One of the questions we had last year when upgrading our berry patch on the homestead was about whether or not honeyberries can grow and thrive in New Jersey. Well, a year later, we’re getting our first flowers on our two three-year-old bushes and the answer is an overwhelming ‘yes’.
If you were every honey berry curious, and love berries, you should definitely consider adding them to your New Jersey garden this year. We did it, and we’re so happy.
Honeyberries, also known as haskap berries, are a relatively new berry crop in North America, and they are becoming increasingly popular among growers and consumers alike.
These small, blueberry-like fruits have a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry. Honeyberries are also known for their high levels of antioxidants, making them a healthy and tasty addition to any garden.
If you are considering planting honeyberries in New Jersey, there are a few things you should know to ensure that your plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.
There are several honeyberry varieties available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some varieties are better suited for colder climates, while others are better adapted to warmer areas. When choosing a honeyberry variety for your New Jersey garden, look for cultivars that are known to do well in this region. Some popular varieties for New Jersey include Borealis, Tundra, Indigo Gem, and Aurora.
Honeyberries prefer a sunny location with well-draining soil. If possible, choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you may need to amend it with sulfur or another acidifying agent.
Honeyberries are typically planted in the spring or fall. When planting, make sure to space your plants about three to five feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation. Dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the plant’s root ball and add a layer of compost or other organic matter to the bottom of the hole. Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil, firming the soil around the base of the plant.
Once your honeyberry plants are established, they will require minimal care. Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture. Fertilize your plants in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer, and prune your plants in late winter or early spring to promote new growth and remove any dead or damaged wood.
Honeyberries typically ripen in late June or early July in New Jersey, depending on the variety. The berries are ready to harvest when they are plump, firm, and deep blue in color.
Be sure to pick your berries promptly, as they have a short shelf life once they are ripe. Honeyberries can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of recipes, including jams, pies, and smoothies. That’s the main reason you don’t see honey berries in stores. Typically fruit is picked before its ripe and shipped around the world. That’s not possible with honey berries. You have a relatively short time from when they’re ripe to when they spoil, but if you catch them at the right time, you’ll never regret your decision to add them to your berry patch.
Honeyberries in New Jersey can be a fun and rewarding experience even for novice gardners.