Vaccinium corymbosum Emil- American Blueberry

The Blueberry Emil (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a variety that produces small dark blue fruits. The slightly acidic blueberries are very aromatic, reminiscent of wild blueberries. The cultivated Blueberry is a bush that can reach a height of 1.50m (5ft), growing in acidic soils. Planting is ideally done in autumn or anytime throughout the year, excluding frost, for a harvest starting from mid-July.

The Blueberry belongs to the Ericaceae family, like heathers and rhododendrons. There are two types:

- the wild blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), a small bush of about 30 cm (12in), naturally growing in the undergrowth

- the cultivated blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) originating from North America, grown in gardens. It produces larger and more abundant fruits and can reach a height of 1.50m (5ft).

The cultivated Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) like the Emil variety is a very hardy bush, forming a dense bush with an upright habit, reaching a height of 1.50m (5ft), with a spread of 80cm (32in). The deciduous leaves are 2 to 3 cm (1in) long, lanceolate, elliptical, entire and dentate, medium green, turning bright orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in early May, in the form of small white bell-shaped flowers with slightly reddish edges, 0.5 to 1 cm (0in) long, clustered in pendulous clusters 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) long, at the ends of the stems. This is followed by the formation of dark blue berries, particularly dark for this variety, covered in bloom, slightly flattened, 1 cm (0in) in diameter. They ripen in summer, with the first harvest appearing from the 2^nd year of cultivation. On the same plant, the harvest will be staggered depending on the ripeness of the fruits. Blueberries are firm and sweet, with a pleasantly acidic taste. Blueberries are low in calories but high in nutritional value: they are very rich in vitamin A, B and C, calcium and iron. They are best consumed freshly picked, enjoyed as juice, jam, jelly, sorbet or in pastries (pies, muffins...). Blueberries can be stored for about ten days after picking and can be frozen for longer preservation.

To ensure good pollination and fruiting, it is recommended to plant at least 2 to 3 Blueberry plants, of the same variety or different varieties (including self-fertile varieties). In the garden, Blueberries will integrate perfectly into acidic soil beds, with rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, heathers...