The Chippewa blueberry is a hardy variety developed in the US to withstand severe cold. It grows to about 3-4 feet tall, produces sweeter, larger fruit, and can also serve as an ornamental hedge. It requires acidic soil and 1-2 inches of rain per week.
The cow species Chippewa blueberry is a blueberry variety that was developed in 1996 at the University of Minnesota in the United States to be particularly hardy in cold climates. To withstand severe cold, down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius), the Chippewa blueberry was grown as a “semi-tall” variety, meaning that even when ripe it stands about halfway up the traditional bush of blueberries .
Chippewa blueberry bush grows to about 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) tall, while traditional blueberry bushes can reach 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) tall. Being lower to the ground makes the plant more likely to get a significant covering of snow, which acts like a blanket keeping the plant warm. In the United States, this blueberry can be grown in zones 3 through 7 or from northern Minnesota to southeast western North Carolina and through northern Texas. Some growers even report success growing it in Zone 8, which includes virtually all of the United States except for Florida and South Texas.
While other semi-tall blueberry varieties had been developed earlier, such as Northblue, Northcountry, and Northsky, the Chippewa blueberry bush is a bit taller and produces sweeter, larger fruit. To produce the most fruit, it should be planted near other semi-tall blueberry varieties. When the fruit ripens mid-season, the extra height of this blueberry also makes it easier to harvest. It is expected to bear fruit starting in its second season and become more fruitful by the third and fourth growing seasons, carrying 3 to 8 pounds (1.4 to 2.7 kilograms) of blueberries.
The Chippewa blueberry also serves as an ornamental hedge. Its dark green leaves are thicker than those of other varieties and turn bright red in autumn. In spring, clusters of white flowers appear, followed by plump, blue berries in mid-summer.
Like most blueberries, Chippewa blueberries require acidic soil with a pH of 4.0 to 5.0, which can usually be achieved by mulching with pine needles. It requires 1 to 2 inches of rain per week to grow the largest berries. Due to its short height and short spread, Chippewa can be spaced closer together than other varieties, approximately 1.2-5.5 meters apart. Rows should be spaced evenly apart, or plants can be grown in clusters enclosed by tight plastic or fine mesh to keep birds out.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
