Blueberry Goldtraube

An early variety of highbush blueberry, bred in Germany, so well adapted to north European conditions. Reliable crops of large, sweet, well-flavoured juicy berries, rich in antioxidants and vitamins and good for eating fresh, from early July. Blueberry ‘Goldtraube’ produces deep purplish-blue berries that ripen over several weeks, holding well on the bush. For the best flavour, pick a week after the berries have turned completely blue and are developing a white ‘bloom’; keep picking as the berries ripen. Vigorous, upright bush, good in colder areas and a heavy cropper.  Must have acid soil; water with rainwater; mulch with ericaceous matter to keep soil moist. Beautiful red and gold autumn colour.

Site: Fairly sheltered
Soil: Acid (pH 4-5.5), moisture-retentive but well-drained soil; can be grown in pots in ericaceous soil-based compost
Position: Sun or partial shade
Pick:  from early July to August
Keep: Berries do not keep, but freeze well
Hardiness: Hardy
Pollination: Self-pollinates, but crops better planted with one or two blueberries of different varieties
Uses: Eating and cooking
Height:  5’ (1.5m)  Spread: 4’ (1.2m)