Northern land”. It was obtained at Michigan State University (USA) as part of a program to develop the most frost-resistant varieties of this crop for cultivation on an industrial scale.
Work on it was carried out by S. Johnston and J. Moulton since 1948. Scientists managed to cross high-bush Berkeley blueberries with 19-H (a hybrid of low-bush blueberries and a seedling of the Pioneer variety).
Northland became the result of their labors in 1952.This blueberry variety was officially introduced into cultivation in 1967.
Description of the berry crop
Northland blueberries are valued not only for their frost resistance, high yields and excellent taste of the berries. Thanks to its decorative appearance, a plant of this variety looks very impressive on the site in spring, autumn and summer, which gives the landscape designer a luxurious opportunity to show his imagination.
General idea of the variety
The Northland blueberry variety is a low-growing variety. On average, the height of the bush is about 1–1.2 m, but at the same time it is powerful and spreading. As a rule, it produces a lot of shoots, often very dense.
The root system of plants of this variety, like blueberries in general, is superficial and fibrous. Characterized by the absence of root hairs.
Northland blueberry shoots are smooth and straight. They remain green throughout the year. The branches of an adult plant of this variety are flexible and can withstand large amounts of snow.
The leaves of the Northland blueberry are oblong, smooth, with a slightly glossy surface. In summer their color is bright green, in autumn they turn fiery red. The length of the leaf blade is about 3 cm.
The inflorescences of this blueberry variety are small, five-toothed, and bell-shaped. They are painted pale pink.
Berries
Northland blueberries are round, dense, medium in size (up to 1.6 cm). Their skin is not rough, light blue in color, with a slight bluish tinge. The scar on its surface is dry, medium or small.
The taste of Northland blueberries is sweet, pleasant, with a delicate aroma, very reminiscent of their wild “relative”. The variety was given a high tasting score - 4.0 (on a five-point scale).
Characteristic
Northland blueberries are characterized by a number of strengths that distinguish them from other garden varieties of this crop.
Main advantages
The frost resistance of this variety is one of its main advantages. According to American sources, Northland blueberries can easily withstand winter temperatures dropping to -35 degrees. Its flowers can withstand light frosts. Bred for the northern United States and Canada, this variety is excellent for cultivation in cold regions with harsh climates.
Caring for Northland blueberries will not seem difficult even to a novice gardener. The main features that should be taken into account are maintaining the necessary soil moisture and acidity, as well as proper feeding of plants of this variety.
Unfortunately, Norland blueberries are not drought tolerant. It feels the lack of moisture very acutely, so it is extremely important to follow the correct watering regime.
Northland blueberries are confidently recommended to be grown for industrial processing. Its berries are well stored and transported. This blueberry variety has proven itself well on plantations where manual harvesting is practiced. However, the berries can also be collected mechanically.
Flowering period and ripening time
Northland blueberries bloom in late spring, profusely and for quite a long time (approximately 3 weeks).
In terms of fruit ripening, the variety is classified as mid-early: the berries begin to ripen in mid-July. This process occurs gradually and usually stretches until the beginning of August.
Yield indicators, fruiting dates
Northland blueberries are capable of bearing fruit in their second year.
This variety is famous for its regular, very high yield. On average, you can collect 4–5 kg of berries from a bush, the maximum amount is 8 kg.
Area of application of berries
The purpose of Northland blueberries is universal. Its fruits are very tasty fresh; they make excellent preparations (jams, confitures, preserves, compotes) and sweet desserts (jelly, marshmallows). In addition, the berries are perfectly stored dry and frozen.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Northland blueberry variety is characterized by good resistance to pests and a number of diseases, in particular to the berry mummification virus. However, this crop can still suffer from gray rot, stem cancer, physalosporosis and moniliosis.
Most often, Northland blueberries are damaged by aphids, bud mites and flower beetles.
In addition, birds love to feast on the aromatic sweet berries of this variety. To combat them, it is recommended to attach strips of polymer film to the branches of blueberry bushes, which repel birds with its shine and rustling in the wind, or multi-colored fabric ribbons.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
It is obvious that some of the disadvantages that the Northland blueberry variety is endowed with pale against the general background of its inherent advantages:
| Advantages | Flaws |
| High winter hardiness and resistance to low temperatures | Weak resistance to drought |
| Early fruit ripening | Increased sensitivity to wind and drafts |
| low bush | It often becomes necessary to destroy the entire bush if it becomes sick. |
| Sweet, tasty berries | High demands on soil acidity |
| High and stable yields | Slow reproduction rates |
| Low maintenance | |
| Good resistance to pests and diseases | |
| Decorative appearance |
Landing rules
In order for blueberries to take root and feel good on the site, it is necessary to plant them correctly.
Recommended timing
It is possible to plant Northland blueberries in the ground in early spring and early autumn. But experienced gardeners still recommend the first option: then by the time cold weather sets in, the bush will have time to get used to the new conditions and will get stronger.
Choosing a suitable location
The area in the garden where it is planned to place Northland blueberries should be open and generously illuminated by the sun: this variety practically does not bear fruit in the shade. In this case, the place must be reliably protected from drafts.
You cannot plant a Northland blueberry bush near fruit trees. The berries will be sour because they will not be able to absorb the required amount of sugar.
Soil preparation
Northland blueberries are very sensitive to soil.The optimal substrate for it will be a light, humus-rich substrate - moist, but well-drained.
