Re: [nafex] Reka Blueberry: Grows well in heavier clay loams?

Yes, Reka is much more tolerant of heavier wet soils than many or most of the northern highbush cultivars available.  That isn't to say that it will grow in standing water or anything like that, but it tolerates occasional wet feet much better than most.  In particular, of the early season cultivars I would say that it is far superior to Duke in this regard (Duke is quite susceptible to root rot), and has much better flavor than Duke, but the fruit is less attractive and doesn't handle as well, which is why it isn't grown as widely.   Michael   Michael Dossett Mission, British Columbia www.Mdossettphoto.com phainopepla@yahoo.com

On Thursday, February 25, 2016 5:52 AM, Nathan Wilson <nathan.b.c.wilson@gmail.com> wrote:

Does anyone have experience with Reka blueberry? Most nursery descriptions
say it thrives in a wide range of soil types, and some even say that it
does well in heavier clay loams. Can anyone confirm this, or is it just the
usual too-good-to-be-true hype? What about soil acidity tolerance?

-Nathan

Nourse Farms:
"Reka blueberry, an early season blueberry variety bred in New Zealand, is
one of the fastest growing and most adaptable varieties we have seen. A
very vigorous variety, it grows well in light sandy soils, peat and heavier
clay loams and is more tolerant to wetter ground than many other varieties.
Reka ripens [in] the [same] season as Duke, but the berries have better
flavor. Fruit is an attractive dark-blue color and the plant produces large
crops. Its winter hardiness is rated equivalent to Bluecrop. We are pleased
to offer this high-performing variety and strongly recommend it."

http://www.noursefarms.com/blueberry-plants/reka/
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