Vaccinium Patriot' Bio - Organic Blueberry

The Organic 'Patriot' Blueberry, derived from Vaccinium x corymbosum, forms a bushy, vigorous bush, interesting for its rather compact habit, its cold resistance, its regular and high yield, as well as its natural resistance to diseases such as phytophthora. The flowering is early, taking place in early May. The fruiting, spread out, occurs between late June and late July, in clusters of dark blue blueberries, composed of very large, firm berries with a rustic and assertive taste. The plant requires the presence of a pollinator to bear fruit. It displays a stunning foliage in autumn, bright orange. It is a bush for acidic, well-drained soil, which appreciates dappled sunlight or partial shade.

Vaccinium x corymbosum 'Patriot' belongs to the Ericaceae family, like heathers and rhododendrons. It is the result of a cross-breeding between the European species Vaccinium myrtillus, with tasty but small fruits, and the species Vaccinium corymbosum with a larger growth but less flavourful fruits, native to New England, USA. 'Patriot' is a highly productive variety, forming a bushy shrub with a compact habit, reaching a height of 1.20m (4ft), with a spread of 60cm (24in). The deciduous leave are 2 to 3cm (1in) long, lanceolate, elliptical, entire and toothed, medium green, turning bright orange in autumn. The flowering takes place in early May, in the form of small white bell-shaped flowers with faded red edges, 0.5 to 1cm (0in) long, gathered in pendulous clusters 2 to 5cm (1 to 2in) long, at the end of the stems. It is followed by large blue berries covered with bloom, 1cm (0in) in diameter, which ripen from late June to late July. The harvest will be staggered according to the ripeness of the fruits. The blueberries are firm and sweet, with a pronounced, slightly resinous and aromatic flavour. The yield is excellent, around 6kg per plant. Blueberries are low in calories but highly nutritious: they are very rich in vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, and iron. They contain pigments (anthocyanins) that improve night vision.

To bear fruit, the 'Patriot' Blueberry needs the presence of another bush, of the same variety or a different variety. Plant 'Brigitta Blue' or 'Spartan' Blueberries near it to ensure a good harvest. You can combine the Patriot Blueberry in your heathland bed with other acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, heathers... Blueberries can be consumed freshly picked, in juice, jam, jelly, and in pastries (pies, sorbets).