The ideal option, combining all the above qualities, is peat (high-moor or transitional), as well as mixtures based on it.
Selection and preparation of seedlings
It is advisable to buy varietal blueberry seedlings, including Northland, in trusted places: special nurseries or exhibition grounds. Biennial young plants with a closed root system and shoot lengths from 35 to 50 cm take root best.
Before planting in the ground, it is recommended to place a container with a seedling of this variety in a container of water for half an hour. This procedure will help to gently straighten the roots.
Algorithm and landing scheme
Northland blueberries are planted this way:
- dig a planting hole about 0.5 m deep and 50–60 cm in length and width;
- a layer of drainage (gravel or sand) is placed on the bottom;
- fill the hole with a mixture of peat, soil, coniferous litter and humus;
- carefully lower the seedling, straightening its root system, sprinkle with the prepared soil mixture;
- mulch the soil with peat, sawdust, tree bark or pine nut shells (5–10 cm layer);
- water the plant with water - possibly with the addition of citric acid (40 g per 10 l).
Holes for planting Northland blueberries should be placed at a distance of 1.5 m. The distance between rows of bushes of this variety should be 2–2.5 m.
You can learn how to properly plant blueberries in the ground and care for them from the video:
Subsequent care of the crop
The Northland blueberry variety is unpretentious in terms of care. However, there are certain nuances that should be taken into account so that the plant does not get sick and produces stable yields.
Necessary activities
It is recommended to water Northland blueberries regularly (about once a week, more often during the fruiting period - once every 4-5 days). Approximate norm: 1 bucket of water per adult plant. It should be divided into 2 doses - morning and evening.
Northland blueberries should be fertilized with mineral (nitrogen-containing) or complex fertilizers in three stages:
- at the beginning of sap flow (half of the annual norm);
- another quarter is introduced at the time of flowering;
- the remainder is added during the harvest.
Necessary procedures for caring for Northland blueberries include loosening the soil. It is carried out several times during the season. It should be taken into account that the roots of the plant are located close to the surface - accordingly, the soil should be loosened carefully, without going deeper into the ground than 10 cm.
An important technique to help suppress growth weed, retain moisture and enrich the soil with organic matter - mulching. The layer of mulch under the bushes of this blueberry variety can be within 5 cm. As such, you can use cut grass, peat or crushed tree bark.
Shrub pruning
Regular and proper pruning of Northland blueberries is the key to its health and productivity.
For sanitary purposes, this procedure is carried out in the spring, starting from 2–4 years of age of the bushes. It helps to form a strong skeleton of the plant and serves as a prevention of branch fractures during the fruiting period under the weight of the berries.
In summer and autumn, dried and diseased branches are removed by pruning.
It is recommended to remove flowers from annual plants of this variety in the spring.
Preparing for winter
Northland is a frost-resistant blueberry variety. However, in regions where low temperatures can last for a long time, it will need shelter in winter.
As such, burlap, spunbond or any other breathable material is used, stretched over a base of pegs or arcs.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The most common diseases that can affect Northland blueberries are:
| Disease | Manifestations | Control and prevention measures |
| Stem cancer | The appearance of reddish spots on the leaves and bark, which quickly darken and increase in size. The stems begin to dry out | Affected organs must be cut out and burned. Fungicide treatment (Topsin, Fundazol). For preventive purposes, avoid waterlogging of the soil and excess nitrogen fertilizers. |
| Gray rot | Infected organs (branches, leaves, fruits) first acquire a brown or reddish color, then become gray and quickly die | |
| Physalosporosis | Small swollen reddish spots appearing on young branches. The next year, extensive wounds form on the shoots, contributing to their death. | Pruning and burning affected branches.Spraying with Bordeaux mixture, Fundazol, Topsin |
| Moniliosis | Fungal infection of flowers, leaves, and branches that begin to look as if damaged by frost. Fruits with moniliosis become mummified | Treatment of plants with Bordeaux mixture after harvesting |
There are not many pests that plague this blueberry variety. The most common of them:
| Pest | Appearance and activity | Control and prevention measures |
| Aphid | Colonies of small insects on shoots and young leaves in the lower part of plants. Carrier of a number of viral diseases (stem cancer). Affected organs become deformed | Effective treatment with insecticides (Karate, Calypso, Actellik) |
| Kidney mite | Tiny (0.2 cm) white insect with 4 long legs. Overwinters in leaf axils. Starting in spring, it settles on leaves, buds, and flowers. It feeds on plant sap. Galls form on the bark, becoming the focus of viruses | Treatment before bud break with iron sulfate, Nitrofen, KZM preparations |
| Flower beetle | A small (0.4 cm) dark beetle whose body is covered with brown specks. The adult specimen damages the kidneys. The larvae feed on the stamens and pistils of flowers and secrete mucus, which prevents the buds from opening. Flowers dry and fall off | Treatment of soil and blueberry leaves with Fufan and Intravir. Periodically shaking off and collecting insects from branches |
Conclusion
Northland blueberry is a frost-resistant, low-growing, high-yielding variety of this crop, bred in the USA. Thanks to a number of positive qualities, it is deservedly popular among our gardeners. In general, Northland is an unpretentious variety, but its care and cultivation on the site requires certain knowledge and skills so that blueberries take root well, decorate the garden and delight with productivity.
