Vaccinium corymbosum Reka- American Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Reka'  is an early variety, producing large blue-violet berries that are very tasty. It can reach a height of 1.5m (5ft) if grown in acidic soils. Ideally, plant it in autumn, or any time of year when the risk of frost has passed. Harvest in July.

It belongs to the Ericaceae family, like heathers and rhododendrons. There are different types:

- wild blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), a small bush about 30cm (12in) high. It grows naturally in the undergrowth

- cultivated blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), native to North America. It is cultivated in gardens. It produces larger and more numerous fruits, and can reach a height of 1.5m (5ft).

Vaccinium corymbosum is very hardy. It forms a dense bush with an upright habit, reaching a height of 1.5m (5ft) with a spread of 80cm (32in). The medium green deciduous leaves are 2 to 3cm (1in) long. They are lanceolate, elliptical, entire, and dentate. The foliage turns bright orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in early May, in the form of small white bell-shaped flowers with faded red edges, 0.5 to 1cm long. They are arranged in pendulous clusters 2 to 5cm (1 to 2in) long at the ends of the stems. It is followed by large, slightly flattened blue-violet berries, covered in bloom. They measure 1cm in diameter.

The fruits ripen in summer, with the first harvest appearing from the 2nd year of cultivation. The berries ripen at different times, leading to a staggered harvest. Blueberries are firm and sweet, with a pleasantly acidic flavour. They are low in calories, but high in nutritional value. They are very rich in vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, and iron. They can be eaten 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 bush plants, of the same variety or different varieties (including self-fertile varieties). In the garden, it will blend in beautifully in acidic soil beds, alongside rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, and heathers.