Zone 3 - Northern MN - Berry Comparison

Tundra and Blue Belle berry comparison

These berries are both 5/8" long, but the Tundra is twice the width! Both berries are from greenhouse grown plants in their 3rd year of growth. The Blue Belle tastes good to me, and of course we'll have to wait awhile for the Tundra to ripen up! These came from different greenhouses so this is not a good comparison for the ripening rate. There are 2-3 dozen berries on these plants.




Blue Belle (3 yrs) and Tundra (2 yrs, 2' tall)

Looking back on this blog, I see that a month ago Blue Belle was in full bloom, so that gives an idea how long it takes for those berries to form and ripen.

 Bernis, Bagley, MN

Zone 3 - Northern Minnesota - May 10, 2011



Three year old Blue Belle

While the focus of this blog is the Canadian bred haskap from the University of Saskatchewan, we're happy to see any Blue Honeysuckle bearing such pretty flowers! Blue Belle (lonicera kamchatika) sat outside this past winter at Bergeson Nursery with no winter damage and very early blooming. It measures 20" tall, and is expected to reach 3 feet at maturity. Joe Bergeson has been growing several varieties for three or four years in rich Red River Valley soil with good success. Bernis, with thanks to Joe