Nocturne Blueberry

Nocturne Blueberry

The Nocturne Blueberry is an exciting new release from the USDA that features delicious dark black fruit on a very ornamental 5-6 foot tall bush. Nocturne is a complex hybrid of three different blueberry species, including the Southern Rabbiteye. Unlike many of the Southern Highbush Blueberries Nocturne is incredibly cold hardy, due in part to the Vaccinium constablaei in its parentage. This plant breaks dormancy in spring later than any other southern highbush blueberry and is less susceptible to late spring frosts, making Nocturne the best Southern Highbush type of blueberry for northern growers. High levels of anthocyanins in the fruits make Nocturne especially nutritious. Requires 800+ chill hours to set fruit.

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Latin Name: Vaccinium hybrid
Site and Soil: Nocturne Blueberries like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained, acidic soil.
Pollination Requirements: Blueberries are partially self-fertile. Plant two varieties for greater fruit production.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 40° F.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 5-6 ft. in height.
Bloom Time: April
Ripening Time: Late July
Care: Fertilize in early spring with a granular or liquid acid fertilizer. In late winter prune out any dead branches. After harvest, prune non fruit-bearing branches, leaving new branches to fruit the following season.
Yield: 15-20 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Blueberries are not bothered by pests or diseases. Scare birds away with Mylar Flash Tape or deter them by covering your plants with netting.
USDA Zone: 3-8