Content
Patriot blueberry is one of the most common varieties of berry crops, which is valued by gardeners for its high yield, unpretentiousness, resistance to low temperatures, as well as for the attractive appearance and taste of the fruit.
History of selection
The Patriot blueberry variety was developed in the United States of America, namely in Maryland in 1976, based on the Early Blue, Dixie and Michigan LB varieties.
Initially, Patriot was bred as an ornamental shrub used for landscaping and beautifying areas, and only then began to collect and use the berries for food.
Description of the berry crop
Blueberries have long been considered a wild plant that grows near swamps.But more and more often it can be found in the gardens of both our compatriots and abroad. The Patriot variety is distinguished, first of all, by its high resistance to unfavorable climatic conditions and most diseases, as well as its attractive appearance. A photo of Patriot blueberries is presented below.
General idea of the variety
The description of the Patriot blueberry variety should begin with the parameters of the plant. The shrub is quite tall, can reach 170-180 cm in height. The shoots are erect and not branchy. The leaves are elongated, young ones have a reddish tint, more mature ones are rich green, closer to dark.
White blueberry flowers have an unusual shape, resembling a dome or cylinder with a terry edge.
Berries
The description of the Patriot garden blueberry variety also includes the characteristics of the fruit. The berries are light blue in color, slightly flattened at the top and bottom, collected in dense clusters, and have a pronounced bloom. Their diameter varies from 1.5 cm to 2 cm. The berries can be stored on the branches for up to 10-12 days.
The color of the fruits changes as they ripen: from green, turning to red, and then to deep blue. The pulp is dense, juicy and with a greenish tint.
Characteristic
Characteristics of the Patriot blueberry variety, like most other fruit crops, include the plant’s resistance to low temperatures, lack of moisture, diseases and pests, as well as the timing of flowering and fruit ripening.
Main advantages
Patriot blueberries are varieties that are highly resistant to low temperatures and moderate drought. According to numerous data, the shrub is able to withstand frosts down to -30 - 35 ° C and short periods without precipitation.
The berries demonstrate high keeping quality and transportability. The fruits retain their original appearance and do not lose their taste for 10-14 days, subject to all storage standards.
Very often, blueberry varieties are compared with each other. But, for example, it is impossible to say which blueberry is better: Patriot or Bluecrop. Both of these varieties are similar to each other, the only difference is the greater height of the bush and higher yields of the Bluecrop variety.
Flowering period and ripening time
Blueberry flowering is a rather long process, starting in mid-May and ending in early July. Accordingly, blueberry fruits begin to ripen in mid-July.
Despite the fact that this variety is a self-pollinating crop, it is still recommended to plant other shrubs nearby for pollination. This will increase the yield of the plant several times. Pollinators for Patriot blueberries should be selected so that the flowering periods of the varieties coincide.
Yield indicators, fruiting dates
One of the main advantages of the shrub is its high yield; reviews of Patriot blueberries are clear confirmation of this. From one bush you can collect up to 8-9 kg of berries.
Area of application of berries
Patriot highbush blueberries are used in different forms. Berries can be eaten fresh, frozen, canned, used to make preserves, jams, syrups, and so on.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Patriot blueberries are characterized by strong immunity to diseases and pests, especially late blight and root rot. However, it is still recommended to occasionally treat shrubs to prevent diseases.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Summarizing all of the above, the main advantages include:
- high drought and frost resistance;
- safety of berries during transportation;
- high keeping quality;
- immunity to many diseases;
- high productivity;
- taste qualities of fruits;
- decorativeness of the bush.
The Patriot variety has only two drawbacks:
- demands on soils;
- fruit shrinkage towards the end of the fruiting period.
That is why Patriot is one of the best varieties of berry crops, which is why it has become widespread throughout the world.
Blueberry propagation
There are three main ways to propagate blueberries:
- Seed production is a long and labor-intensive process, most often used to obtain new varieties.
- Cuttings are the most favorable option; cuttings are harvested in the fall.
- Layering - provides little quality planting material, but there are no difficulties with rooting the resulting plants.
Landing rules
Planting and caring for Patriot blueberries does not cause any difficulties at all. The main thing is to take into account the requirements of the plant and try to maintain optimal environmental conditions.
Recommended timing
Planting Patriot blueberries in the spring will allow you to avoid the death of a young seedling due to severe frosts. However, for southern regions with warm winters, autumn is also suitable for planting blueberries.
Choosing a suitable location
The place for the bush should be illuminated, but at the same time protected from strong and gusty winds. Patriot blueberries should be planted in acidic soils, preferably loamy or sandy loam.
Soil preparation
About 7-9 days before the planned planting of the seedling, you need to dig a hole with a diameter and width of 60-65 cm and mix the soil with sand, crushed bark or sawdust. If the soil is alkaline, additional mineral fertilizers should be added to increase the acidity of the soil.
Selection and preparation of seedlings
Reading reviews about Patriot garden blueberries, you can often come across information that the right choice of seedling is the key to successful growth and development of the shrub. Therefore, when purchasing planting material, you should pay attention to the integrity of the root system and shoots, as well as the absence of any signs of disease.
Algorithm and landing scheme
Planting Patriot blueberries is carried out in several stages:
- Digging a hole and preparing the substrate.
- Installing a stake in the center of the pit.
- Planting a seedling, straightening the root system and tying the trunk to a stake.
- Backfilling and compacting the earth.
- Watering the soil and mulching with bark or pine needles.
Subsequent care of the crop
As mentioned earlier, even novice gardeners can grow and care for Patriot blueberries. It is only important to follow the regime of watering and feeding the bush, as well as timely formation of the crown and preparation of the plant for the coming winter.
Necessary activities
Watering is carried out twice a week with 10 liters of water (5 liters in the morning and 5 liters in the evening).You can also install a drip irrigation system. It is always worth focusing on weather conditions and the degree of soil moisture.
Fertilizing Patriot blueberries is carried out three times in one season with an interval of 12-14 days. The first application of fertilizers occurs in early spring, and the last in early July. The optimal fertilizers are nitrogen-containing components.
Shrub pruning
This variety is characterized by a tendency to thicken the crown, therefore, starting from the 4th year of the bush’s life, it is necessary to regularly prune the plant. After the procedure, the strongest shoots should remain that do not interfere with each other.
The photo of the Patriot blueberry bush shows one of the options for forming a bush.
Preparing for winter
Planting and caring for Patriot garden blueberries also includes activities aimed at preparing the plant for the onset of cold weather. It is recommended to cover the lower part of the bush and the ground with spruce branches. This will prevent the shoots from freezing and being damaged by rodents.
Collection, processing, storage of crops
Patriot garden blueberries begin to ripen in early July. The fruits are harvested in several stages due to their uneven ripening. In a tightly closed container at a temperature of 2-4 degrees Celsius, the berries can be stored for about 2 weeks.
The fruits can be consumed fresh or processed into compotes, jams, candied fruits, or added to confectionery products.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
Proper care of Patriot blueberries will help avoid disease of the bush and damage by pests. The main methods of control and prevention are presented in the tables.
Disease | Ways to fight |
Gray rot | Treating the plant with Bordeaux mixture. Burning affected leaves. |
White spot | Regular mulching of the soil, spraying the bushes with complex preparations. |
Pest | Method of prevention and control |
Birds | Installing a mesh around the bush |
Aphid | Treatment with insecticides. |
Conclusion
Patriot blueberries are one of the universal varieties whose fruits have excellent taste. The plant is easy to care for, resistant to frost and dry periods.
