Blue Treasure Honeyberry

Growing

Honeyberries are hardy and suit gardens with extreme winter temperatures. When establishing shrubs, aim for slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0. These woody plants resist most pests, but watch for powdery mildew in mid-to-late summer. Leaves turn white with developing brown patches if the fungus takes hold. You need at least two compatible varieties for cross-pollination, as a single plant cannot set fruit on its own.

Timing of harvest matters because these berries do not ripen once removed from the bush. Pick them when the inner flesh has changed from green to dark purple or blue. If the interior is still green, the fruit tastes sour. Fruit size and flavor vary with the variety, such as 'Boreal Beast' or 'Honeybee'.

Keep the ripe berries unwashed so they last longer. For long-term use, store the harvest in the fridge, freeze the berries for smoothies, or can them. The plants can take several years to reach full productivity.