North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[list@ginda.us]

One blueberry I'm excited about trying is "Little Giant".  From the 
description, it has small berries like a wild plant or Rubel, but is 
productive (in lbs of fruit, not number of berries) like a modern 
large-fruited cultivar.  I really prefer smaller berries, since (1) 
they work better in pancakes and muffins and (2) they generally taste 
better.  Most of the flavor compounds (and antioxidants) are in the 
skin.  They advertise this one as being extremely high in antioxidants.

I ordered a couple from Hartmann.  I bought one last year, but I bought 
it late in the season.  They shipped me the wrong plant.  (Carefully 
labeled, with a similar name.)  They corrected the order, but by then 
it was so late that the plant couldn't get established before the 
summer dry weather.  (Those of us who water occasionally are impressed 
by those of you who water every day.  Usually the spring and fall rains 
are good enough for me, though.)  I was very excited to find Hartmann, 
as they have a wide variety, and they are east of the Rockies.  I worry 
both about sudden oak death and difficult travel conditions when 
ordering from west-coast nurseries.  Hartmann treated me very well for 
a new customer with a tiny order.

I'm really not sure where I will put all the new blueberries.  I have 
one prepared spot, and some other land which might get enough sun, but 
might suffer from fierce root competition of the nearby oaks.  Oh well, 
we'll see how it goes.  I may just tuck the extras out of the way, 
somewhere.  I find that blueberries survive (but don't fruit or thrive) 
in very poor conditions.  Why do I bother?  Because I've learned that 
cultivars go on and off the market, and a surviving plant in the shade 
might be the best replacement for a lost bush in a couple of years.

Cheers,
Ginda
eastern MA, zone 6


On Jan 28, 2005, at 4:06 PM, Charles Paradise wrote:

> Here, Patriot, that you report in Pennsylvania as declined for you, is 
> our main plant, so much so that it takes blueberry to another whole 
> level of the other varieties we have here.
>
> At first we thought Blueray would be our best, the first one here 
> declined like your Patriot declined there.  We also have Northland and 
> Ornablue, a short bush.   Ornablue tastes good, but too small to 
> always be worth picking.  Has anybody tried a blueberry rake to pick 
> Ornablue?
>
> Aren't you glad you planted different varieties?
> Charlie Paradise in Massachusetts