Boreal Blizzard Haskap
Lonicera. Earliest of the Boreals with the largest fruit (almost 2 times larger than Borealis). The unique, tart flavour compares to a cross between blueberries and raspberries.
Blizzard will bloom first and then Beast will overlap in blooming, followed by Beauty. Since Beast blooms mid-season and overlaps the bloom time of all three, it can pollinate both Blizzard, which blooms early and Beauty, which blooms late. Will begin bearing fruit in 2-3 years. Birds also love the fruit, so Black Netting is recommended. Hardy to Zone 2. All will grow to about 5 to 6 feet. 2" plug.
Spring Planting: this product will be shipped late April through May according to hardiness zone.
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Details
Growing Information
Important! Upon Arrival:
Keep moist and cool. Fruits and berries are shipped in dormant form so they can be transplanted out once the soil can be worked in the spring. Light frosts will not damage the plants as they are in the resting stage. If you are unable to plant immediately, the plants can be stored for a short period of time. This should be a dark, cool (but not freezing) location such as an unheated garage, fridge or a cold cellar. They should also be kept moist, but not wet, until they are planted.
Planting:
For individual bushes, plant 4-6’ apart and for a hedge row 3’ apart. Plants will arrive in a root ball and can be planted 1-2” deeper than the original depth (look for soil mark on stem) to compensate for heaving and to help develop a deeper root system. Water right after planting. Haskap, also known as Honeyberry, are hardy to zone 2 and can be planted in spring or fall.
Growing:
Shrubs grow 4-6’ tall and wide and require two varieties in order to produce fruit. Pollinator variety can pollinate up to 7 or 8 females. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but will grow in wet soil and have a wide pH range of 5-8. Ensure the soil is adequately moist for the first few growing seasons. Grow them in a sunny spot where they will get at least 6 hours of full sun.
To keep shape prune in late winter or early spring and thin out older branches when shrub gets too dense. Bushes can often bear a few fruit 1 year after planting but yield abundantly once 2 to 3 years old. Berries ripen in June and the flavour improves if the fruit is left longer on the bush. Fruit take a long time to ripen so bite a few berries and if the centers are green they aren’t ready. Mature shrubs can yield up to 5-7 kilos per plant. Fruit can be used the same way as blueberries.
Pests:
Haskaps have few pests and diseases other than being eaten by birds, deer and mice. Bird netting is recommended. Powdery mildew may be a problem on some cultivars.