Blackwelder column: Blueberries for beauty

Blueberries ripen unevenly for an extended picking season. Photo by Darrell Blackwelder, for the Salisbury Post. Ê

The foliage of a blueberry bush with Bryce Kepley, blueberry producer. Photo by Darrell Blackwelder, for the Salisbury Post.

Those who want small fruit as part of an edible landscape may want to strongly consider blueberry plants.

Blueberries are considered a dual purpose shrub, possessing both aesthetics as a border planting as well as a plant that produces ample supplies of delicious fruit.

With today’s economic conditions, incorporating a fruit- producing shrub that looks good makes sense. Also, research has proven that the berries produce antioxidants that are beneficial in reducing many types of cancers.

There are three main types of cultivated blueberries, although the rabbiteye type is most often recommended for Piedmont growing conditions. Tifblue, Powderblue, Woodard and Climax are just a few named varieties that adapt to our growing conditions.

Acid loving plants, blueberries need growing conditions similar to azaleas, camellias and rhododendron. The general consensus is if you can grow azaleas, you can grow blueberries. Well drained, low pH organic soils are preferred for maximum growth and development.

Native blueberries or huckleberries are often found growing wild in woodland areas. However, for good production, cultivated blueberries also need full sun with an ample supply of water, especially during droughts.

Because blueberries are relatively insect- and disease-free, little or no pesticides are needed for the crop. The only real competitor is birds which seem to enjoy them as soon as they begin to ripen.

Blueberry plants need very little pruning until they become mature plants. Older, non-productive wood is removed, allowing new wood for increased fruit production.

More information on blueberry production can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu. edu/depts/hort/hil /hil-202.html.

Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Program is sponsoring a blueberry plant sale along with other small fruits — grape, blackberry, raspberry and fig plants.

Deadline to order blueberry and other small fruits is Feb. 23. The pickup for those who placed an order for the plants is March 3. For more complete information about the sale, go to www.rowanextension.com or contact the Extension Office at 704-216-8970.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County.