Do haskap grow well in our Alberta climate? Yes, in fact, this is the main reason we decided to start producing haskap. In order to grow more common fruits in Alberta such as apples, pears, or even grapes, cold-hardy varieties need to be selected, and even then, a late frost can harm spring blossoms and wipe out the seasons crop. In contrast, haskap blossoms are frost tolerant to -8 degrees Celsius. Alberta's cold winters and warm dry summers also provide ideal growing conditions.
What varieties do you have for sale? Varieties for sale include Blizzard, Beauty, Beast, Aurora, and Indigo Treat. Each of them varies in taste, sweetness, productivity and plant structure.
How old are the bushes you are selling? 2 years old.
How much do your haskap bushes cost? $25-$30 each plant, depending on number purchased.
How big do haskap bushes get? It depends on the variety but generally they will grow to be 5-6 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide.
How far apart should I plant them? 3-4 feet apart if you want a solid hedge or about 8-10 feet apart of you want to be able to walk around the entire bush to pick when mature. Maximum distance apart is difficult to say but keep in mind that bees pollinate the flowers so the closer they are together the better the chance a bee will pick up pollen from one bush and carry it to another. Pollination rates will go down as compatible bushes get farther apart.
When is the best time to plant a haskap bush? Plants in pots can be planted at any time.
How much sun do the bushes need? Haskap bushes require full to partial sun in order to gather enough energy for plant growth and berry production.
What kind of soil do haskap bushes need? Haskap adapt to a wide variety of soils so if you have average and above soil quality, they will do great. If your soil is extremely sandy or primarily clay you may want to amend it with organic matter. Avoid planting in areas that hold water for extended periods of time or they will become stunted.
How do I plant a haskap bush? Dig a shallow broad hole 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball. Place the bush in the hole and backfill gently but firmly. Water periodically while backfilling. Mulch the base of the bush. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Should I fertilize the bush after planting? Without knowing your soil type and soil nutrient analysis it is impossible for me to say.
Do I need more than one variety? Yes, haskap bushes require cross-pollination with a different but compatible haskap variety in order to produce fruit.
U-PICK FAQ
Do we need to bring our own picking bucket? No, we will provide all picking buckets.
Is it ok to eat berries while we are picking in the field? We kindly ask that you pay for your fruit before eating, just like you would at any grocery store. If you are unfamiliar with haskap, and would like to taste the berries before picking, we are happy to provide you with free samples.
What form of payment do you take? Cash only, please
Do you allow pets? No, as much as we love animals and have many of our own, we ask that you do not bring pets, but if you do, please leave them in your vehicle.
Are you organic? Although we are not certified organic, we do not apply any chemicals directly to the plants or berries. However, we do use some herbicides to reduce weed competition and keep the orchard aesthetically pleasing.
Do you provide picnic tables? We do not. However, Wizard Lake is only a couple of miles away and has picnic tables, playground, hiking trails, swimming area and more.
Can I pick in any row I want? We have a process for picking all the berries methodically through the field to make sure that every person has bushes loaded with berries to pick, and every row is picked thoroughly. We also have berries that are not ripe until later in the season so it is important that you pick only in the designated rows we direct you to. We are constantly monitoring the field to place our customers in rows where the berries are ripe and plentiful to provide you with the best picking experience possible.