Technical sheet of the Northland blueberry variety
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Skin color: Light blue to dark blue with a slight bloom
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Size and Shape: Small to medium (about 0.5-1 cm in diameter or 1-1.2 g per berry), spherical in shape
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Tree Size: Compact and bushy, reaching 1.2 to 1.5 meters in height and up to 1.4 meters in width
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Fruit maturity: Early, end of June to July
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Fruit Taste: Mild and sweet, with a pleasant balance and an aroma reminiscent of wild blueberry. Juicy and firm.
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Earliness of the variety: Early
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Fruiting period End of June to July, spread over 4 to 5 weeks
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Disease resistance and storage: Generally good disease resistance (not specified in detail in the sources). Firm fruits have good shelf life.
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Variety yield: Good and regular, abundant production
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Is this variety self-fertile? Yes, but fruiting is improved with proximity to other varieties.
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Commercial use: Fresh, processed (jams, pastries, etc.)
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Comments: Very hardy variety, suitable for cold and mountainous climates (withstands up to -25°C). Soft wood resistant to snow. Foliage takes on beautiful autumn colors. Fairly slow growth.
Quick read / the essentials on Myrtillier Northland
The 'Northland' blueberry is a true ally for growers in cold regions. Selected in 1948 in North America, this cultivar displays impressive hardiness , withstanding temperatures down to -35°C. Thanks to this resilience, it naturally stands out as a leading choice for farms exposed to late frosts. A compact shrub with a semi-erect habit, 'Northland' reaches approximately 1.20 to 1.50 m in height, with flexible branches facilitating harvesting. Its white to pinkish flowers in May are not only resistant to cold, but also honey-producing, optimizing pollination.
In terms of production, 'Northland' is early and generous, offering round, sweet fruits, reminiscent of the flavor of wild blueberries. Each berry displays a beautiful firmness and a high juice content, ideal for fresh consumption as well as for processing. The variety benefits from excellent post-harvest stability , an essential condition for fresh or processing markets.
At Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , we offer you the best selection to guarantee your yields. Choosing to buy Northland blueberry plants from Bairiverse means choosing quality, expertise and advice adapted to your needs. As a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , we support market gardeners with certified plants, adapted to the requirements of organic or conventional cultivation. To make your project a success, do not hesitate to buy Northland blueberry plants from our specialized team. Our commitment: to offer you the best solution as a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants .
Origin and rusticity
The 'Northland' blueberry is a variety from the North American selection of 1948. It is distinguished by its exceptional hardiness , tolerating temperatures as low as -25°C, or even -35°C , depending on conditions. This behavior makes it a variety of choice for cold regions or those subject to late spring frosts. Its natural resistance to snow and cold makes it a resilient shrub, reliable over the long term.
Plant growth and development
'Northland' is a compact, bushy shrub with a semi-erect habit, generally reaching 1.20 m to 1.50 m in height with a spread of 1.30 m to 1.50 m . Its growth is moderately slow , but regular, with good vigor. The branches are flexible and bend under the weight of the fruit without breaking, which makes it suitable for windy areas or high loads. Staking is not systematically necessary, except in specific contexts (mechanized harvest, extreme exposure).
Bloom
Flowering takes place in May , with small white to pinkish bell-shaped flowers. It is cold-resistant , which guarantees good regularity of production . In addition, this flowering is melliferous , attracting pollinating insects and improving yield.
Fruiting and precocity
The 'Northland' variety is early , with a harvest that begins at the end of June and lasts 4 to 5 weeks . The fruits detach easily when ripe, facilitating manual or mechanical picking.
Fruit characteristics
The fruits of 'Northland' are round , small to medium sized (10-13 mm, about 1-1.5 g), with light to dark blue skin covered with a slight bloom . Their flesh is firm and juicy , well suited to handling and transport.
The taste is mild, sweet and well-balanced , with a high sugar content (Brix between 12 and 14%) and low titratable acidity . The aroma is reminiscent of wild blueberries . These fruits also have a high juice content (81 to 84%) .
Post-harvest clothing
'Northland' berries have excellent post-harvest stability . They do not crack in the rain, withstand cold storage well (up to 10 days at 2°C) , and remain stable during long-distance transport .
Fertility and pollination
'Northland' is a self-fertile variety , capable of producing on its own. However, cross-pollination can improve fruit size and overall yield by 20-30% . Recommended compatible varieties include: Bluecrop, Patriot, Duke, Nelson, and Toro .
Yield
The average yield observed in open ground is 8 to 9 tonnes/ha , with approximately 2,000 plants/ha . This corresponds to a production of 4 to 4.5 kg per plant at maturity, or even up to 6 kg in optimal conditions.
Commercial uses
'Northland' is a versatile variety , recommended for:
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fresh consumption , thanks to the sweet flavor and the firmness of the fruits,
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processing (jams, compotes, pastries, juices, smoothies, frozen foods),
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dehydrated products or as an agri-food ingredient , particularly in combination with more acidic varieties to balance the taste.
Resistance and cultural requirements
'Northland' shows good general disease resistance . No specific data are available for pests, but no major problems are reported.
On the other hand, like all blueberries, 'Northland' is sensitive to limestone . It requires acidic soil (pH 4 to 5.5) , rich in organic matter and well-drained . It does not tolerate root asphyxiation , and its roots, concentrated in the 30 to 45 cm of soil, benefit from organic mulching .
Water requirements are regular , with particular attention paid during hot or dry periods. Fertilization should be adapted to heather plants , with a moderate nitrogen supply.
Longevity and maintenance
The productive lifespan is estimated at between 30 and 50 years , with production starting in the 3rd or 4th year . Annual pruning is recommended to maintain vigor and promote fruiting.
Propagation and rootstock
The 'Northland' variety is propagated by cuttings , like the majority of blueberries. There are no specific rootstocks recommended for growing blueberries in France.
To summarize: Northland Blueberry
In summary, the 'Northland' blueberry is the ideal variety for those looking for a vigorous plant that is resistant to extreme cold and has a reliable yield. Its precocity, robust flowering and sweet taste make it a great asset for various uses: fresh sales, food processing, freezing or drying. Its ability to withstand long-distance transport while maintaining its quality perfectly meets the demands of today's market.
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