Description
If you live within USDA Zones 7 to 9, then you can grow your own sweet, nutritious blueberries. The Climax Blueberry variety is one of the most reliable members of the Rabbiteye Blueberry clan and they produce heavy, early yields. Climax Blueberry Bushes are vigorous and since they will reach heights of up to 15 feet, they make terrific hedges. Plant Climax with 2 or 3 other Rabbiteye varieties (such as Powderblue and Tifblue) for cross pollination and the best crops of delicious blueberries.
Climax Blueberry Bushes bloom in early spring and the berries ripen from May through July. The bushes can produce fruit in their first year, and the thick green foliage turns red in fall before the plants go dormant over winter. Climax Blueberry Bushes do not need to be pruned, but they can be trimmed to maintain a sturdy shape. Climax Blueberry Plants are cold hardy down to 10ºF, only need 450 Chill Hours, and can also take hot and humid summers. Overall, Climax is a reliable early producer of delicious blueberries on tall, handsome bushes that are easy to maintain.
Climax Blueberry Bush Care
Climax Blueberry Bushes must have acidic soil in order to produce strong blooms and juicy crops. They have shallow roots that must be in soil that drains well, but does not suffer from an excessively dry surface. Materials rich in acidity such as sphagnum peat and pine bark can be used as mulch to both help increase soil acidity and retain surface moisture. The ideal soil pH for Climax Blueberries is between 4.5 and 5.5.
When planting, measure the soil pH and adjust accordingly. To lower the alkalinity of the soil add sphagnum peat to the area where blueberry roots will grow. You can also add sulfur to increase soil acidity. Check the soil pH once per year and adjust if needed. In this way you will ensure that your Climax Blueberry Bushes have the proper soil balance they need to grow their amazing berries.
Fruit & Harvesting
In early spring Climax Blueberry Bushes bloom flowers that range in colors from pink and red to white. The colorful blooms attract bees and hummingbirds, and make a fanciful display in the springtime garden. In 2 to 3 weeks the deep blue blueberries will be ready to eat. Harvest by hand, picking the largest darkest berries and leaving the smaller, reddish or pale green fruit to ripen further.
Climax Blueberry Bushes have an upright growth habit, and the berries will grow from top to bottom of the plants. More blooms will form on the sunniest side of the plants, and fruit can be harvested as soon as the first berries are dark blue, juicy, and sweet. Climax Blueberies are great to eat fresh, for use in baked goods, and made into jelly or jam. Frozen Climax Blueberries can be used for smoothies and desserts such as pies or cobblers.
Advice
Climax Blueberry Bushes are adversly affected by high concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen, which is a compound found in manure. While livestock manure is traditionally used to fertilize many fruit trees and vegetable soils, it should be avoided when mulching or feeding blueberries. The better alternative is well composted leaves and vegetable matter. Add compost frequently and keep the soil surface moist.
Newly planted Climax Blueberry Bushes should be watered once per week for their first year. Avoid fertilizing Climax Blueberry Bushes in the first year as well. After the first year only water when the soil is dry down to two inches. In the second year and beyond, fertilize once in spring and once in summer with an acidic plant fertilizer. Always water fertilizer in well and only apply the amounts recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer according to plant size.
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