Growing Saskatoons

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GROWING SASKATOONS

In 1784 David Thompson reported: “On the great plains there is a shrub bearing very sweet berries of dark blue color...It ought to be cultivated...”

SASKATOONS for the garden-enjoy the pleasure and satisfaction of growing your own!

SASKATOONS for shelterbelts-they are extremely hardy and drought resistant, thriving in dry climates and in a variety of soils.

SASKATOONS for landscaping-an attractive shrub with great fall color and beautiful flowers in spring. They feature a mass of snow white blossoms that stand out like tiny clouds against the gray brown of the branches in the earliest days of spring, just before the landscape breaks into green.

SASKATOON VARIETIES

Please note that we only discuss varieties hardy on the prairies, and offered through our business in this article. All information and instructions are meant for prairie gardeners, who are our main customer base.

NORTHLINE: Somewhere between 8 and 10’ tall at maturity, fruit is excellent and very large. This variety tends to be very productive at an early age. Blooms and fruits 1 week later than other varieties. This variety suckers freely, and tends to be more resistant to bugs and diseases

THEISSEN: A very large fruited variety, over 1/2” in diameter! Overall height of bush at maturity is around 14’ and width is 5-6'. All Saskatoon bushes can easily be trimmed and pruned to size. Theissen tends to be earlier in its flowering and fruiting. It is excellently flavored and good for fresh eating.

SMOKY: Very popular for pies, jams and jellies. The berry is smaller than other varieties, with full flavor and sweetness. This one is a dependable producer with heavy yields. Research trials have recorded up to 88 lbs of fruit from one mature plant. Smoky grows 10-12' tall and 5-6' wide.

CULTURAL INFORMATION

Saskatoons are self pollinating, meaning you do not need two plants in order to produce fruit, however, as with most fruits, yields are increased when you have at least two plants within 100 feet of each other. Fruit is usually ripe by mid to late July, depending on variety.

Most plants take up to three years to produce when planted at the seedling stage, although we have had very vigorous plants produce the first year, with consistent moisture and a warm spring, i.e., no FROST!

In our experience we have found that in wet springs and summers, saskatoon bushes tend to develop powdery mildew problems. These are easily controlled with an application of a fungicide, such as Benomyl 50, and it won't hurt to spray them with this as a preventative measure.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Choose a site with well prepared soil, preferably a slope facing east or north in full sun. Your bush will produce maximum yields when planted in full sun, but it will thrive in part shade as well.

2. Plant vigorous, healthy seedlings which are between 6 and 12” tall. This size is best as they establish themselves quickly.

3. Plants should be set in the hole 1 to 2” deeper than they were in the pot. Space plants 2 to 3’ apart.

4. Fertilize using a transplant fertilizer such as 10-52-10, water well.

5. Continue to water your seedlings at least once a week if it does not rain at least 1”. Water until late August, then stop to allow plants to harden off for winter. DO NOT fertilize past mid August.

6. You can fertilize your seedlings weekly or monthly using a general purpose fertilizer such as 20-20-20.

GOOD GROWING AND HAPPY PICKING TO YOU AND YOURS!

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