By Blake Jackson
Honeyberry, a resilient and productive fruit, is gaining popularity among Missouri gardeners. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions makes it a low-maintenance choice for those seeking a bountiful harvest.
University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall praises honeyberry's adaptability to various soil types and its resistance to diseases and pests.
This "right plant in the right place" can flourish in both rocky and claypan soils, tolerating extreme temperatures and frost.
While honeyberry excels in cooler northern regions, it may face challenges in Missouri's hotter southern areas due to its early blooming.
However, its resilience to extreme conditions and its ability to produce fruit in acidic soil make it a more forgiving option than blueberries.
Honeyberry, a member of the honeysuckle family, offers several advantages. Mature bushes can reach 3-8 feet tall and have a lifespan of 50 years. Its fruit is reported to have higher antioxidant levels than blueberries.
The thick-skinned berries are the first to ripen in spring, even before strawberries. These deep purple-blue berries, measuring ½ to 1 inch long, have a unique flavor combining elements of raspberries and blackberries. While sweetness varies by variety, berries typically require two to three weeks to fully ripen after turning blue.
While honeyberry bushes may take up to five years to produce a substantial crop, some varieties can yield a few berries in their second year, she says.
Honeyberry's cream-colored flowers bloom early and benefit from native bee pollinators. Cross-pollination requires two compatible varieties.
The fruit, growing under the leaves, is protected from rain and hail but may need protection from birds.
Honeyberry can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or transformed into jams and jellies.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables