Blueberry 'Hortblue Petite'

Overview

Experience the revolutionary breakthrough of Blueberry 'Hortblue Petite', the world's first double-cropping blueberry variety that transforms home fruit growing with its unique twice-yearly harvest capability. This outstanding new variety delivers sweet and tasty berries in July and again in September, effectively doubling your homegrown blueberry season whilst maintaining compact, garden-friendly proportions. Developed in New Zealand as an ornamental blueberry with exceptional fruiting performance, 'Hortblue Petite' combines the convenience of container growing with the productivity of traditional varieties, making it perfect for modern gardeners seeking maximum returns from minimal space.

Key Features

• Plant Type: Compact upright deciduous fruiting shrub
• Planting Season: Autumn to early spring
• Mature Height: 1.2m
• Spread: 80cm
• Harvest Period: July and September (double crop)
• Berry Characteristics: Large, dark blue berries with excellent sweet flavour
• Productive Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care
• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -20 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)

Revolutionary Double Cropping

'Hortblue Petite' stands as the world's first double-cropping blueberry, producing abundant dark blue berries in July followed by a second harvest in September. This groundbreaking characteristic effectively extends the fresh blueberry season, providing two distinct harvest periods that maximise garden productivity. The ability to fruit twice annually makes this variety exceptionally valuable for gardeners seeking extended fresh berry availability.

Compact Garden-Perfect Size

As its name suggests, 'Hortblue Petite' maintains a compact and bushy habit, making it perfect for container growing and patio cultivation. The compact, small-statured variety with highly branched growth ensures maximum productivity whilst occupying minimal garden space. This manageable size makes it ideal for smaller gardens, balconies, and dedicated container growing areas.

Exceptional Berry Quality

The variety produces abundant fruit that is dark blue with excellent flavour, delivering large dark berries with lovely sweet taste that rivals traditional full-sized varieties. The substantial berry size and exceptional flavour quality ensure harvests that satisfy both fresh eating and culinary applications, whilst the twice-yearly production provides extended enjoyment periods.

Outstanding Ornamental Appeal

Beyond its fruiting excellence, 'Hortblue Petite' offers exceptional garden appeal as an attractive semi-evergreen plant with dark green-blue foliage that turns brilliant scarlet red in autumn. The combination of pinkish-white flowers, abundant dark fruit, and stunning autumn colour creates year-round garden interest. Winner of the RHS Plants for Pollinators Award, it provides valuable nectar sources whilst delivering ornamental beauty.

Exceptional Cold Hardiness

'Hortblue Petite' demonstrates exceptional hardiness, tolerating really low temperatures without affecting the crop production. This outstanding cold tolerance ensures reliable performance even in challenging climates, with the variety maintaining its double-cropping ability despite harsh winter conditions. The exceptional hardiness makes it suitable for a wide range of growing zones.

Self-Fertile Convenience

The variety is self-fertile, meaning individual plants will produce both crops without requiring pollination partners. However, cross-pollination with other blueberry cultivars will encourage greater yields and can improve berry size through metaxenia effects. This flexibility makes it perfect for single-plant gardens whilst offering enhancement opportunities for larger growing areas.

Container Growing Excellence

Perfect for container growing on the patio, 'Hortblue Petite' thrives in large pots with proper drainage and acidic growing medium. The compact habit and highly branched growth pattern make it exceptionally well-suited to container cultivation, allowing gardeners with limited space to enjoy double harvests of homegrown blueberries.

Ideal Growing Position

Plant 'Hortblue Petite' in full sun to partial shade positions where it receives adequate light for optimal fruit development. The variety performs well with consistent sunlight throughout the growing season, though its compact nature makes it adaptable to various garden positions. Good air circulation supports healthy growth whilst shelter from strong winds protects the abundant fruit clusters.

Soil Requirements

'Hortblue Petite' requires acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5-5.5 to support its exceptional double-cropping ability. The variety benefits from generous organic matter incorporation and ericaceous compost to maintain proper soil conditions. Consistent soil moisture throughout both growing seasons is essential for supporting the unique twice-yearly fruiting cycle.

Pollination Enhancement

Whilst self-fertile, 'Hortblue Petite' benefits significantly from cross-pollination with other tetraploid blueberry varieties. Research shows that pollen from large-fruiting cultivars can produce bigger fruit through metaxenia effects, adding value to mixed variety plantings. This enhancement opportunity makes it excellent for comprehensive fruit growing areas.

Harvesting Excellence

Harvest the first crop in July when berries develop full dark blue colour, followed by the second harvest in September. The extended harvest periods provide fresh berries during peak summer and early autumn when they're most appreciated. The large berry size and excellent flavour make both harvests highly rewarding and efficient to collect.

Pruning and Management

Maintain 'Hortblue Petite' through light annual pruning to encourage the highly branched growth that supports double cropping. The compact nature requires minimal pruning intervention, with management focused on maintaining plant health and removing any damaged wood. The small stature makes all maintenance tasks easily accessible.

Annual Care Programme

Apply acid-loving plant fertiliser in early spring to support the demanding double-cropping cycle. The variety benefits from consistent feeding throughout the growing season to sustain both July and September harvests. Regular watering during both fruit development periods ensures optimal berry size and quality for both crops.

Culinary Applications

• Fresh Eating: Sweet, large berries perfect for extended season snacking
• Preserves: Excellent flavour creates superior jams with two harvest opportunities
• Baking: Large berries ideal for muffins, pies, and seasonal desserts
• Smoothies: Sweet flavour and firm texture provide excellent blending
• Seasonal Cooking: July harvest for summer desserts, September for autumn preserves
• Health Benefits: Extended season provides prolonged access to antioxidants and vitamins

Wildlife and Environmental Benefits

Winner of the RHS Plants for Pollinators Award, 'Hortblue Petite' provides valuable nectar sources during its flowering periods whilst supporting garden biodiversity. The pinkish-white flowers attract beneficial insects, making it an environmentally conscious choice that combines productivity with ecological support.

Landscape Integration

The combination of ornamental appeal, compact size, and seasonal interest makes 'Hortblue Petite' excellent for mixed borders, container displays, and small garden features. The brilliant scarlet autumn colour and semi-evergreen nature provide year-round garden structure whilst the double fruiting adds practical value.

Growing Success Tips

Success with 'Hortblue Petite' centres on providing consistent care throughout both fruiting cycles, with particular attention to soil acidity and moisture levels. Take advantage of the compact size for container growing and the self-fertile nature for single-plant cultivation. The revolutionary double-cropping ability requires sustained nutrition and care but rewards gardeners with extended harvest seasons that provide exceptional value. Plant near seating areas to fully appreciate both the ornamental beauty and convenient harvest accessibility. Your 'Hortblue Petite' will establish itself as the most innovative and productive addition to your garden, delivering two distinct harvest periods of large, sweet berries whilst providing outstanding year-round ornamental appeal in a perfectly manageable package.